from οἰκονόμος; to manage (a house, i.e. an estate):--be steward.
Transliteration:oikonoméō
Pronunciation:oy-kon-om-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
οἰκονομέω (oikonoméō, `{{G3621}}`) is a verb derived from οἰκονόμος (oikonomos, `{{G3623}}`), which literally means "a manager of a household" or "steward." The verb form thus signifies the act of managing, administering, or being a steward. It inherently implies responsibility, oversight, and the dispensing of resources or duties entrusted by another. The semantic range extends from the literal management of a physical household or estate to the metaphorical administration of spiritual truths or divine mysteries. It carries the nuance of faithful and diligent stewardship, acknowledging that one is not the ultimate owner but a trusted dispenser on behalf of another.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
This verb appears infrequently in the New Testament, yet its occurrences are highly significant, primarily illustrating the concept of entrusted responsibility:
* In [[Luke 16:2]], οἰκονομέω is found in the Parable of the Dishonest Steward. The master confronts his steward, stating, "Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward." Here, the verb directly refers to the act of managing the master's affairs, highlighting the accountability inherent in the role. The steward's failure to manage properly leads to his dismissal, underscoring the demand for faithfulness.
* In [[1 Corinthians 9:17]], the Apostle Paul employs οἰκονομέω in relation to his apostolic ministry. He declares, "For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a stewardship." Paul views his preaching of the gospel not as a personal choice for gain, but as a sacred trust, a divine stewardship (οἰκονομία, `{{G3622}}`) that he is compelled to administer. This usage profoundly underscores the idea of a commission from God, implying a non-negotiable duty.
These contexts consistently emphasize the nature of stewardship: it is a delegated authority, involves significant responsibility, demands accountability, and is often tied to a divine commission.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **οἰκονόμος (oikonomos, `{{G3623}}`)**: The noun from which οἰκονομέω is directly derived, meaning "steward" or "manager." This is the person who performs the action of οἰκονομέω. Examples include the steward in Luke's parable or the various references to believers as stewards of God's grace and mysteries ([[1 Corinthians 4:1]], [[1 Peter 4:10]]).
* **οἰκονομία (oikonomia, `{{G3622}}`)**: The noun meaning "stewardship," "administration," "arrangement," or "plan." This refers to the act of managing, the office of a steward, or, frequently in Paul's writings, the divine arrangement or plan of salvation ([[Ephesians 1:10]], [[Ephesians 3:2]], [[Colossians 1:25]]). The verb οἰκονομέω is the active performance of this οἰκονομία.
* **οἶκος (oikos, `{{G3624}}`)**: The foundational root word meaning "house" or "household." The entire concept of stewardship, whether literal or metaphorical, is built upon the management of a household or estate.
* **Faithfulness (πιστός, `{{G4103}}`)**: While not a direct cognate, faithfulness is intrinsically linked to the act of οἰκονομέω. A steward is expected to be faithful and trustworthy in their duties, as explicitly stated in [[1 Corinthians 4:2]]: "Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy."
* **Accountability**: The act of οἰκονομέω inherently implies a future reckoning or accounting, as vividly illustrated in the parable of the dishonest steward.
### Theological Significance
The concept of οἰκονομέω elevates human responsibility beyond mere task completion to a sacred trust. When applied to spiritual matters, it signifies that believers are not owners of their gifts, resources, or even the gospel message, but rather trusted managers on behalf of God. Paul's use in [[1 Corinthians 9:17]] is particularly profound, portraying apostolic ministry as a divinely imposed responsibility rather than an optional career. This perspective underscores the weight and divine origin of his calling. The New Testament consistently presents believers as stewards of God's manifold grace ([[1 Peter 4:10]]), the mysteries of God ([[1 Corinthians 4:1]]), and the truth of the gospel. To οἰκονομέω in these contexts means to administer, dispense, and manage these divine trusts faithfully for the glory of God and the benefit of others. It challenges believers to consider how they are managing the spiritual and material resources God has entrusted to them, emphasizing that all they possess and are called to do is ultimately part of a divine economy (οἰκονομία, `{{G3622}}`). This stewardship is not optional but a fundamental aspect of discipleship, demanding diligence, integrity, and a focus on the Master's will.
### Summary
οἰκονομέω (oikonoméō, `{{G3621}}`) is a verb signifying the act of managing or being a steward, rooted in the concept of household administration. Its biblical occurrences, though few, are highly impactful, highlighting the themes of delegated authority, responsibility, and accountability. In the Parable of the Dishonest Steward ([[Luke 16:2]]), it underscores the need for faithful management of entrusted affairs. Paul's use in [[1 Corinthians 9:17]] reveals his apostolic ministry as a divine stewardship, not a personal choice, emphasizing a compelled responsibility to administer the gospel. Related terms like οἰκονόμος (steward, `{{G3623}}`) and οἰκονομία (stewardship/administration, `{{G3622}}`) further illuminate this concept. Theologically, οἰκονομέω calls believers to view their lives, gifts, and ministries as sacred trusts from God, to be managed faithfully and diligently for His purposes, knowing that a future accounting awaits. It transforms mundane tasks into acts of divine service, recognizing God as the ultimate owner and master.
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