from οἶκος and the base of νόμος; a house-distributor (i.e. manager), or overseer, i.e. an employee in that capacity; by extension, a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively, a preacher (of the Gospel):--chamberlain, governor, steward.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **oikonómos**, represented by `{{G3623}}`, defines the role of a **steward**, **manager**, or **overseer**. It appears **10 times** in **10 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is derived from words meaning "house" and "law," literally describing a "house-distributor." Its meaning extends from a literal employee managing a household to a fiscal agent like a **chamberlain** or **governor**, and figuratively to a preacher of the Gospel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3623}}` is used in both literal and figurative contexts. The parable of the unjust **steward** in Luke 16 illustrates the literal role, describing a `rich` `{{G4145}}` man's manager who was `accused` `{{G1225}}` of wasting `goods` `{{G5224}}` [[Luke 16:1]]. In a spiritual sense, the apostles are described as `ministers` `{{G5257}}` of Christ and **stewards** of the `mysteries` `{{G3466}}` of `God` `{{G2316}}` [[1 Corinthians 4:1]]. The term is also applied to all believers, who are called to be `good` `{{G2570}}` **stewards** of the `manifold` `{{G4164}}` `grace` `{{G5485}}` of God [[1 Peter 4:10]]. In a civic capacity, `Erastus` `{{G2037}}` is identified as the **chamberlain** of the `city` `{{G4172}}` [[Romans 16:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of stewardship and oversight:
* `{{G1985}}` **epískopos** (bishop, overseer): This term for a church superintendent is directly linked to stewardship. A `bishop` `{{G1985}}` is explicitly called to be a **steward** of God [[Titus 1:7]].
* `{{G3622}}` **oikonomía** (stewardship): This noun refers to the administration or dispensation managed by a steward. The unjust steward, for instance, was faced with losing his **stewardship** `{{G3622}}` [[Luke 16:3]].
* `{{G4103}}` **pistós** (faithful): This is the primary characteristic required of a steward. Scripture states that it is `required` `{{G2212}}` in **stewards** that a `man` `{{G5100}}` be found `faithful` `{{G4103}}` [[1 Corinthians 4:2]].
* `{{G2012}}` **epítropos** (steward, tutor): This word, meaning a domestic manager or guardian, is used alongside `{{G3623}}` to describe those with authority until a pre-appointed time [[Galatians 4:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3623}}` centers on accountability and responsible management of divine resources.
* **Management of God's Gifts:** Believers are not owners but managers of what God has given. This includes being good **stewards** of God's `manifold` `{{G4164}}` `grace` `{{G5485}}` [[1 Peter 4:10]] and the `mysteries` `{{G3466}}` of God revealed in the Gospel [[1 Corinthians 4:1]].
* **Faithfulness as the Core Requirement:** The ultimate measure of a steward is not worldly success but faithfulness to the master. A `wise` `{{G5429}}` **steward** is one who is `faithful` `{{G4103}}` in their duties, giving the `household` `{{G2322}}` their `portion of meat` `{{G4620}}` in `due season` `{{G2540}}` [[Luke 12:42]].
* **Character Qualifications for Leadership:** The role of a **steward** of `God` `{{G2316}}` is tied to a high moral standard. A church `bishop` `{{G1985}}`, as a steward, `must` `{{G1163}}` be `blameless` `{{G410}}`, not `selfwilled` `{{G829}}`, `soon angry` `{{G3711}}`, or `given to filthy lucre` `{{G146}}` [[Titus 1:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3623}}` defines a position of profound trust and responsibility. It moves beyond a simple employee to describe anyone entrusted with managing resources that belong to another. Whether referring to a literal household **manager**, a civic **chamberlain**, or a believer managing God's grace, the emphasis is on faithfulness and accountability to the master. The term serves as a powerful reminder that all believers are called to be trustworthy **stewards** of the gifts and truths God has placed in their care.
TRV