Luke 16:1

¶ And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

And {G1161} he said {G3004} also {G2532} unto {G4314} his {G846} disciples {G3101}, There was {G2258} a certain {G5100} rich {G4145} man {G444}, which {G3739} had {G2192} a steward {G3623}; and {G2532} the same {G3778} was accused {G1225} unto him {G846} that {G5613} he had wasted {G1287} his {G846} goods {G5224}.

Speaking to the talmidim, Yeshua said: “There was a wealthy man who employed a general manager. Charges were brought to him that his manager was squandering his resources.

Jesus also said to His disciples, “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions.

And he said also unto the disciples, There was a certain rich man, who had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he was wasting his goods.

Commentary

Luke 16:1 (KJV)

And he said also unto his disciples, ‹There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.›

Commentary

This verse marks the beginning of the "Parable of the Unjust Steward," a teaching Jesus directed specifically towards his disciples. It immediately introduces the main characters and the central conflict.

  • The Rich Man: Represents a wealthy landowner or businessman of the time. In the context of parables, the rich man often represents God or someone in a position of ultimate authority over resources.
  • The Steward: This person was not a mere servant, but a manager entrusted with significant responsibility over the rich man's property, finances, and business affairs. Stewards had considerable power and autonomy.

The central problem is the accusation against the steward: he is charged with "wasting" his master's "goods." The Greek word for "wasted" (διασκορπίζω - *diaskorpizo*) suggests scattering, squandering, or mismanaging resources, leading to loss. This accusation highlights the steward's failure in his primary duty: faithful management of what belonged to another.

The verse sets the scene for a parable about accountability, management of resources, and the contrast between worldly and spiritual prudence, which will unfold in the subsequent verses.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 4:10 (8 votes)

    As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

  • Luke 12:42 (7 votes)

    And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom [his] lord shall make ruler over his household, to give [them their] portion of meat in due season?

  • 1 Corinthians 4:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:2 (7 votes)

    Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

  • Matthew 25:14 (7 votes)

    For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, [who] called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

  • Matthew 25:30 (7 votes)

    And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

  • James 4:3 (6 votes)

    Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts.