King James Version

What Does Luke 16:1 Mean?

Luke 16:1 in the King James Version says “And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto hi...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Luke 16:1 · KJV

Context

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.

2

And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

3

Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.

Read Luke 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Jesus introduces the parable of the unjust steward, one of Scripture's most perplexing teachings. The phrase "said also unto his disciples" (ἔλεγεν δὲ καὶ πρὸς τοὺς μαθητάς, elegen de kai pros tous mathētas) indicates this parable follows the three parables of Luke 15 (lost sheep, lost coin, lost son) but shifts the audience from Pharisees and scribes to disciples—the teaching targets believers about kingdom economics and eschatological urgency.

The term "steward" (οἰκονόμος, oikonomos) means household manager or estate administrator—one entrusted with another's resources. The accusation that he "wasted" (διασκορπίζων, diaskorpizōn, "scattering" or "squandering") his master's goods uses the same verb describing the prodigal son's waste (15:13). This manager has been unfaithful, mismanaging resources not his own. The parable's shock comes not from condemning this behavior but from commending the steward's shrewd response (v. 8). Jesus is not endorsing dishonesty but illustrating decisive action in crisis—a lesson about using present resources strategically for eternal outcomes. Christians are stewards of God's resources (time, money, gifts, gospel) and will give account; the parable urges urgent, wise investment for eternity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Stewards in the ancient world managed large estates for wealthy absentee landowners. They had significant autonomy—collecting rents, managing workers, extending credit, keeping accounts. This position offered opportunity for both legitimate profit-sharing and corrupt self-enrichment. Stewards typically charged commissions on debts, and the parable's ambiguity about whether the steward was forgiving his own commission or his master's principal reflects realistic first-century estate management practices. The rich man's commendation (v. 8) may acknowledge the steward's cleverness in using current resources to secure future favor, even while disapproving his earlier mismanagement.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways are all Christians stewards of God's resources, and how does this reality shape daily decision-making?
  2. What does it mean to use 'unrighteous mammon' (v. 9) strategically for eternal purposes rather than temporal gain?
  3. How should the certainty of future accountability before God create urgency in our present use of time, money, and opportunities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Ἔλεγεν1 of 23

“he said”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

δὲ2 of 23

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 23

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πρὸς4 of 23

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς5 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθητάς6 of 23

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ,7 of 23

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ἄνθρωπός8 of 23

“man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τις9 of 23

“a certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἦν10 of 23

“There was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

πλούσιος11 of 23

“rich”

G4145

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

ὃς12 of 23

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἶχεν13 of 23

“had”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

οἰκονόμον14 of 23

“a steward”

G3623

a house-distributor (i.e., manager), or overseer, i.e., an employee in that capacity; by extension, a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively, a preach

καὶ15 of 23

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὗτος16 of 23

“the same”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

διεβλήθη17 of 23

“was accused”

G1225

(figuratively) to traduce

αὐτοῦ,18 of 23

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὡς19 of 23

“that”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

διασκορπίζων20 of 23

“he had wasted”

G1287

to dissipate, i.e., (genitive case) to rout or separate; specially, to winnow; figuratively, to squander

τὰ21 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑπάρχοντα22 of 23

“goods”

G5224

things extant or in hand, i.e., property or possessions

αὐτοῦ,23 of 23

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 16:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 16:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 4:10Matthew 25:14-30Luke 12:421 Corinthians 4:1-2James 4:3Titus 1:7

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