King James Version

What Does Luke 16:12 Mean?

Luke 16:12 in the King James Version says “And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?”

Luke 16:12 · KJV

Context

10

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

11

If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? mammon: or, riches

12

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

13

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

14

And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

Read Luke 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? Jesus extends the stewardship principle with penetrating logic. The phrase 'that which is another man's' (τῷ ἀλλοτρίῳ, tō allotriō, 'what belongs to another') refers to all earthly possessions—nothing is truly ours but belongs to God. We are stewards, not owners. If we prove unfaithful with God's resources entrusted to us, 'who shall give you that which is your own' (τὸ ὑμέτερον, to hymeteron, 'what is truly yours')? The rhetorical question expects the answer: no one.

The 'your own' (ὑμέτερον, hymeteron) likely refers to eternal inheritance—rewards, responsibilities, and glory that will genuinely belong to the faithful in the age to come (Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 3:21). Paul echoes this: 'If we suffer, we shall also reign with him' (2 Timothy 2:12). Faithful stewardship of what God temporarily entrusts qualifies us for what He will permanently bestow. Conversely, unfaithfulness with earthly stewardship disqualifies us from eternal rewards.

This verse demolishes ownership mentality. We possess nothing—everything is on loan from God. How we manage His resources in this brief testing period determines our eternal status and authority in God's kingdom. The implications are staggering: financial decisions have eternal consequences, money management is spiritual formation, and generosity is kingdom investment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century stewards (οἰκονόμος, oikonomos) managed their master's estates with delegated authority but owned nothing themselves. They controlled resources belonging to another and were accountable for their management. This perfectly pictures the believer's relationship to earthly possessions. Jesus' teaching challenges the ownership assumptions of both ancient and modern culture. Greco-Roman society emphasized property rights and personal wealth accumulation. Yet Jesus insists all possessions belong to God—we merely manage them temporarily.

The principle extends beyond finances. All abilities, opportunities, time, relationships, and influence are 'another's'—God's property entrusted to us. How we steward these resources determines what God will permanently give us in eternity. This teaching motivated early Christian generosity (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37) and continues to challenge materialistic Christianity that treats possessions as personal property rather than divine trust.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing all possessions as 'another's' (God's property) rather than 'your own' transform your relationship with money and material things?
  2. What are the eternal rewards ('your own') that faithful stewardship qualifies believers to receive?
  3. In what specific ways might you be unfaithful with what God has entrusted to you—time, talents, relationships, influence, or finances?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

εἰ2 of 13

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἐν3 of 13

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ4 of 13
G3588

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

ἀλλοτρίῳ5 of 13

“that which is another man's”

G245

another's, i.e., not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile

πιστοὶ6 of 13

“faithful”

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

οὐκ7 of 13

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐγένεσθε8 of 13

“been”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

τὸ9 of 13
G3588

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

ὑμέτερον10 of 13

“that which is your own”

G5212

yours, i.e., pertaining to you

τίς11 of 13

“who”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ὑμῖν12 of 13

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

δώσει13 of 13

“shall give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

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 16:12 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 16:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 19:13-26Matthew 25:14-29Job 1:211 Peter 1:4-51 Chronicles 29:14-16Ezekiel 16:16-21

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