King James Version

What Does Luke 16:2 Mean?

Luke 16:2 in the King James Version says “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 m...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Luke 16:2 · 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.

4

I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.

Read Luke 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The master confronts the steward with the accusation, demanding accountability. The phrase "How is it that I hear this?" (τί τοῦτο ἀκούω περὶ σοῦ, ti touto akouō peri sou) suggests investigation based on credible reports—the steward's mismanagement has become known. The command "give an account" (ἀπόδος τὸν λόγον, apodos ton logon) means "render a reckoning" or "present the books"—a financial audit to document the steward's administration.

The declaration "thou mayest be no longer steward" (οὐ γὰρ δύνῃ ἔτι οἰκονομεῖν, ou gar dynē eti oikonomein) announces certain termination—not a threat but a settled decision. The steward has lost his position; only the final accounting remains. This creates the crisis that drives the parable: facing imminent unemployment and lacking manual skills (v. 3), the steward must act decisively to secure his future. The parallel to Christian existence is clear: we are stewards who will give account (Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Peter 4:5). Our stewardship is temporary—death or Christ's return will end it. How we use present resources determines eternal outcomes. The parable urges urgent, strategic use of earthly wealth for heavenly reward.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Stewards could be dismissed for incompetence, dishonesty, or simply at the master's pleasure. Without modern employment protections or social safety nets, losing such a position meant potential destitution. The steward's dilemma reflects ancient economic realities: unemployment threatened survival. His subsequent scheme (vv. 5-7) exploits his remaining brief window of authority to secure future hospitality from debtors. While ethically questionable, his shrewdness in using present resources for future security illustrates the urgent wisdom Jesus commends—not the dishonesty, but the strategic action in crisis.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the certainty of giving account for our stewardship before God affect the way we use our time, money, and talents today?
  2. What does this verse teach about the temporary nature of earthly positions and possessions versus eternal realities?
  3. How should awareness of our coming 'audit' before Christ motivate present faithfulness and generosity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

φωνήσας2 of 21

“he called”

G5455

to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation

αὐτῷ3 of 21

“him”

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

εἶπεν4 of 21

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ5 of 21

“him”

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

Τί6 of 21

“How”

G5101

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

τοῦτο7 of 21

“this”

G5124

that thing

ἀκούω8 of 21

“is it that I hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

περὶ9 of 21

“of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

σου10 of 21

“of thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

ἀπόδος11 of 21

“give”

G591

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

τὸν12 of 21
G3588

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

λόγον13 of 21

“an account”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τῆς14 of 21
G3588

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

οἰκονομίας15 of 21

“stewardship”

G3622

administration (of a household or estate); specially, a (religious) "economy"

σου16 of 21

“of thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

οὐ17 of 21

“no”

G3756

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

γὰρ18 of 21

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

δύνήσῃ19 of 21

“thou mayest be”

G1410

to be able or possible

ἔτι20 of 21

“longer”

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

οἰκονομεῖν21 of 21

“steward”

G3621

to manage (a house, i.e., an estate)

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 16:2 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 16:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 5:10Revelation 20:121 Samuel 2:23-241 Timothy 5:24Ecclesiastes 12:14Ecclesiastes 11:9-10

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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