King James Version

What Does Luke 16:4 Mean?

Luke 16:4 in the King James Version says “I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 16:4 · KJV

Context

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.

5

So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

6

And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. measures: the word Batus in the original containeth nine gallons three quarts

Read Luke 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. The steward reaches a decision—the verb "I am resolved" (ἔγνων, egnōn, aorist of γινώσκω, ginōskō) means "I know" or "I have realized," indicating a decisive epiphany. He has formulated a plan to secure his future. The temporal clause "when I am put out" (ὅταν μετασταθῶ, hotan metastathō) acknowledges the inevitability of his dismissal—he's not trying to avoid judgment but preparing for life after judgment.

His goal: "that they may receive me into their houses" (δέξωνταί με εἰς τοὺς οἴκους αὐτῶν, dexōntai me eis tous oikous autōn). In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was sacred—those who benefited from his coming actions would be obligated to reciprocate. The steward plans to create indebtedness: by reducing what the master's debtors owe (vv. 5-7), he positions himself as their benefactor, ensuring they'll welcome him when he's unemployed. Jesus' point is NOT to endorse fraud but to highlight the steward's urgent, strategic use of present resources to secure future benefit. Believers should show similar wisdom—using earthly wealth ("unrighteous mammon," v. 9) to make eternal investments that will welcome us into "everlasting habitations."

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Mediterranean society operated on patronage networks and reciprocal obligation. Benefactors who granted favors expected future loyalty and support. The steward's plan exploits this cultural dynamic—by reducing debts (possibly forgiving his own commission rather than cheating his master), he creates grateful clients who will feel honor-bound to assist him. The phrase "receive me into their houses" implies ongoing hospitality and support, not merely temporary shelter. This social reality provides the backdrop for Jesus' application in verse 9: use wealth to create relationships that have eternal significance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the steward's strategic planning for his future after dismissal illustrate the wisdom believers should show regarding eternal realities?
  2. In what practical ways can Christians use 'unrighteous mammon' (earthly wealth) to invest in eternal relationships and heavenly rewards?
  3. What does this parable teach about the urgency of acting decisively while we still have opportunity and resources?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ἔγνων1 of 14

“I am resolved”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

τί2 of 14

“what”

G5101

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

ποιήσω3 of 14

“to do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἵνα4 of 14

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ὅταν5 of 14

“when”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

μετασταθῶ6 of 14

“I am put out”

G3179

to transfer, i.e., carry away, depose or (figuratively) exchange, seduce

τῆς7 of 14
G3588

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

οἰκονομίας8 of 14

“of the stewardship”

G3622

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

δέξωνταί9 of 14

“they may receive”

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

με10 of 14

“me”

G3165

me

εἰς11 of 14

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοὺς12 of 14
G3588

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

οἴκους13 of 14

“houses”

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

αὐτῶν14 of 14

“their”

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 16:4 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 16:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 30:9Jeremiah 4:22James 3:15

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 16 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes