King James Version

What Does Luke 16:5 Mean?

Luke 16:5 in the King James Version says “So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 16:5 · KJV

Context

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

7

Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore. measures: the word here interpreted a measure in the original containeth about fourteen bushels and two quarts

Read Luke 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? The steward begins executing his plan with urgency—the verb "called" (προσκαλεσάμενος, proskalesamenos, aorist middle participle) suggests he summoned them quickly, exploiting his remaining authority before dismissal becomes public. The phrase "every one" (ἕνα ἕκαστον, hena hekaston) indicates systematic action—he's not helping one or two but creating multiple beneficiaries who will feel obligated to assist him.

His question "How much owest thou unto my lord?" (πόσον ὀφείλεις τῷ κυρίῳ μου, poson opheileis tō kyriō mou) establishes the debt officially—this is recorded business, not casual inquiry. By referencing "my lord" (τῷ κυρίῳ μου), he maintains his steward identity, acting while he still has authority. The following reductions (vv. 6-7)—fifty measures of oil, twenty measures of wheat—were substantial, representing significant financial relief to the debtors. Whether the steward was forgiving his own commission or actually defrauding his master is ambiguous; some scholars suggest stewards built their own fees into loan contracts, making the reductions legitimate though self-sacrificial. Either way, the steward uses present resources strategically to secure future benefit—the precise lesson Jesus draws in verse 9.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestinian economy operated heavily on credit and debt. Landowners loaned seed, oil, and equipment to tenant farmers, who repaid with portions of their harvest. Stewards managed these accounts and could charge commissions. The amounts mentioned—"a hundred measures of oil" (likely 875 gallons) and "a hundred measures of wheat" (likely 1,000 bushels)—represent major agricultural commodities. Such debts could burden families for years. The steward's reductions would create profound gratitude and obligation, ensuring the debtors would remember and repay his 'kindness' with hospitality when he needed it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the steward's systematic approach to securing his future illustrate the intentionality Christians should show in eternal investments?
  2. What does the steward's use of his remaining authority while he has it teach about redeeming the time and using present opportunities?
  3. In what ways can believers strategically use their current resources (time, money, influence) to build relationships with eternal significance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

“So”

G2532

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

προσκαλεσάμενος2 of 17

“he called”

G4341

to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite

ἕνα3 of 17

“one”

G1520

one

ἕκαστον4 of 17

“every”

G1538

each or every

τῶν5 of 17
G3588

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

χρεωφειλετῶν6 of 17

“debtors”

G5533

a loan-ower, i.e., indebted person

τοῦ7 of 17
G3588

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

κυρίῳ8 of 17

“lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἑαυτοῦ9 of 17

“of his”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἔλεγεν10 of 17

“unto him and 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

τῷ11 of 17
G3588

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

πρώτῳ12 of 17

“unto the first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

Πόσον13 of 17

“How much”

G4214

interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)

ὀφείλεις14 of 17

“owest thou”

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

τῷ15 of 17
G3588

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

κυρίῳ16 of 17

“lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

μου17 of 17

“unto my”

G3450

of me

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 16:5 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 16:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 7:41-42Matthew 18:24

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