King James Version

What Does Luke 16:9 Mean?

Luke 16:9 in the King James Version says “And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive yo... — study this verse from Luke chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. mammon: or, riches

Luke 16:9 · KJV


Context

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

8

And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

9

And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. mammon: or, riches

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus applies the lesson: 'And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.' The command 'make to yourselves friends' (ποιήσατε φίλους, poiēsate philous) 'of the mammon of unrighteousness' (ἐκ τοῦ μαμωνᾶ τῆς ἀδικίας, ek tou mamōna tēs adikias) means use money (inherently tied to this fallen world) strategically. The phrase 'when ye fail' (ὅταν ἐκλίπῃ, hotan eklipē) refers to death or money's ultimate failure. Then 'they may receive you' (δέξωνται ὑμᾶς, dexōntai hymas) 'into everlasting habitations' (εἰς τὰς αἰωνίους σκηνάς, eis tas aiōnious skēnas)—people you've blessed with resources will welcome you into eternity. Use money to advance the gospel and serve others; such investments yield eternal dividends.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse presents a theology of money unique in Scripture. 'Mammon' (μαμωνᾶς, mamōnas) is an Aramaic term for wealth, personified as a rival god (v. 13). Jesus calls it 'unrighteous' not because earning money is sinful but because wealth belongs to this fallen, temporary world system. Yet even tainted money can be redeemed through kingdom use. The startling promise is that generosity now creates eternal friendships—those blessed by our resources will greet us in heaven. This doesn't teach salvation by works but rather that genuine faith expresses itself in generosity (James 2:14-17). How we use money reveals and develops our hearts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing money as 'unrighteous mammon' from a fallen system change your relationship with wealth?
  2. What does it mean that people you've blessed financially will welcome you into eternity?
  3. How should this teaching shape Christian attitudes toward giving, generosity, and financial planning?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
κἀγὼ1 of 20

And I

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

ὑμῖν2 of 20

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

λέγω3 of 20

say

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

ποιήσατε4 of 20

Make

G4160

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

ἑαυτοῖς5 of 20

to yourselves

G1438

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

φίλους6 of 20

friends

G5384

actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)

ἐκ7 of 20

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ8 of 20
G3588

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

μαμωνᾶ9 of 20

the mammon

G3126

mammonas, i.e., avarice (deified)

τῆς10 of 20
G3588

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

ἀδικίας11 of 20

of unrighteousness

G93

(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)

ἵνα12 of 20

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ὅταν13 of 20

when

G3752

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

ἐκλίπητε,14 of 20

ye fail

G1587

to omit, i.e., (by implication) cease (die)

δέξωνται15 of 20

they may receive

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

ὑμᾶς16 of 20

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

εἰς17 of 20

into

G1519

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

τὰς18 of 20
G3588

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

αἰωνίους19 of 20

everlasting

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

σκηνάς20 of 20

habitations

G4633

a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively)


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 16:9 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 16:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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