Luke 16:1 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus begins a parable for His disciples: a rich man's household manager is accused of wasting his master's goods.
What Does Luke 16:1 Mean?
Jesus has just finished the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost sons (Luke 15). Now He turns to His disciples — with the Pharisees still listening (verse 14) — and tells a story about money and trust. A steward, the manager of a wealthy man's estate and accounts, has been reported for squandering what was placed in his care.
From its opening line the parable rests on a truth that runs through all of Scripture: what we hold is not finally ours. The steward owns nothing; he manages another's goods. Jesus invites every hearer to recognize that position as their own — entrusted with days, means, and influence that belong to God, and answerable to Him for how they are used.
Luke 16:1 in the Original Language
oikonomos (οἰκονόμος), 'steward' -- the manager of a household, entrusted with goods that belong to another.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 16:1
What does Luke 16:1 mean?
Jesus begins a parable for His disciples: a rich man's household manager is accused of wasting his master's goods.