Luke 16:5 Meaning and Explanation
“So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The steward summons his master's debtors one by one, beginning with the question: how much do you owe?
What Does Luke 16:5 Mean?
The plan moves quickly. While the accounts are still legally in his keeping, the steward calls in each of his lord's debtors — likely tenants and traders owing large quantities of produce against the estate — and reviews each bill privately, one man at a time.
Jesus tells the scene briskly and without comment, letting it work the way the world works. The debts are real, documented, and owed to the master; what the steward is about to do with them will cost him nothing and his lord much. The story keeps the listener leaning in, waiting a little uneasily to see what the Teacher will make of such a man. The answer will surprise them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 16:5
What does Luke 16:5 mean?
The steward summons his master's debtors one by one, beginning with the question: how much do you owe?