1 Corinthians 4:2
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
Original Language Analysis
ὅ
G3739
ὅ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 11
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ζητεῖται
it is required
G2212
ζητεῖται
it is required
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
4 of 11
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκονόμοις
stewards
G3623
οἰκονόμοις
stewards
Strong's:
G3623
Word #:
7 of 11
a house-distributor (i.e., manager), or overseer, i.e., an employee in that capacity; by extension, a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively, a preach
Cross References
Matthew 25:21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.Luke 12:42And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?Matthew 25:23His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.Proverbs 13:17A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.Numbers 12:7My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.Colossians 4:17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.1 Corinthians 7:25Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.2 Corinthians 2:17For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.Colossians 1:7As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;2 Corinthians 4:2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Historical Context
In Greco-Roman households, stewards (oikonomoi) managed significant assets and slave labor. Their masters demanded faithful accounting; embezzlement or negligence brought severe consequences. Paul applies this commercial metaphor theologically: apostles are managers of divine revelation, accountable ultimately to Christ (v. 4), not to human tribunals. The Corinthian church's forensic language ("judged," v. 3) reflects their eagerness to evaluate teachers—a practice Paul resists.
Questions for Reflection
- What does faithfulness to God's Word look like in your specific ministry context, even when it's unpopular or counter-cultural?
- How do you measure spiritual 'success'—by visible results and human approval, or by faithful obedience to what God has revealed?
- In what areas might you be compromising gospel clarity for the sake of relevance or acceptance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. The Greek zeteitai (ζητεῖται, "is required/sought") emphasizes an active standard being applied. Pistos (πιστός, "faithful/trustworthy") is the supreme qualification for stewards—not eloquence, popularity, or impressive results, but reliability in handling what belongs to another.
This verse dismantles the Corinthians' evaluation criteria. They assessed teachers by rhetorical polish and philosophical sophistication (2:1-5); Paul insists the only metric that matters is fidelity to the gospel entrusted. A steward's success is measured not by how many followers he attracts or how innovative his teaching appears, but whether he accurately represents his master's interests. The passive construction ("it is required") points to an objective divine standard, not congregational opinion polls.