Luke Chapter 12 · Verse 44
Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 11
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐπὶ
over
G1909
ἐπὶ
over
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπάρχουσιν
hath
G5224
ὑπάρχουσιν
hath
Strong's:
G5224
Word #:
8 of 11
things extant or in hand, i.e., property or possessions
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
Revelation 3:18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.Matthew 24:47Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
Historical Context
This promise of future authority echoes Jesus' broader teaching about the disciples' future role in His kingdom. He promised the Twelve they would sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Luke 22:30). Paul teaches that saints will judge the world and even angels (1 Corinthians 6:2-3). Revelation portrays believers reigning with Christ for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4) and forever (Revelation 22:5). This wasn't abstract theology for first-century believers suffering persecution—it was concrete hope that present faithfulness despite hardship would result in future glory and authority in Christ's eternal kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of exponentially increased authority in Christ's kingdom motivate present faithfulness in small things?
- What does ruling over all the Master's possessions reveal about the nature of eternal rewards and co-reigning with Christ?
- In what ways should future glory and responsibility shape present priorities, suffering, and stewardship?
Analysis & Commentary
Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath (ἀληθῶς λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι ἐπὶ πᾶσιν τοῖς ὑπάρχουσιν αὐτοῦ καταστήσει αὐτόν, alēthōs legō hymin hoti epi pasin tois hyparchousin autou katastēsei auton)—The emphatic phrase alēthōs legō hymin (ἀληθῶς λέγω ὑμῖν, truly I say to you) solemnly affirms the promise's certainty. The reward for faithful stewardship is exponentially increased responsibility and authority: epi pasin tois hyparchousin autou (ἐπὶ πᾶσιν τοῖς ὑπάρχουσιν αὐτοῦ, over all his possessions).
The future tense katastēsei (καταστήσει, will make ruler, will appoint) points to eschatological reward—Christ's assignment of authority in His coming kingdom. The steward who faithfully managed a portion receives authority over everything. This principle appears throughout Jesus' teaching: faithful use of lesser things leads to greater things (Luke 16:10, 19:17). The parable of the talents teaches the same: those who invest wisely receive increased responsibility and enter into the master's joy (Matthew 25:21, 23). Conversely, unfaithfulness results in loss of position (Matthew 25:28-29). The reward isn't passive rest but active, joyful reign with Christ (2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 20:4-6, 22:5).