Luke 16:12
And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
First-century stewards (οἰκονόμος, oikonomos) managed their master's estates with delegated authority but owned nothing themselves. They controlled resources belonging to another and were accountable for their management. This perfectly pictures the believer's relationship to earthly possessions. Jesus' teaching challenges the ownership assumptions of both ancient and modern culture. Greco-Roman society emphasized property rights and personal wealth accumulation. Yet Jesus insists all possessions belong to God—we merely manage them temporarily.
The principle extends beyond finances. All abilities, opportunities, time, relationships, and influence are 'another's'—God's property entrusted to us. How we steward these resources determines what God will permanently give us in eternity. This teaching motivated early Christian generosity (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37) and continues to challenge materialistic Christianity that treats possessions as personal property rather than divine trust.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing all possessions as 'another's' (God's property) rather than 'your own' transform your relationship with money and material things?
- What are the eternal rewards ('your own') that faithful stewardship qualifies believers to receive?
- In what specific ways might you be unfaithful with what God has entrusted to you—time, talents, relationships, influence, or finances?
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Analysis & Commentary
And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? Jesus extends the stewardship principle with penetrating logic. The phrase 'that which is another man's' (τῷ ἀλλοτρίῳ, tō allotriō, 'what belongs to another') refers to all earthly possessions—nothing is truly ours but belongs to God. We are stewards, not owners. If we prove unfaithful with God's resources entrusted to us, 'who shall give you that which is your own' (τὸ ὑμέτερον, to hymeteron, 'what is truly yours')? The rhetorical question expects the answer: no one.
The 'your own' (ὑμέτερον, hymeteron) likely refers to eternal inheritance—rewards, responsibilities, and glory that will genuinely belong to the faithful in the age to come (Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 3:21). Paul echoes this: 'If we suffer, we shall also reign with him' (2 Timothy 2:12). Faithful stewardship of what God temporarily entrusts qualifies us for what He will permanently bestow. Conversely, unfaithfulness with earthly stewardship disqualifies us from eternal rewards.
This verse demolishes ownership mentality. We possess nothing—everything is on loan from God. How we manage His resources in this brief testing period determines our eternal status and authority in God's kingdom. The implications are staggering: financial decisions have eternal consequences, money management is spiritual formation, and generosity is kingdom investment.