Luke 12:42
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 12:42
42 And 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?
Chapter Context
Luke 12 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, creation, salvation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-59: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 12:42
42 And 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?
Analysis
And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward (εἶπεν δὲ ὁ κύριος, Τίς ἄρα ἐστὶν ὁ πιστὸς οἰκονόμος ὁ φρόνιμος, eipen de ho kyrios, Tis ara estin ho pistos oikonomos ho phronimos)—Instead of directly answering Peter's question, Jesus poses a rhetorical question that applies to both leaders and all believers. The interrogative tis (τίς, who) challenges hearers to self-examination. The adjectives pistos (πιστός, faithful, trustworthy) and phronimos (φρόνιμος, wise, prudent, sensible) describe the ideal steward. Oikonomos (οἰκονόμος) means household manager or steward—one entrusted with managing another's property.
Whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? (ὃν καταστήσει ὁ κύριος ἐπὶ τῆς θεραπείας αὐτοῦ τοῦ διδόναι ἐν καιρῷ τὸ σιτομέτριον; hon katastēsei ho kyrios epi tēs therapeias autou tou didonai en kairō to sitometrion?)—The relative clause describes the steward's appointment and responsibility. The verb kathistēmi (καθίστημι, make ruler, appoint) indicates delegated authority. The noun therapeia (θεραπεία) means household servants or staff; sitometrion (σιτομέτριον) means food ration or portion of grain. The phrase en kairō (ἐν καιρῷ, in due season, at the proper time) emphasizes timely, appropriate provision. The steward's task: faithfully distribute resources at the right time to those under his care. This pictures Christian leaders feeding God's flock with spiritual truth (John 21:15-17, 1 Peter 5:2).
Historical Context
Large estates in the Roman world employed stewards (oikonomoi) who managed households, supervised servants, and distributed provisions. These stewards held significant authority and responsibility, though they themselves were servants accountable to the master. Paul uses this imagery repeatedly (1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Titus 1:7), describing Christian ministers as stewards of God's mysteries. The early church applied this teaching to pastoral oversight—elders were stewards responsible for feeding the flock with sound doctrine and ensuring each member received proper spiritual nourishment.
Reflection
- What does faithful and wise stewardship look like for Christian leaders entrusted with feeding God's household?
- How does the imagery of giving proper portions at proper times apply to pastoral teaching and care?
- In what ways are all believers stewards of resources, gifts, and knowledge entrusted by God?
Word Studies
- Faith: πίστις (Pistis) G4103 - Faith, belief, trust
Cross-References
- Faith: Hebrews 13:7
- References Lord: Matthew 20:8
- Parallel theme: Acts 20:28, 1 Timothy 5:17, 2 Timothy 4:2, Titus 1:7, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 4:10