Luke 16:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 16:2
2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
Chapter Context
Luke 16 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, faith, hope. 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 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 16:2
2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
Analysis
And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. The master confronts the steward with the accusation, demanding accountability. The phrase "How is it that I hear this?" (τί τοῦτο ἀκούω περὶ σοῦ, ti touto akouō peri sou) suggests investigation based on credible reports—the steward's mismanagement has become known. The command "give an account" (ἀπόδος τὸν λόγον, apodos ton logon) means "render a reckoning" or "present the books"—a financial audit to document the steward's administration.
The declaration "thou mayest be no longer steward" (οὐ γὰρ δύνῃ ἔτι οἰκονομεῖν, ou gar dynē eti oikonomein) announces certain termination—not a threat but a settled decision. The steward has lost his position; only the final accounting remains. This creates the crisis that drives the parable: facing imminent unemployment and lacking manual skills (v. 3), the steward must act decisively to secure his future. The parallel to Christian existence is clear: we are stewards who will give account (Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Peter 4:5). Our stewardship is temporary—death or Christ's return will end it. How we use present resources determines eternal outcomes. The parable urges urgent, strategic use of earthly wealth for heavenly reward.
Historical Context
Stewards could be dismissed for incompetence, dishonesty, or simply at the master's pleasure. Without modern employment protections or social safety nets, losing such a position meant potential destitution. The steward's dilemma reflects ancient economic realities: unemployment threatened survival. His subsequent scheme (vv. 5-7) exploits his remaining brief window of authority to secure future hospitality from debtors. While ethically questionable, his shrewdness in using present resources for future security illustrates the urgent wisdom Jesus commends—not the dishonesty, but the strategic action in crisis.
Reflection
- How does the certainty of giving account for our stewardship before God affect the way we use our time, money, and talents today?
- What does this verse teach about the temporary nature of earthly positions and possessions versus eternal realities?
- How should awareness of our coming 'audit' before Christ motivate present faithfulness and generosity?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 12:14, 1 Timothy 5:24, 1 Peter 4:5, 4:10, Revelation 20:12