Luke 16:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 16:5
5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?
Chapter Context
Luke 16 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, love, righteousness. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 16:5
5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?
Analysis
So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? The steward begins executing his plan with urgency—the verb "called" (προσκαλεσάμενος, proskalesamenos, aorist middle participle) suggests he summoned them quickly, exploiting his remaining authority before dismissal becomes public. The phrase "every one" (ἕνα ἕκαστον, hena hekaston) indicates systematic action—he's not helping one or two but creating multiple beneficiaries who will feel obligated to assist him.
His question "How much owest thou unto my lord?" (πόσον ὀφείλεις τῷ κυρίῳ μου, poson opheileis tō kyriō mou) establishes the debt officially—this is recorded business, not casual inquiry. By referencing "my lord" (τῷ κυρίῳ μου), he maintains his steward identity, acting while he still has authority. The following reductions (vv. 6-7)—fifty measures of oil, twenty measures of wheat—were substantial, representing significant financial relief to the debtors. Whether the steward was forgiving his own commission or actually defrauding his master is ambiguous; some scholars suggest stewards built their own fees into loan contracts, making the reductions legitimate though self-sacrificial. Either way, the steward uses present resources strategically to secure future benefit—the precise lesson Jesus draws in verse 9.
Historical Context
First-century Palestinian economy operated heavily on credit and debt. Landowners loaned seed, oil, and equipment to tenant farmers, who repaid with portions of their harvest. Stewards managed these accounts and could charge commissions. The amounts mentioned—"a hundred measures of oil" (likely 875 gallons) and "a hundred measures of wheat" (likely 1,000 bushels)—represent major agricultural commodities. Such debts could burden families for years. The steward's reductions would create profound gratitude and obligation, ensuring the debtors would remember and repay his 'kindness' with hospitality when he needed it.
Reflection
- How does the steward's systematic approach to securing his future illustrate the intentionality Christians should show in eternal investments?
- What does the steward's use of his remaining authority while he has it teach about redeeming the time and using present opportunities?
- In what ways can believers strategically use their current resources (time, money, influence) to build relationships with eternal significance?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master