Luke 16:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 16:6
6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.
Chapter Context
Luke 16 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, discipleship, love. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 16:6
6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.
Analysis
And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. The first debtor owes "a hundred measures" (ἑκατὸν βάτους, hekaton batous) of olive oil—approximately 875 gallons, representing the production of about 150 olive trees or substantial commercial quantity. The steward's command is decisive: "Take thy bill" (δέξαι σου τὰ γράμματα, dexai sou ta grammata, literally "receive your contract"), "sit down quickly" (καθίσας ταχέως, kathisas tacheōs, emphasizing speed and urgency), and "write fifty" (γράψον πεντήκοντα, grapson pentēkonta)—a 50% reduction.
The urgency—"quickly" (ταχέως, tacheōs)—reveals the steward's awareness that his window of authority is closing. He must act before his dismissal becomes public and his authority evaporates. The debtor himself rewrites the contract (γράψον, grapson, imperative "write!"), making him complicit and ensuring gratitude. This detail illustrates Jesus' point: use present resources urgently and strategically before opportunity ends. For believers, life is brief, death is certain, Christ's return is imminent—we must act now to invest earthly resources for eternal dividends. The steward's shrewdness lies not in his ethics but in his recognition of crisis and decisive action while time remains.
Historical Context
Olive oil was a staple commodity in ancient Palestine—used for cooking, lighting, anointing, and religious ritual. The amounts mentioned indicate commercial-scale debt, likely involving tenant farmers or merchants. Written contracts (γράμματα, grammata) were standard for significant transactions. By having the debtor rewrite the bill himself, the steward creates a legally binding document that reduces the obligation. Whether this represents the steward forgiving his own commission or defrauding his master is debated, but the cultural impact is clear—the debtor receives enormous financial relief and becomes indebted to the steward personally.
Reflection
- How does the steward's urgent action 'quickly' challenge believers to act decisively with their resources before opportunity passes?
- What 'contracts' or commitments might God be calling you to revise in light of eternal priorities?
- In what ways does this passage illustrate the principle that temporary earthly resources can be converted into eternal spiritual capital?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 16:12, Titus 2:10