Luke 16:7
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Luke 16:7
7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.
Chapter Context
Luke 16 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, fellowship, 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 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 16:7
7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.
Analysis
Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore. The steward continues his strategy with a second debtor, who owes "a hundred measures" (ἑκατ�ὸν κόρους, hekaton korous) of wheat—approximately 1,000 bushels or 10-12 tons, representing the yield of about 100 acres. This reduction is smaller proportionally—from 100 to 80, a 20% decrease versus the 50% oil reduction—possibly reflecting different commission structures on different commodities or the relative values of oil versus grain. Regardless, both reductions represent substantial debt forgiveness creating grateful beneficiaries.
The pattern is identical: the debtor himself rewrites the contract (γράψον, grapson, "write!"), ensuring legal validity and personal complicity. The steward multiplies his future security by creating multiple grateful debtors who will feel honor-bound to provide hospitality when he's unemployed. Jesus' application (v. 8) commends not the steward's ethics but his shrewdness (φρονίμως, phronimōs, "wisely" or "prudently")—he used earthly resources to secure future benefit. Believers should show similar wisdom: use money, time, and influence not merely for temporal comfort but to create eternal relationships and rewards (v. 9: "make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations").
Historical Context
Wheat was the primary grain crop in Palestine, more valuable than barley but less expensive than olive oil. The amounts mentioned indicate major agricultural debt—tenant farmers might accumulate such obligations over multiple growing seasons. The 20% reduction on wheat versus 50% on oil may reflect actual first-century lending practices where different commodities had different built-in commission rates. The cultural principle remains: the steward creates beneficiaries who owe him gratitude, ensuring his future security through present generosity (albeit with resources not entirely his own—hence the ethical ambiguity Jesus doesn't directly address).
Reflection
- How does the steward's creation of multiple grateful beneficiaries illustrate the principle of investing in relationships with eternal significance?
- What does this parable teach about the strategic use of earthly resources for heavenly outcomes rather than merely temporal accumulation?
- In practical terms, how can Christians use their wealth to 'make friends' who will 'receive them into everlasting habitations' (v. 9)?