Luke 16:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 16:9
9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
Chapter Context
Luke 16 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of fellowship, creation, 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 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 16:9
9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
Analysis
Jesus applies the lesson: 'And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.' The command 'make to yourselves friends' (ποιήσατε φίλους, poiēsate philous) 'of the mammon of unrighteousness' (ἐκ τοῦ μαμωνᾶ τῆς ἀδικίας, ek tou mamōna tēs adikias) means use money (inherently tied to this fallen world) strategically. The phrase 'when ye fail' (ὅταν ἐκλίπῃ, hotan eklipē) refers to death or money's ultimate failure. Then 'they may receive you' (δέξωνται ὑμᾶς, dexōntai hymas) 'into everlasting habitations' (εἰς τὰς αἰωνίους σκηνάς, eis tas aiōnious skēnas)—people you've blessed with resources will welcome you into eternity. Use money to advance the gospel and serve others; such investments yield eternal dividends.
Historical Context
This verse presents a theology of money unique in Scripture. 'Mammon' (μαμωνᾶς, mamōnas) is an Aramaic term for wealth, personified as a rival god (v. 13). Jesus calls it 'unrighteous' not because earning money is sinful but because wealth belongs to this fallen, temporary world system. Yet even tainted money can be redeemed through kingdom use. The startling promise is that generosity now creates eternal friendships—those blessed by our resources will greet us in heaven. This doesn't teach salvation by works but rather that genuine faith expresses itself in generosity (James 2:14-17). How we use money reveals and develops our hearts.
Reflection
- How does viewing money as 'unrighteous mammon' from a fallen system change your relationship with wealth?
- What does it mean that people you've blessed financially will welcome you into eternity?
- How should this teaching shape Christian attitudes toward giving, generosity, and financial planning?
Word Studies
- Eternal: αἰώνιος (Aiōnios) G166 - Eternal, everlasting
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Luke 14:14, 16:11, Daniel 4:27
- Parallel theme: Luke 11:41, 12:33, 16:13, Proverbs 19:17, Matthew 6:24, 19:21