New Testament
Luke 12:42
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The Lord replied, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager that the master puts in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?
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And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
What Luke 12:42 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus poses a question about who is the faithful and wise manager that a master would appoint over his household. The term 'manager' or 'steward' refers to someone entrusted with responsibilities, particularly in caring for others. The master expects this person to provide food for the household at the right time, indicating the importance of timely and responsible leadership. This reflects the broader theme of stewardship in the Christian faith, where believers are called to manage their resources, time, and relationships wisely. The emphasis on faithfulness and wisdom suggests that these qualities are essential for anyone in a position of authority or responsibility. Jesus uses this analogy to teach His followers about the importance of being diligent and responsible in their duties, especially in the context of spiritual leadership and service to others.
How to apply Luke 12:42 to your life
This verse encourages us to be faithful and wise in our responsibilities, whether at work, home, or in our communities. We should strive to manage our resources and relationships with care, ensuring that we meet the needs of others in a timely manner, reflecting Christ's love and care.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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Keep studying Luke 12:42
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 12:42 mean?
Luke 12:42 highlights the qualities of a faithful and wise manager, or steward, who is responsible for caring for others. It emphasizes the expectation of timely and responsible leadership in fulfilling duties.
What is the meaning of 'faithful and wise manager' in Luke 12:42?
The 'faithful and wise manager' refers to someone entrusted with important responsibilities, particularly in providing for others. This term underscores the importance of being diligent and responsible in leadership roles.
How does Luke 12:42 apply to daily life?
Luke 12:42 encourages individuals to be responsible and caring in their roles, whether at home or work. It reminds us to manage our resources and relationships wisely, ensuring we meet the needs of others.
What themes are present in Luke 12:42?
The themes in Luke 12:42 include stewardship, faithfulness, wisdom, responsibility, leadership, and service. These themes highlight the importance of being diligent and caring in our responsibilities.
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