New Testament
Luke 16:1
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus introduces a parable about a wealthy man and his manager, or steward.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Jesus also told his disciples this story: "A wealthy man had a manager who was accused of squandering his master's wealth.
And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus introduces a parable about a wealthy man and his manager, or steward. The manager is accused of mismanaging the owner's resources, which implies a serious breach of trust. This story sets the stage for a deeper lesson about responsibility and accountability in handling what belongs to others. The wealthy man represents God, while the manager symbolizes individuals who are entrusted with resources, whether material or spiritual. The accusation of squandering wealth highlights the importance of being diligent and faithful in our duties. This parable encourages listeners to reflect on how they manage their own resources and responsibilities, reminding them that they will be held accountable for their actions. The story serves as a warning against negligence and encourages wise stewardship of what has been entrusted to us, whether it be finances, time, or talents.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 16:1 to your life
This verse challenges us to evaluate how we manage our resources and responsibilities. Are we being faithful stewards of what we have? It encourages us to act wisely and responsibly, knowing that we will be held accountable for our actions and decisions.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 16:1 mean?
Luke 16:1 introduces a parable about a wealthy man and his manager, who is accused of mismanaging the owner's resources. This sets the stage for a lesson on responsibility and accountability in handling what belongs to others.
What is the meaning of stewardship in Luke 16:1?
Stewardship in Luke 16:1 refers to the management of resources entrusted to someone. The verse emphasizes the importance of being diligent and faithful in managing these resources, as individuals will be held accountable for their actions.
How does Luke 16:1 relate to accountability?
Luke 16:1 illustrates accountability by showing that the manager is being judged for his actions regarding the master's wealth. It serves as a reminder that individuals are responsible for how they manage resources entrusted to them.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 16:1?
The lesson from Luke 16:1 is to reflect on how we manage our own resources and responsibilities. It encourages wise stewardship and reminds us that we will be held accountable for our decisions and actions.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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