New Testament
Luke 16:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus also told his disciples this story: "A wealthy man had a manager who was accused of squandering his master's wealth.
Compare translations
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.
What Luke 16:1 means
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.
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
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 16:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 16:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.