New Testament
Luke 16:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
No servant can serve two masters. Either he'll hate one and love the other, or he'll be devoted to one and look down on the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
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No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
What Luke 16:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus teaches that a person cannot be fully loyal to two different authorities or priorities. The term 'masters' refers to those who have control or influence over our lives. If someone tries to serve both God and money, they will ultimately have to choose one over the other. This is because the demands and values of each are often in conflict. Serving God requires selflessness, faith, and a focus on spiritual matters, while serving money often leads to greed, selfishness, and materialism. The verse emphasizes the importance of making a clear choice about whom or what we prioritize in our lives. It challenges us to reflect on our commitments and the potential conflicts that arise when we try to balance competing interests. Ultimately, Jesus calls for undivided loyalty to God, warning that divided loyalties can lead to spiritual downfall and dissatisfaction.
How to apply Luke 16:13 to your life
To apply this teaching, evaluate your own priorities and commitments. Consider whether you are allowing material concerns to overshadow your relationship with God. Strive to focus on spiritual growth and generosity, ensuring that your actions reflect your devotion to God rather than to wealth.
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Keep studying Luke 16:13
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Key themes
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 16:13 mean?
Luke 16:13 means that a person cannot be fully loyal to both God and money. It highlights the conflict between spiritual devotion and material pursuits, emphasizing the need to choose one priority over the other.
What is the meaning of 'serve two masters' in Luke 16:13?
'Serve two masters' in Luke 16:13 refers to the impossibility of being completely committed to two conflicting authorities or priorities, specifically God and wealth. The verse warns that divided loyalty will lead to negative consequences.
How does Luke 16:13 apply to daily life?
Luke 16:13 applies to daily life by encouraging individuals to evaluate their priorities. It challenges people to ensure that their actions reflect a commitment to God rather than being driven by materialism or greed.
What does 'mammon' mean in Luke 16:13?
In Luke 16:13, 'mammon' refers to wealth or material possessions. It symbolizes the pursuit of money and the potential for it to become a competing priority against spiritual devotion.
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