New Testament
Luke 16:13
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 teaches that a person cannot be fully loyal to two different authorities or priorities.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
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."
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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.

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.
Unlock the full Luke summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.