New Testament

Luke 16:6

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, a manager is interacting with a debtor who owes him a significant amount of oil, specifically 100 measures.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

The man answered, '100 measures of oil.' The manager told him, 'Here, take your bill, sit down right now, and change it to 50.'

KJVKing James Version

And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, a manager is interacting with a debtor who owes him a significant amount of oil, specifically 100 measures. Instead of demanding the full payment, the manager instructs the debtor to quickly reduce the bill to 50 measures. This action reflects the manager's shrewdness and willingness to forgive part of the debt, possibly to gain favor with the debtor or to secure a better relationship. The context of this story is about the use of resources and the importance of being wise in financial dealings. The manager's decision to cut the debt shows a strategic approach to handling difficult situations, emphasizing the value of mercy and negotiation. This verse is part of a larger parable that teaches about stewardship and the right use of wealth, encouraging listeners to consider how they manage their own resources and relationships. Explore related forgiveness.

How to apply Luke 16:6 to your life

This verse encourages us to be wise and strategic in our financial dealings. It reminds us of the importance of mercy and forgiveness in our relationships. We can apply this by being generous and understanding when others owe us, fostering goodwill and stronger connections.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 16:6 mean?

Luke 16:6 describes a manager who reduces a debtor's bill from 100 measures of oil to 50. This act demonstrates the manager's cleverness and willingness to forgive part of the debt, highlighting themes of mercy and strategic financial management.

What is the meaning of the phrase '100 measures of oil' in Luke 16:6?

The phrase '100 measures of oil' refers to the amount of oil the debtor owes. It signifies a significant debt, which the manager chooses to reduce, illustrating the concepts of forgiveness and negotiation in financial matters.

How does Luke 16:6 relate to financial wisdom?

Luke 16:6 illustrates financial wisdom through the manager's decision to cut the debt, suggesting that being strategic and forgiving in financial matters can lead to better relationships and outcomes.

What lessons can we learn from Luke 16:6?

From Luke 16:6, we learn the importance of being shrewd and merciful in our financial interactions. It encourages us to consider how we manage debts and relationships, promoting generosity and understanding.

The Book of Luke
Book Summary

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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