New Testament

Luke 16:7

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this passage, a manager is interacting with a debtor who owes him a significant amount of wheat.

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

Then he asked another, 'And how much do you owe?' He said, '100 measures of wheat.' The manager told him, 'Take your bill and change it to 80.'

KJVKing James Version

Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, a manager is interacting with a debtor who owes him a significant amount of wheat. The manager, realizing he may lose his job, decides to reduce the debtor's bill from 100 measures to 80. This act of reducing the debt can be seen as a clever move to gain favor with the debtor, ensuring that he will have allies when he is dismissed. The manager's actions highlight themes of shrewdness and the use of resources wisely. It raises questions about ethics and the nature of financial dealings, as well as the importance of relationships in business. The manager's decision to forgive part of the debt reflects a strategic approach to his predicament, showing that sometimes, bending the rules can lead to better outcomes in the long run. This story encourages readers to think about how they handle their own resources and relationships, and the impact of their decisions on others. Explore related forgiveness.

How to apply Luke 16:7 to your life

This passage encourages us to be wise in our dealings with others, especially in financial matters. It reminds us that sometimes, showing kindness or forgiveness can lead to stronger relationships and better outcomes. We should consider how our actions affect those around us and strive to be fair and generous.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 16:7 mean?

Luke 16:7 describes a manager who reduces a debtor's bill from 100 measures of wheat to 80. This action reflects the manager's shrewdness in trying to secure favor with the debtor, highlighting themes of resource management and the importance of relationships in financial dealings.

What is the meaning of 'fourscore' in Luke 16:7?

In Luke 16:7, 'fourscore' means eighty. It is an old-fashioned way of saying the number 80, which is the amount the manager instructs the debtor to write on their bill.

What themes are present in Luke 16:7?

Key themes in Luke 16:7 include shrewdness, forgiveness, financial dealings, and the importance of relationships. The verse encourages readers to consider how their actions can impact their connections with others.

How can I apply Luke 16:7 to my life?

You can apply Luke 16:7 by being wise in your financial interactions and considering how acts of kindness or forgiveness can strengthen your relationships. It serves as a reminder to think about the long-term effects of your decisions on others.

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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