The Meaning of Luke 12:42 Explained

Luke 12:42

KJV: And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

YLT: And the Lord said, 'Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the lord shall set over his household, to give in season the wheat measure?

Darby: And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and prudent steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give the measure of corn in season?

ASV: And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall set over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  the Lord  said,  Who  then  is  that faithful  and  wise  steward,  whom  [his] lord  shall make ruler  over  his  household,  to give  [them their] portion of meat  in  due season? 

What does Luke 12:42 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Jesus answered Peter"s question with one of His own. The answer to it gave Peter the answer to his question. Obviously the faithful and sensible steward pictures a disciple. Jesus" question also taught that He would give such disciples authority over other servants of His in the future (i.e, in the kingdom). Evidently Jesus meant that faithful disciples would have authority over His other servants in the kingdom (cf. Luke 22:30; Matthew 19:28). It was common in Jesus" day for some servants to have authority over other servants within a household (cf. Matthew 18:21-35). Jesus was speaking of the leaders of His servants.

Context Summary

Luke 12:35-48 - Ever On The Watch
The Lord leads our thoughts on to His advent, when He will call His servants to account. The day may pass into the evening, the evening into the night, and the night may even begin to wear away to the morning, but the faithful servants keep their watch. Their loins are girt to serve, and the house is radiant with their trimmed lights. Presently He comes, and He raises His slaves to sit at His table! They are henceforth His friends-and His highly honored friends-whom He serves with His own hands. The grandeur of the reward seems to have been too much for Peter to grasp, Luke 12:41. Surely it couldn't be for all. Yes, said our Lord in effect, to all who are faithful to their possibilities and use their position and gifts for others.
How abrupt and awful the contrast in Luke 12:45-48! The greater our responsibility, the greater our condemnation, if we fail. Retribution is the inevitable penalty of infidelity to trust; but it will be precisely proportioned to our knowledge of the Lord's will. There are degrees or grades in retribution as in glory. [source]

Chapter Summary: Luke 12

1  Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy
13  and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns
22  We must not worry about earthly things,
31  but seek the kingdom of God;
33  give alms;
35  be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes
41  Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges,
49  and look for persecution
54  The people must take this time of grace;
57  because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation

Greek Commentary for Luke 12:42

Who then [τις αρα]
Jesus introduces this parable of the wise steward (Luke 12:42) by a rhetorical question that answers itself. Peter is this wise steward, each of the Twelve is, anyone is who acts thus. [source]
The faithful and wise steward [ο πιστος οικονομος ο προνιμος]
The faithful steward, the wise one. A steward is house manager Each man is a steward in his own responsibilities.Household (τεραπευω — therapeias). Literally, service from το σιτομετριον — therapeuō medical service as in Luke 9:11, by metonymy household (a body of those domestics who serve).Their portion of food Late word from τον σιτον μετρεω — sitometreō (Genesis 47:12) for the Attic ton siton metreō to measure the food, the rations. Here only in the N.T. or anywhere else till Deissmann (Bible Studies, p. 158) found it in an Egyptian papyrus and then an inscription in Lycia (Light from the Ancient East, p. 104). [source]
Household [τεραπευω]
Literally, service from το σιτομετριον — therapeuō medical service as in Luke 9:11, by metonymy household (a body of those domestics who serve). [source]
Their portion of food [σιτομετρεω]
Late word from τον σιτον μετρεω — sitometreō (Genesis 47:12) for the Attic ton siton metreō to measure the food, the rations. Here only in the N.T. or anywhere else till Deissmann (Bible Studies, p. 158) found it in an Egyptian papyrus and then an inscription in Lycia (Light from the Ancient East, p. 104). [source]
That faithful and wise steward []
Lit., that faithful steward, the wise man. [source]
Household [θεραπείας]
From its original meaning of waiting on, attendance (Luke 9:11), it comes to mean the retinue of attendants; the body of household servants. [source]
Portion of meat [σιτομέτριον]
Lit.,measure of food. [source]
In due season []
At the appointed time for distributing rations. See on Matthew 24:45. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 12:42

Luke 12:42 Who then [τις αρα]
Jesus introduces this parable of the wise steward (Luke 12:42) by a rhetorical question that answers itself. Peter is this wise steward, each of the Twelve is, anyone is who acts thus. [source]
Luke 12:44 Over all [επι πασιν]
See Matthew 24:47 for επι — epi with locative in this sense. Usually with genitive as in Luke 12:42 and sometimes with accusative as in Luke 12:14. [source]
Luke 12:41 Peter said [Ειπεν δε ο Πετρος]
This whole paragraph from verse 22-40 had been addressed directly to the disciples. Hence it is not surprising to find Peter putting in a question. This incident confirms also the impression that Luke is giving actual historical data in the environment of these discourses. He is certain that the Twelve are meant, but he desires to know if others are included, for he had spoken to the multitude in Luke 12:13-21. Recall Mark 13:37. This interruption is somewhat like that on the Mount of Transfiguration (Luke 9:33) and is characteristic of Peter. Was it the magnificent promise in Luke 12:37 that stirred Peter‘s impulsiveness? It is certainly more than a literary device of Luke. Peter‘s question draws out a parabolic reply by Jesus (Luke 12:42). [source]
Luke 16:1 Which had a steward [ος ηιχεν οικονομον]
Imperfect active, continued to have. Steward is house-manager or overseer of an estate as already seen in Luke 12:42.Was accused (διεβλητη — dieblēthē). First aorist indicative passive, of διαβαλλω — diaballō an old verb, but here only in the N.T. It means to throw across or back and forth, rocks or words and so to slander by gossip. The word implies malice even if the thing said is true. The word διαβολος — diabolos (slanderer) is this same root and it is used even of women, she-devils (1 Timothy 3:11).That he was wasting For the verb, see note on Luke 15:13. The use of ως — hōs with the participle is a fine Greek idiom for giving the alleged ground of a charge against one.His goods (τα υπαρχοντα αυτου — ta huparchonta autou). “His belongings,” a Lukan idiom. [source]
Romans 14:2 Herbs [λάχανα]
From λαχαίνω todig. Herbs grown on land cultivated by digging: garden-herbs, vegetables. See on Mark 4:32; see on Luke 12:42. [source]
Romans 16:23 Gaius my host [Γαιος ο χενος μου]
Perhaps the same Gaius of 1 Corinthians 1:14 (Acts 19:29; Acts 20:4), but whether the one of 3 John 1:1 we do not know. Χενος — Xenos was a guest friend, and then either a stranger (Matthew 25:35) or a host of strangers as here. This Gaius was plainly a man of some means as he was the host of all the church. Erastus (2 Timothy 4:20) was “the treasurer of the city” (ο οικονομος της πολεως — ho oikonomos tēs poleōs), one of the outstanding men of Corinth, the “steward” (house-manager) or city manager. See note on Luke 12:42 and note on Luke 16:1. He is probably the administrator of the city‘s property. [source]
1 Corinthians 9:17 A dispensation is committed unto me [οἰκονομίαν πεπίστυμαι]
Lit., I am entrusted with a stewardship. For a similar construction see Romans 3:2. Stewards belonged to the class of slaves. See Luke 12:42, Luke 12:43, and note οἰκονόμος stewardin Luke 12:42, and δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος thatbond-servant in Luke 12:43. Paul is not degrading the gospel ministry to a servile office. He is only using the word to illustrate a single point - the manner of his appointment. [source]
Galatians 4:2 Governors [οἰκονόμους]
Better stewards. Lat. dispensatores. More special than guardians, signifying those who had charge of the heir's property. See on Luke href="/desk/?q=lu+16:1&sr=1">Luke 16:1. In later Greek it was used in two special senses: 1. The slave whose duty it was to distribute the rations to the other slaves: so Luke 12:42. 2. The land-steward: so Luke 16:1. Comp. Romans 16:23, ὁ οἰκονόμος τῆς πόλεως , commonly rendered city-treasurer: A.V. chamberlain. In Lucian, Alex. 39, the Roman procurators, or fiscal administrators, are called Καίσαρος οἰκονόμοι ; comp. 1Esdr. 4:49; Esther 8:9. The dispensator in the Roman household had charge of the accounts and made the payments (see Cicero, ad Att. xi. 1; Juv. Sat i. 91). He was commonly a slave. Christian teachers are called “stewards of the mysteries of God” and “of the grace of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1; 1 Peter 4:10), as those who have received the counsels of God and impart them to men. A bishop or overseer is also called “a steward of God” (Titus 1:7). [source]
Galatians 4:2 Stewards [οικονομους]
Old word for manager of a household whether freeborn or slave. See note on Luke 12:42 and 1 Corinthians 4:2. Papyri show it as manager of an estate and also as treasurer like Romans 16:23. No example is known where this word is used of one in charge of a minor and no other where both occur together. Until the time appointed of the father (αχρι της προτεσμιας του πατρος — achri tēs prothesmias tou patros). Supply ημερας — hēmeras (day), for προτεσμιος — prothesmios is an old adjective “appointed beforehand” (προ τεσμος — proτιτημι — thesmos from tithēmi). Under Roman law the tutor had charge of the child till he was fourteen when the curator took charge of him till he was twenty-five. Ramsay notes that in Graeco-Phrygia cities the same law existed except that the father in Syria appointed both tutor and curator whereas the Roman father appointed only the tutor. Burton argues plausibly that no such legal distinction is meant by Paul, but that the terms here designate two functions of one person. The point does not disturb Paul‘s illustration at all. [source]
Hebrews 3:5 And Moses [και Μωυσης μεν]
“Now Moses indeed on his part” In Moses was in “God‘s house” “as a servant” Old word, in lxx, only here in N.T. and quoted from Numbers 12:7. Kin to the verb τεραπευω — therapeuō to serve, to heal, and τεραπεια — therapeia service (Luke 9:11) and a group of servants (Luke 12:42). For a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken Objective genitive of the articular future passive participle of λαλεω — laleō It is not certain what it means whether the “testimony” In contrast with Moses As a son Instead of a τεραπων — therapōn (servant). Over his house The difference between επι — epi and εν — en added to that between υιος — huios and τεραπων — therapōn It is very neat and quite conclusive, especially when we recall the high place occupied by Moses in Jewish thought. In Acts 7:11 the Jews accused Stephen of speaking “blasphemous words against Moses and God” (putting Moses on a par with God). [source]
Revelation 3:14 Faithful [πιστός]
The word occurs in the New Testament in two senses: trusty, faithful Matthew 24:45; Matthew 25:21, Matthew 25:23; Luke 12:42); and believing, confiding (John 20:27; Galatians 3:9; Acts 16:1). Of God, necessarily only in the former sense. [source]
Revelation 1:5 The faithful witness [ὁ μάρτυς ὁ πιστὸς]
For the phraseology see on 1 John 4:9. For witness, see on John 1:7; see on 1 Peter 5:1. As applied to the Messiah, see Psalm 89:37; Isaiah 55:4. The construction again departs from the grammatical rule. The words witness, first-born, ruler, are in the nominative case, instead of being in the genitive, in apposition with Jesus Christ. This construction, though irregular, nevertheless gives dignity and emphasis to these titles of the Lord. See on Revelation 1:4. The word πιστὸς , faithful is used (1), of one who shows Himself faithful in the discharge of a duty or the administration of a trust (Matthew 24:45; Luke 12:42). Hence, trustworthy (1 Corinthians 7:25; 2 Timothy 2:2). Of things that can be relied upon (1 Timothy 3:1; 2 Timothy 2:11). (2), Confiding; trusting; a believer (Galatians 3:9; Acts 16:1; 2 Corinthians 6:15; 1 Timothy 5:16). See on 1 John 1:9. The word is combined with ἀληθινός , true, genuine in Revelation 3:14; Revelation 19:11; Revelation 21:5; Revelation 22:6. Richard of St. Victor (cited by Trench) says: “A faithful witness, because He gave faithful testimony concerning all things which were to be testified to by Him in the world. A faithful witness, because whatever He heard from the Father, He faithfully made known to His disciples. A faithful witness, because He taught the way of God in truth, neither did He care for any one nor regard the person of men. A faithful witness, because He announced condemnation to the reprobate and salvation to the elect. A faithful witness, because He confirmed by miracles the truth which He taught in words. A faithful witness, because He denied not, even in death, the Father's testimony to Himself. A faithful witness, because He will give testimony in the day of judgment concerning the works of the good and of the evil.” [source]

What do the individual words in Luke 12:42 mean?

And said the Lord Who then is faithful manager [and] the wise whom will set master over the care [of servants] of him - to give [them] in season the measure of food
Καὶ εἶπεν Κύριος Τίς ἄρα ἐστὶν πιστὸς οἰκονόμος φρόνιμος ὃν καταστήσει κύριος ἐπὶ τῆς θεραπείας αὐτοῦ τοῦ διδόναι ἐν καιρῷ τὸ σιτομέτριον

εἶπεν  said 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: λέγω  
Sense: to speak, say.
Κύριος  Lord 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: κύριος  
Sense: he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord.
πιστὸς  faithful 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: πιστός  
Sense: trusty, faithful.
οἰκονόμος  manager 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: οἰκονόμος  
Sense: the manager of household or of household affairs.
  [and]  the 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
φρόνιμος  wise 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: φρόνιμος  
Sense: intelligent, wise.
ὃν  whom 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ὅς 
Sense: who, which, what, that.
καταστήσει  will  set 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: καθιστάνω 
Sense: to set, place, put.
κύριος  master 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: κύριος  
Sense: he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord.
ἐπὶ  over 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐπί  
Sense: upon, on, at, by, before.
θεραπείας  care  [of  servants] 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: θεραπεία 
Sense: service rendered by one to another.
αὐτοῦ  of  him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
διδόναι  to  give  [them] 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: διδῶ 
Sense: to give.
καιρῷ  season 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: καιρός  
Sense: due measure.
σιτομέτριον  measure  of  food 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: σιτομέτριον  
Sense: a measured ‘portion of’ grain or ‘food’.