KJV: And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
YLT: 'And the lord commended the unrighteous steward that he did prudently, because the sons of this age are more prudent than the sons of the light, in respect to their generation.
Darby: And the lord praised the unrighteous steward because he had done prudently. For the sons of this world are, for their own generation, more prudent than the sons of light.
ASV: And his lord commended the unrighteous steward because he had done wisely: for the sons of this world are for their own generation wiser than the sons of the light.
| ἐπῄνεσεν | praised |
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Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular Root: ἐπαινέω Sense: to approve, to praise. |
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| κύριος | master |
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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. |
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| οἰκονόμον | manager |
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Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular Root: οἰκονόμος Sense: the manager of household or of household affairs. |
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| τῆς | - |
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Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| ἀδικίας | unrighteous |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: ἀδικία Sense: injustice, of a judge. |
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| ὅτι | because |
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Parse: Conjunction Root: ὅτι Sense: that, because, since. |
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| φρονίμως | shrewdly |
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Parse: Adverb Root: φρονίμως Sense: prudently, wisely. |
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| ἐποίησεν | he had acted |
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Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular Root: ποιέω Sense: to make. |
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| υἱοὶ | sons |
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Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Plural Root: υἱός Sense: a son. |
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| τοῦ | of the |
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Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| αἰῶνος | age |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular Root: αἰών Sense: for ever, an unbroken age, perpetuity of time, eternity. |
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| τούτου | this |
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Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Genitive Masculine Singular Root: οὗτος Sense: this. |
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| φρονιμώτεροι | more shrewd |
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Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Plural, Comparative Root: φρόνιμος Sense: intelligent, wise. |
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| ὑπὲρ | than |
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Parse: Preposition Root: ὑπέρ Sense: in behalf of, for the sake of. |
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| υἱοὺς | sons |
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Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural Root: υἱός Sense: a son. |
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| τοῦ | of the |
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Parse: Article, Genitive Neuter Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| φωτὸς | light |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular Root: φῶς Sense: light. |
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| γενεὰν | generation |
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Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular Root: γενεά Sense: fathered, birth, nativity. |
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| τὴν | - |
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Parse: Article, Accusative Feminine Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| ἑαυτῶν | of themselves |
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Parse: Reflexive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural Root: ἑαυτοῦ Sense: himself, herself, itself, themselves. |
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Greek Commentary for Luke 16:8
The steward‘s lord praised him though he himself had been wronged again (see Luke 16:1 “wasting his goods”). [source]
Literally, the steward of unrighteousness. The genitive is the case of genus, species, the steward distinguished by unrighteousness as his characteristic. See “the mammon of unrighteousness” in Luke 16:9. See “the forgetful hearer” in James 1:25. It is a vernacular idiom common to Hebrew, Aramaic, and the Koiné.Wisely (προνιμως phronimōs). An old adverb, though here alone in the N.T. But the adjective προνιμος phronimos from which it comes occurs a dozen times as in Matthew 10:16. It is from προνεω phroneō and that from πρην phrēn the mind (1 Corinthians 14:20), the discerning intellect. Perhaps “shrewdly” or “discreetly” is better here than “wisely.” The lord does not absolve the steward from guilt and he was apparently dismissed from his service. His shrewdness consisted in finding a place to go by his shrewdness. He remained the steward of unrighteousness even though his shrewdness was commended.For Probably by this second οτι hoti Jesus means to say that he cites this example of shrewdness because it illustrates the point. “This is the moral of the whole parable. Men of the world in their dealings with men like themselves are more prudent than the children of light in their intercourse with one another” (Plummer). We all know how stupid Christians can be in their co-operative work in the kingdom of God, to go no further.Wiser than (προνιμωτεροι υπερ phronimōteroi huper). Shrewder beyond, a common Greek idiom. [source]
An old adverb, though here alone in the N.T. But the adjective προνιμος phronimos from which it comes occurs a dozen times as in Matthew 10:16. It is from προνεω phroneō and that from πρην phrēn the mind (1 Corinthians 14:20), the discerning intellect. Perhaps “shrewdly” or “discreetly” is better here than “wisely.” The lord does not absolve the steward from guilt and he was apparently dismissed from his service. His shrewdness consisted in finding a place to go by his shrewdness. He remained the steward of unrighteousness even though his shrewdness was commended. [source]
Probably by this second οτι hoti Jesus means to say that he cites this example of shrewdness because it illustrates the point. “This is the moral of the whole parable. Men of the world in their dealings with men like themselves are more prudent than the children of light in their intercourse with one another” (Plummer). We all know how stupid Christians can be in their co-operative work in the kingdom of God, to go no further.Wiser than (προνιμωτεροι υπερ phronimōteroi huper). Shrewder beyond, a common Greek idiom. [source]
Shrewder beyond, a common Greek idiom. [source]
Of the steward. Rev., properly, “his lord.” [source]
Admiring his shrewdness, though he himself was defrauded. [source]
Lit., steward of injustice. See on forgetful hearer, James 1:25; and compare words of grace, Luke 4:22; unjust judge, Luke 18:6; son of his love, Colossians 1:13; lust of uncleanness, 2 Peter 2:10. The idiom is a Hebrew one. The phrase expresses Jesus' judgment on what the steward's master praised. [source]
See on Matthew 10:16. Wyc., prudently. I would suggest shrewdly, though in the modern sense of sagaciously, since the earlier sense of shrewd was malicious, or wicked. Plato says: “All knowledge separated from righteousness and other virtue appears to be cunning and not wisdom. ” In Matthew 7:24-26, it is applied to the sagacious man who built his house on the rock, opposed to the foolish ( μωρός ) man who built on the sand. “It is a middle term, not bringing out prominently the moral characteristics, either good or evil, of the action to which it is applied, but recognizing in it a skilful adaptation of the means to the end - affirming nothing in the way of moral approbation or disapprobation, either of means or end, but leaving their worth to be determined by other considerations” (Trench, “Parables”). [source]
The A. V. misses the point, following Wyc. Lit., in reference to their own generation; i.e., the body of the children of this world to which they belong, and are kindred. They are shrewd in dealing with their own kind; since, as is shown in the parable, where the debtors were accomplices of the steward they are all alike unscrupulous. Tynd., in their kind. [source]
Lit., sons of the light. The men of the world make their intercourse with one another more profitable than the sons of light do their intercourse with their own kind. The latter “forget to use God's goods to form bonds of love to the contemporaries who share their character” (Godet); forget to “make friends of the mammon,” etc. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 16:8
A favourite Hebrew idiom like “son of hell” (Matthew 23:15), “sons of this age” (Luke 16:8). The Jews felt that they had a natural right to the privileges of the kingdom because of descent from Abraham (Matthew 3:9). But mere natural birth did not bring spiritual sonship as the Baptist had taught before Jesus did. [source]
Lit.,the judge of injustice. See on Luke 16:8. [source]
The same idiom as in Luke 16:8, steward of injustice. Compare unrighteous mammon, Luke 16:11. Mammon should be spelt with one m. It is a Chaldee word, meaning riches. It occurs only in this chapter and at Matthew 6:24. “Of the mammon” is, literally, by means of. In the phrase of unrighteousness, there is implied no condemnation of property as such; but it is styled unrighteous, or belonging to unrighteousness, because it is the characteristic and representative object and delight and desire of the selfish and unrighteous world: their love of it being a root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Wyc., the riches of wickedness. [source]
Wyc.,prudence. This is a lower word than σοφία ,wisdom (see on James 3:13). It is an attribute or result of wisdom, and not necessarily in a good sense, though mostly so in the New Testament. Compare, however, the use of the kindred word φρόνιμος in Romans 11:25; Romans 12:16: wise in your own conceits; and the adverb φρονίμως ,wisely, of the unjust steward, Luke 16:8. It ispractical intelligence, which may or may not be applied to good ends. Appropriate here as a practical term corresponding to disobedient. [source]
The judge of unrighteousness (marked by unrighteousness), as in Luke 16:8 we have “the steward of unrighteousness,” the same idiom. [source]
That is, “believe in me as the Messiah” (John 8:12; John 9:5). That ye may become sons of light Purpose clause with ινα hina and second aorist subject of γινομαι ginomai to become. They were not “sons of light,” a Hebrew idiom (cf. John 17:12; Luke 16:8 with the contrast), an idiom used by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:5; Ephesians 5:8. It is equivalent to “enlightened men” (Bernard) and Jesus called his disciples the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Hid himself from them Second aorist passive indicative of κρυπτω kruptō late form (in lxx) for old εκρυπη ekruphē “was hidden from them,” as in John 8:59. This part of John 12:36 begins a new paragraph. [source]
See on wisdom, Luke 1:17; see on wisely, Luke 16:8. The warning against the sacrificial feasts and the allusion in 1 Corinthians 10:3suggest the eucharistic feast. An act of worship is sacramental, as bringing the worshipper into communion with the unseen. Hence he who practices idolatry is in communion with demons (1 Corinthians 10:20), as he who truly partakes of the Eucharist is in communion with Christ. But the two things are incompatible (1 Corinthians 10:21). In citing the Eucharist he appeals to them as intelligent (wise) men, concerning a familiar practice. [source]
More correctly, sons of light. See on Mark 3:17, and comp. Luke 16:8; John 12:36; Ephesians 5:8; Colossians 1:12. The Christian condition is habitually associated in N.T. with light: see Matthew 5:14, Matthew 5:16; John 3:21; John 8:12; Acts 26:18; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 1:7. The contrary condition with darkness: see John 3:19, John 3:20; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Peter 2:9; Matthew 4:16; Matthew 6:23, etc. [source]
Chiefly a translation Hebraism (Deissmann, Bible Studies, pp. 161ff.). Cf. words of Jesus in Luke 16:8 and Paul in Ephesians 5:9. He repeats the same idea in turning from “ye” to “we” and using νυκτος nuktos (night) and σκοτους skotous (darkness), predicate genitives. [source]
That just quoted about the promise of rest and God‘s rest, but true of any real word of God. Living Cf. the Living God (Hebrews 3:12). In Philo and the Book of Wisdom the Logos of God is personified, but still more in John 1:1-18 where Jesus is pictured as the Logos on a par with God. “Our author is using Philonic language rather than Philonic ideas” (Moffatt). See John 6:63: “The words which I have spoken are spirit and are life.” Active Energetic, powerful (John 1:12; Philemon 3:21; Colossians 1:29). Sharper Comparative of τομος tomos cutting (from τεμνω temnō to cut), late adjective, here only in the N.T. Than Often so after a comparative (Luke 16:8; 2 Corinthians 12:13). Two-edged “Two-mouthed” Present middle participle of αχρι μερισμου diikneomai old verb to go through, here only in N.T. Even to the dividing Old word from μερος merizō As in 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 15:45, but not an argument for trichotomy. Psychology is constantly changing its terminology. Of both joints and marrow From αρμος arō to join, comes Μυελος harmos old word, here only in the N.T. μυω Muelos (from κριτικος muō to shut), old word, here only in N.T. This surgeon goes into and through the joints and marrow, not cleaving between them. Quick to discern Verbal adjective in -κρινω ikos from εντυμησεων και εννοιων καρδιας krinō skilled in judging, as the surgeon has to be and able to decide on the instant what to do. So God‘s word like his eye sees the secret lurking doubt and unbelief “of the thoughts and intents of the heart” The surgeon carries a bright and powerful light for every dark crevice and a sharp knife for the removal of all the pus revealed by the light. It is a powerful picture here drawn. [source]
In contrast with the true prophets just pictured in 2 Peter 1:20. Late compound in lxx and Philo, common in N.T. (Matthew 7:15). Allusion to the O.T. times like Balaam and others (Jeremiah 6:13; Jeremiah 28:9; Ezekiel 13:9).False teachers (πσευδοδιδασκαλοι pseudodidaskaloi). Late and rare compound (πσευδησ διδασκαλος pseudēsεσονται didaskalos) here alone in N.T. Peter pictures them as in the future here (εισιν esontai shall be) and again as already present (επλανητησαν eisin are, 2 Peter 2:17), or in the past (παρεισαχουσιν eplanēthēsan they went astray, 2 Peter 2:15).Shall privily bring in Future active of παρεισαγω pareisagō late double compound εισαγω pareisagō to bring in Descriptive genitive, “heresies of destruction” (marked by destruction) as in Luke 16:8. αιρεω Hairesis (from αρνουμενοι haireō) is simply a choosing, a school, a sect like that of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), of the Pharisees (Acts 15:5), and of Christians as Paul admitted (Acts 24:5). These “tenets” (Galatians 5:20) led to destruction.Denying Present middle participle of και τον δεσποτην arneomai This the Gnostics did, the very thing that Peter did, alas (Matthew 26:70) even after Christ‘s words (Matthew 10:33).Even the Master (τον αγορασαντα αυτους kai ton despotēn). Old word for absolute master, here of Christ as in Judges 1:4, and also of God (Acts 4:24). Without the evil sense in our “despot.”That bought them First aorist active articular participle of λυτροω agorazō same idea with ταχινην απωλειαν lutroō in 1 Peter 1:18. These were professing Christians, at any rate, these heretics.Swift destruction (ταχινην tachinēn apōleian). See 2 Peter 1:14 for απωλειαν tachinēn and note repetition of επαγοντες apōleian This is always the tragedy of such false prophets, the fate that they bring on (epagontes) themselves. [source]
Descriptive genitive, “heresies of destruction” (marked by destruction) as in Luke 16:8. αιρεω Hairesis (from αρνουμενοι haireō) is simply a choosing, a school, a sect like that of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), of the Pharisees (Acts 15:5), and of Christians as Paul admitted (Acts 24:5). These “tenets” (Galatians 5:20) led to destruction. [source]
Future active of παρεισαγω pareisagō late double compound εισαγω pareisagō to bring in Descriptive genitive, “heresies of destruction” (marked by destruction) as in Luke 16:8. αιρεω Hairesis (from αρνουμενοι haireō) is simply a choosing, a school, a sect like that of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), of the Pharisees (Acts 15:5), and of Christians as Paul admitted (Acts 24:5). These “tenets” (Galatians 5:20) led to destruction.Denying Present middle participle of και τον δεσποτην arneomai This the Gnostics did, the very thing that Peter did, alas (Matthew 26:70) even after Christ‘s words (Matthew 10:33).Even the Master (τον αγορασαντα αυτους kai ton despotēn). Old word for absolute master, here of Christ as in Judges 1:4, and also of God (Acts 4:24). Without the evil sense in our “despot.”That bought them First aorist active articular participle of λυτροω agorazō same idea with ταχινην απωλειαν lutroō in 1 Peter 1:18. These were professing Christians, at any rate, these heretics.Swift destruction (ταχινην tachinēn apōleian). See 2 Peter 1:14 for απωλειαν tachinēn and note repetition of επαγοντες apōleian This is always the tragedy of such false prophets, the fate that they bring on (epagontes) themselves. [source]