Luke 12 42

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?

Luke 12:42 nkjv

And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?

Luke 12:42 niv

The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?

Luke 12:42 esv

And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?

Luke 12:42 nlt

And the Lord replied, "A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them.

Luke 12 verses

Luke 12 42 Meaning

Luke 12:42 presents a rhetorical question posed by Jesus, emphasizing the qualities of a faithful and wise steward who is entrusted by their master with significant responsibilities. It introduces the parable of the faithful and unfaithful servant, illustrating the profound accountability that comes with leadership and management, particularly within the context of God's Kingdom. The core message underscores the need for discerning and timely provision of spiritual and practical needs to those under one's care, in anticipation of the master's unexpected return and subsequent judgment. It speaks to both individual and collective responsibility for spiritual truth and physical provision.

Luke 12 42 Context

Luke 12:42 immediately follows Peter's question to Jesus in verse 41: "Lord, are you telling this parable to us or to everyone?" Jesus's response in verse 42 introduces the parable of the faithful and unfaithful steward, clarifying that the preceding teaching on vigilance and readiness (Luke 12:35-40) applies with particular intensity to those in positions of responsibility within His household (the church, the people of God). This entire section (12:35-48) focuses on the urgency of being prepared for the Son of Man's return and the accountability of those entrusted with God's resources and people. It flows from Jesus's earlier warnings against materialism (the rich fool parable) and anxiety, shifting the focus to the practical implications of awaiting the Kingdom. Historically, a "steward" (οἰκονόμος, oikonomos) was a highly trusted servant, often a slave, who managed the master's entire estate, household, and often the other servants. They held considerable power and responsibility, making their faithfulness and prudence critical to the welfare of the household.

Luke 12 42 Word analysis

• Who then (Τίς ἄρα, Tis ara): A rhetorical question in Greek, not necessarily expecting a direct answer, but rather posing a challenge or suggesting the difficulty of finding such a person. It points to the specific nature and demanding requirements of the role being described. It highlights the rare and crucial combination of virtues.
• is (ἐστιν, estin): Present tense, indicating a continuous state or character. This isn't about a one-time act but an ongoing characteristic.
• faithful (πιστός, pistos): Rooted in faith (πίστις, pistis). It means trustworthy, reliable, steadfast, constant, and loyal. It implies not just believing in God but being true to God and His commission. For a steward, this means honesty, integrity, and diligence in handling the master's affairs. This virtue is primary.
• and wise (καὶ φρόνιμος, kai phronimos): Practical wisdom, discernment, prudence, or common sense. This isn't theoretical knowledge (sophos) but practical intelligence applied to daily living and decision-making. A "wise" steward makes judicious decisions about when, how, and what to provide, adapting to circumstances. It's the ability to act prudently and thoughtfully for the master's best interest.
• steward (οἰκονόμος, oikonomos): Literally "house-manager" (from oikos meaning "house" and nemos meaning "to manage" or "distribute"). This term describes someone entrusted with authority and management over another's possessions, household, or business affairs. In the New Testament, it often refers to those appointed by God to manage spiritual affairs, His people, and His resources (e.g., church leaders, every believer managing their gifts).
• whom (ὃν, hon): Direct object pronoun, referring back to the steward.
• his master (ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ, ho Kyrios autou): Refers to the Lord, the owner. In this parable, "master" is a clear reference to God/Christ. The authority and mandate of the steward come from the master alone.
• will set over (καταστήσει, katastēsei): Future tense, active voice. Means to appoint, establish, or put someone in charge. It denotes deliberate selection and installation into a position of authority and responsibility. The appointment is by the master, not self-proclaimed.
• his household (τῆς θεραπείας αὐτοῦ, tēs therapeias autou): Here, therapeia refers to the household, retinue, or servants that belong to the master, the collective body under the steward's care. It can also imply "service" or "healing," which highlights the caring aspect of the steward's duty—they are there to minister to and nurture those under their charge.
• to give them (τοῦ διδόναι αὐτοῖς, tou didonai autois): Expresses purpose: "for the purpose of giving them." The core duty is provision.
• their portion of food (τροφήν, trophēn): Simply "food" or sustenance. Metaphorically, in a spiritual context, this implies spiritual nourishment, instruction, wisdom, and the truths of the Gospel, as well as practical care.
• at the proper time (ἐν καιρῷ, en kairō): Crucial phrase. Kairos refers to the opportune or fitting time, the right season, a strategic moment, rather than just chronological time (chronos). A wise steward understands when to provide certain things and what is appropriate for the needs of the moment. This speaks to discernment and responsiveness to the varying needs of the "household."

Words-group Analysis

• "faithful and wise steward": This is the core character combination. "Faithful" ensures loyalty and truthfulness to the Master, adhering to His will without deviation. "Wise" ensures the practical application of this faithfulness, involving discernment and skill in management. Without both, the stewardship is deficient. Faith without wisdom can be zealous but misguided; wisdom without faithfulness can be effective but self-serving.
• "whom his master will set over his household": This phrase highlights divine appointment and delegated authority. The steward's position is not self-appointed but divinely ordained. The "household" refers to God's people, His church, or even creation itself. This underscores the vast responsibility given by God.
• "to give them their portion of food at the proper time": This defines the primary function. "Giving food" represents both physical provision and, more importantly in this context, spiritual sustenance (e.g., teaching God's Word, pastoring, guiding). "At the proper time" emphasizes discerning the specific needs and seasons of those being served, delivering truth, comfort, or challenge as necessary, demonstrating genuine care and prudence. This goes beyond mere distribution; it requires insightful application.

Luke 12 42 Bonus section

The concept of oikonomia (stewardship) extends far beyond individual church leaders. The Apostle Paul often uses this term to refer to his own God-given commission to preach the Gospel (e.g., 1 Cor 9:17; Eph 3:2; Col 1:25), underscoring that all those who proclaim the Word of God are operating under a divine trust. This broadens the application of Luke 12:42 to include anyone entrusted with sharing or living out the Gospel. Furthermore, the "portion of food" can be seen eschatologically, referring not only to the immediate spiritual nourishment but also the preparation of God's people for the coming Kingdom, ensuring they are ready to partake in the ultimate banquet. The "wise" steward helps others be ready for the Master's glorious arrival. This parable's placement after Jesus's teachings on detachment from worldly anxiety and readiness for the end times connects prudent stewardship directly to an eschatological mindset, prompting His followers to live with divine purpose and urgency.

Luke 12 42 Commentary

Luke 12:42 serves as a pivotal statement by Jesus, answering Peter's question by highlighting the profound responsibility of leadership within the Kingdom of God. It presents an ideal portrait of those entrusted with authority and care over God's people and resources: the "faithful and wise steward." This individual is not merely a caretaker but a discerning manager who consistently and reliably provides necessary "food"—both material and spiritual nourishment—to the "household" (God's people) precisely when it is needed.

The emphasis on both "faithfulness" and "wisdom" is crucial. Faithfulness speaks to integrity, loyalty, and unwavering adherence to the Master's will and purpose. It is the bedrock of trust. Wisdom, here, is practical prudence (phronimos), enabling the steward to make sound, timely decisions that benefit the entire household. It's the skill to assess needs, distribute resources appropriately, and guide the people under care effectively. This wisdom is discerning, knowing the opportune kairos for intervention, instruction, or provision.

This verse applies to all who are in positions of responsibility, whether spiritual leaders (pastors, teachers), parents, employers, or even individual believers managing their gifts and callings. Every believer is a steward of something God has given—time, talents, spiritual gifts, finances, influence. The expectation is universal: that God's resources be used wisely and faithfully for the benefit of His "household," particularly in light of His unexpected return. The implications are clear: severe accountability awaits those who neglect or abuse their entrusted responsibilities (as elaborated in the subsequent verses 43-48). It is a call to diligent, discerning service motivated by anticipation of the Master's commendation.

Examples:

• A pastor diligently studying and teaching the Bible, ensuring his flock receives relevant spiritual nourishment that addresses their current needs.
• A parent discipling their children by imparting Godly principles and guiding them through life's challenges with wisdom.
• A small group leader providing encouragement and spiritual challenge tailored to the individuals in their group.