Luke 16 10

Luke 16:10 kjv

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

Luke 16:10 nkjv

He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.

Luke 16:10 niv

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

Luke 16:10 esv

"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

Luke 16:10 nlt

"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities.

Luke 16 verses

Luke 16 10 Meaning

Luke 16:10 presents a profound principle concerning character and integrity, stating that a person's faithfulness or unfaithfulness is consistently revealed in both minor and significant matters. It teaches that one's attitude and actions in handling small, often overlooked, responsibilities or resources are a direct indicator of how they will handle larger, more substantial ones. This verse underscores that true righteousness, or its absence, is not compartmentalized but rather an intrinsic quality of the heart that permeates all aspects of life, serving as a critical assessment of spiritual trustworthiness.

Luke 16 10 Context

Luke 16:10 directly follows the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Lk 16:1-9), which describes a steward commended for his shrewdness in worldly affairs, though his methods were questionable. Jesus then shifts from this earthly prudence to heavenly principles. Verse 10, along with 16:11-12, functions as the moral application or interpretation of the preceding parable. It addresses the disciples (Lk 16:1), connecting their current handling of material possessions ("unrighteous mammon") with their future eternal rewards. The verse stands as a foundational principle establishing that spiritual integrity is not merely evident in grand gestures but consistently displayed in seemingly insignificant everyday actions and the management of material wealth, setting the stage for the warning against serving "mammon" instead of God (Lk 16:13) and the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk 16:19-31).

Luke 16 10 Word analysis

• He that is faithful:
  • Greek: Ho pistos (ὁ πιστός). Pistos means trustworthy, reliable, steadfast, believing. It emphasizes a consistent character of reliability and adherence to duty or promise.
  • Significance: It's not just about doing right sometimes, but being fundamentally a faithful person, a consistent state of being.
• in that which is least:
  • Greek: en elachistō (ἐν ἐλαχίστῳ). Elachistos is the superlative of oligos (small, few), meaning "least, very small, smallest, utterly insignificant."
  • Significance: This refers to seemingly minor, inconsequential matters or small amounts of responsibility or money. Jesus highlights that integrity is tested and revealed not just in major crises, but often more clearly in the mundane, unseen details of daily life. These are typically material possessions, tasks, or commitments that may appear unimportant to others.
• is faithful also in much:
  • Greek: kai en pollō pistos estin (καὶ ἐν πολλῷ πιστὸς ἐστίν). Pollō is "much, great quantity or extent."
  • Significance: This illustrates a principle of character scalability. Consistency in small things predicts consistency in large. God's economy of entrustment operates on this basis: proving oneself trustworthy with little earthly means God can entrust spiritual and eternal riches.
• he that is unjust:
  • Greek: Ho adikos (ὁ ἄδικος). Adikos means unrighteous, unjust, crooked, dishonest, unfair. It implies a moral deficiency and an absence of conformity to God's standards.
  • Significance: Contrasts sharply with "faithful." It describes a fundamental disposition of unrighteousness or a lack of integrity.
• is unjust also in much:
  • Greek: kai en pollō adikos estin (καὶ ἐν πολλῷ ἄδικος ἐστίν).
  • Significance: This shows the consistent nature of unrighteousness. Someone who cuts corners, lies, or defrauds in small matters will inevitably do the same given opportunities in greater ones. Small compromises erode integrity until greater sins seem natural.

Word-group analysis

• "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much": This phrase encapsulates a fundamental divine principle of evaluation and promotion. It implies that God observes and tests one's character in seemingly insignificant areas. Faithfulness here refers to trustworthiness and obedience to God's revealed will in everyday decisions, not just big spiritual acts. This includes handling time, talents, and resources God has given.
• "and he that is unjust in that which is least is unjust also in much": This counter-parallel stresses the insidious nature of small transgressions. A willingness to be dishonest, irresponsible, or disobedient in small matters reveals a corrupted character that will likewise manifest itself in more significant affairs if the opportunity arises. It underlines that moral inconsistency is self-deception; true character is seamlessly woven through all aspects of life.

Luke 16 10 Bonus section

This verse emphasizes the principle of consistency in character rather than the magnitude of the task. It dispels the myth that minor moral failings are insignificant. The Lord observes how one handles "little" (e.g., integrity in business dealings, keeping a promise to a child, tidying one's assigned space) as a test for "much" (e.g., leadership roles, significant spiritual responsibility, eternal rewards). The passage from 16:1 to 16:13 strongly suggests that earthly material wealth ("unrighteous mammon") is the primary example of "the least" here, making our financial stewardship a vital indicator of our spiritual faithfulness and trustworthiness to God. This principle transcends mere financial matters, encompassing integrity, commitment, and truthfulness in every sphere of life.

Luke 16 10 Commentary

Luke 16:10 serves as a crucial theological axiom about character. Jesus articulates that character is unified and consistent, manifesting uniformly regardless of the scale of the task or resource at hand. The "least" primarily refers to earthly possessions and seemingly mundane responsibilities, which Jesus uses as a proving ground for spiritual trustworthiness. How one manages limited time, meager talents, or modest finances, and how they relate to the simplest instructions or commands, reveals their true heart and preparedness for greater, eternal responsibilities. God doesn't entrust eternal "true riches" or "that which is your own" to someone who has demonstrated unfaithfulness in the transient, earthly "unrighteous mammon" or "another man's." This verse reminds believers that there's no such thing as "small" or "unimportant" areas in the Christian walk; every act, no matter how tiny, reflects our dedication to the Master. For example, diligently returning a borrowed item on time, meticulously fulfilling a small promise, or giving an honest hour of work for an hour's pay are "least" acts that demonstrate "faithfulness" and prepare one for greater divine assignments and responsibilities in God's kingdom.