Matthew 24:47 kjv
Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
Matthew 24:47 nkjv
Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.
Matthew 24:47 niv
Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
Matthew 24:47 esv
Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
Matthew 24:47 nlt
I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.
Matthew 24 47 Cross References
Verse | Text | Reference |
---|---|---|
Mt 25:21 | His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ | Reward for faithfulness in small things. |
Lk 12:44 | Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. | Direct parallel to this verse. |
Lk 19:17 | And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ | Authority granted for faithfulness. |
Lk 19:19 | And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ | Authority based on degree of faithfulness. |
Rev 2:26-27 | The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron... | Shared authority in Christ's kingdom. |
Rev 3:21 | The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. | Co-reigning with Christ. |
2 Tim 2:12 | if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; | Co-reigning as a result of endurance. |
Lk 22:29-30 | as my Father appointed a kingdom for me, so do I appoint for you that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. | Disciples promised kingdom and authority. |
1 Pet 5:4 | And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. | Reward for faithful pastoring/stewardship. |
2 Pet 1:11 | For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. | Rich entrance into God's kingdom for the diligent. |
Dan 7:14 | And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom... | Christ's ultimate reign (example for shared rule). |
Dan 7:27 | The kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High... | Saints receiving dominion. |
1 Cor 4:2 | Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. | Foundation of stewardship. |
Heb 3:5-6 | Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to bear witness to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful as a Son over his own house. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence... | Faithfulness in God's household. |
Heb 11:6 | And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. | God's nature as a rewarder. |
Mt 24:46 | Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. | The context of finding faithfulness upon return. |
Ps 127:3 | Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. | God's giving nature and reward (general). |
Prov 28:20 | A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. | Blessings upon the faithful. |
Neh 13:13 | And I appointed as treasurers over the storehouses Shelemiah the priest...for they were considered reliable, and their duty was to distribute to their brothers. | Reliability as a basis for stewardship. |
Lk 16:10-12 | 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. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? | Principle of faithfulness leading to greater trust. |
Matthew 24 verses
Matthew 24 47 Meaning
Matthew 24:47 states the definitive reward for the faithful and wise servant in the parable: the master will entrust him with supreme authority over all his property. This signifies profound recognition, honor, and a significant share in the master's dominion. It reveals that diligent, consistent, and wise stewardship in the master's absence will culminate in abundant recompense and exalted status in the master's kingdom.
Matthew 24 47 Context
Matthew 24 is part of Jesus's eschatological discourse, also known as the Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives to His disciples. The chapter primarily addresses their questions regarding the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age. Following a description of tribulations and cosmic signs, Jesus pivots to parables emphasizing the necessity of watchfulness, readiness, and faithful stewardship while awaiting His return.
Verses 45-51 present the parable of the faithful and wise servant in contrast with the wicked servant. This specific parable illustrates the two potential outcomes for those entrusted with responsibilities in the Master's absence. Verse 47 serves as the climactic promise of reward for the diligent and prepared servant, directly contrasting with the condemnation awaiting the neglectful and oppressive servant described in subsequent verses. The cultural backdrop is that of a master appointing a steward (oikonomos
) to manage the entire household or estate during prolonged absences, a position of immense trust and responsibility in ancient households.
Matthew 24 47 Word analysis
- Truly (Ἀμὴν - Amen): A Greek transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning "so be it," "certainly," or "it is true." When Jesus prefaces a statement with "Truly" (Amen), it serves as a strong affirmation, underscoring the absolute certainty, authority, and divine truth of what follows. It emphasizes that this is not a mere possibility but a divine decree.
- I say to you (λέγω ὑμῖν - legō hymin): Signifies Jesus's personal, direct declaration, carrying the weight of His divine authority as the Messiah. It highlights that these are His words, bearing divine truth for His listeners then and now.
- he will set him (καταστήσει αὐτόν - katastēsei auton): From the verb
kathistēmi
, meaning to appoint, establish, or put in charge. It implies a deliberate, authoritative, and formal act of designation. The master doesn't just tolerate the servant but formally establishes him in a position of authority and oversight. The future tense emphasizes the certain future reward. - over all (ἐπὶ πᾶσιν - epi pasin): The preposition
epi
here means "over" or "in charge of," andpasin
(all things/all possessions) indicates comprehensive and universal authority within the master's domain. This is not partial oversight but complete management, signifying a position of immense trust and power. - his possessions (τοῖς ὑπάρχουσιν αὐτοῦ - tois hyparchousin autou): Refers to all the master's wealth, property, and assets. In the context of the parable, it's literal. Allegorically, it can represent the vast spiritual inheritance, eternal rewards, responsibilities, and even a shared rule in God's coming kingdom, extending beyond mere material benefits.
Word-groups by word-groups analysis:
- "Truly, I say to you": This solemn pronouncement emphasizes the divine certainty and binding nature of Jesus's promise. It calls for undivided attention to the profound truth about to be revealed regarding reward for faithfulness.
- "he will set him over": This phrase underlines the master's decisive action to elevate the servant. It is an act of deliberate appointment and empowerment, not a passive acceptance, highlighting the honor and trust bestowed upon the faithful steward.
- "all his possessions": This denotes an astounding scope of authority and responsibility. It speaks of full entrustment, where the faithful servant gains stewardship over the entirety of the master's wealth, not merely a segment. This implies sharing in the master's dominion and glory.
Matthew 24 47 Bonus section
The reward described in Matthew 24:47 highlights a key principle throughout Scripture: faithfulness in lesser things prepares one for greater things (Lk 16:10). The steward’s initial task was to provide food at the proper time—a specific, humble, yet crucial responsibility. His reward is to govern all the master’s assets, illustrating an exponential increase in responsibility and honor directly proportionate to his proved trustworthiness. This speaks not merely to material wealth, but spiritual dominion, influence, and the actual sharing in Christ's authority in His coming kingdom. The contrast with the wicked servant in the subsequent verses further amplifies this reward, showing the stark consequence of negligence: eternal condemnation instead of eternal exaltation. The anticipation of this comprehensive reward provides a robust theological foundation for sustained watchfulness and devoted service.
Matthew 24 47 Commentary
Matthew 24:47 provides a powerful statement about the principle of divine reward for diligent faithfulness. It stands as a pinnacle promise within the Olivet Discourse, encouraging believers to maintain readiness and responsibility in anticipation of Christ's return. The faithful and wise servant, who properly cares for the master's household and dispenses food at the proper time, symbolizes a believer actively serving God and others according to the gifts and responsibilities given, consistently and with wisdom.
The promise of being "set him over all his possessions" goes far beyond a simple promotion. It speaks of a profound increase in trust, responsibility, and authority within the Master's eternal kingdom. This is not merely an earthly reward but a participation in the Lord's own glory and rule. It suggests that fidelity in earthly, limited stewardship is directly correlated with receiving far greater responsibilities and a co-regency with Christ in the age to come. This truth profoundly motivates faithful living, transforming everyday duties into acts of eternal significance, knowing that every act of obedience is observed and will be greatly rewarded by the returning Master.
- Examples: A person diligently serving in their local church with their small gift of hospitality, consistently and joyfully, will find themselves entrusted with greater spiritual responsibility. An individual faithful in managing limited financial resources for God's glory on earth will be given access to "true riches" and significant influence in the eternal kingdom.