Matthew 24:45
New International Version
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?

New Living Translation
“A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them.

English Standard Version
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?

Berean Standard Bible
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time?

Berean Literal Bible
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has set over his household, to give to them the food in season?

King James Bible
Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

New King James Version
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?

New American Standard Bible
“Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household slaves, to give them their food at the proper time?

NASB 1995
“Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?

NASB 1977
“Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?

Legacy Standard Bible
“Who then is the faithful and prudent slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?

Amplified Bible
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant whom his master has put in charge of his household to give the others [in the house] their food and supplies at the proper time?

Christian Standard Bible
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give them food at the proper time?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Who then is a faithful and sensible slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give them food at the proper time?

American Standard Version
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season?

Contemporary English Version
Who are faithful and wise servants? Who are the ones the master will put in charge of giving the other servants their food supplies at the proper time?

English Revised Version
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Who, then, is the faithful and wise servant? The master will put that person in charge of giving the other servants their food at the right time.

Good News Translation
"Who, then, is a faithful and wise servant? It is the one that his master has placed in charge of the other servants to give them their food at the proper time.

International Standard Version
"Who, then, is the faithful and wise servant whom his master has put in charge of his household to give the others their food at the right time?

Majority Standard Bible
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time?

NET Bible
"Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their food at the proper time?

New Heart English Bible
"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season?

Webster's Bible Translation
Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?

Weymouth New Testament
"Who therefore is the loyal and intelligent servant to whom his master has entrusted the control of his household to give them their rations at the appointed time?

World English Bible
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Who, then, is the servant, faithful and wise, whom his lord set over his household, to give them the nourishment in season?

Berean Literal Bible
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has set over his household, to give to them the food in season?

Young's Literal Translation
'Who, then, is the servant, faithful and wise, whom his lord did set over his household, to give them the nourishment in season?

Smith's Literal Translation
Who then is the faithful and discerning servant, which his lord set over his attendance, to give them food in due season.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who, thinkest thou, is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath appointed over his family, to give them meat in season.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Consider this: who is a faithful and prudent servant, who has been appointed by his lord over his family, to give them their portion in due time?

New American Bible
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time?

New Revised Standard Version
“Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord has appointed over his household, to give them food in due time?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Who then is the servant who is faithful and wise, whom his Lord has appointed over the children of his household, to give them food in his time?
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Who then is that faithful and wise servant, whom his master has made ruler over his household servants, to give them their food in due time?

Godbey New Testament
Then who is the faithful and wise servant, whom the lord placed over his household to give them their food in season?

Haweis New Testament
Who then is the faithful and provident servant, whom his Lord hath appointed over his household, to give them meat in the proper time?

Mace New Testament
If then there be a servant, appointed by his master to take care of his family, who faithfully and prudently distributes their allowance according to the establishment: happy is the servant,

Weymouth New Testament
"Who therefore is the loyal and intelligent servant to whom his master has entrusted the control of his household to give them their rations at the appointed time?

Worrell New Testament
"Who, then, is the faithful and wise servant whom his lord set over his household, to give them their food in season?

Worsley New Testament
Who then is the faithful and prudent servant, whom his lord hath set over his family to give them food in due season?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Readiness at Any Hour
44For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect. 45Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time? 46Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.…

Cross References
Luke 12:42-48
And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? / Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. / Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. ...

Matthew 25:14-30
For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ...

1 Corinthians 4:2
Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

Luke 16:10-12
Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. / So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches? / And if you have not been faithful with the belongings of another, who will give you belongings of your own?

1 Peter 4:10
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.

Hebrews 3:5-6
Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later. / But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast.

Proverbs 27:18
Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored.

Genesis 39:4-6
Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned. / From the time that he put Joseph in charge of his household and all he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s household on account of him. The LORD’s blessing was on everything he owned, both in his house and in his field. / So Potiphar left all that he owned in Joseph’s care; he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome,

1 Timothy 3:15
in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Titus 1:7
As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.

1 Corinthians 9:17
If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.

Colossians 1:25
I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God,

1 Timothy 1:12
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service.

1 Samuel 2:35
Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest. He will do whatever is in My heart and mind. And I will build for him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed one for all time.

Nehemiah 7:2
Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah the commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most.


Treasury of Scripture

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

is.

Luke 12:41-43
Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? …

Luke 16:10-12
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 19:17
And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

to give.

Matthew 13:52
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

Matthew 25:35-40
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: …

Ezekiel 34:2
Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

Jump to Previous
Appointed Bondman Charge Control Due Entrusted Faithful Food House Household Intelligent Loyal Master Meat Nourishment Prudent Rations Right Ruler Season Sensible Servant Servants Slave Time True. Wise
Jump to Next
Appointed Bondman Charge Control Due Entrusted Faithful Food House Household Intelligent Loyal Master Meat Nourishment Prudent Rations Right Ruler Season Sensible Servant Servants Slave Time True. Wise
Matthew 24
1. Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple;
3. what and how great calamities shall be before it;
29. the signs of his coming to judgment.
36. And because that day and hour are unknown,
42. we ought to watch like good servants, expecting our Master's coming.














Who then is the faithful and wise servant
This phrase introduces a parable that emphasizes the qualities of faithfulness and wisdom. In biblical context, a servant is often a metaphor for a believer or disciple. Faithfulness is a key theme throughout Scripture, as seen in Hebrews 11, which highlights the faith of the patriarchs. Wisdom, as described in Proverbs, is the application of knowledge and understanding in a godly manner. The question posed by Jesus challenges the listener to self-reflect on their own faithfulness and wisdom in serving God.

whom the master has put in charge of his household
The master represents Jesus Christ, who entrusts His followers with responsibilities. The household can be seen as the Church or the community of believers. This reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, where believers are entrusted with the care and management of God's resources and people, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. The imagery of a household also connects to the cultural context of the time, where servants were often given significant responsibilities in managing their master's affairs.

to give the others their food
This phrase highlights the servant's duty to provide for others, symbolizing spiritual nourishment and care. In John 21:15-17, Jesus instructs Peter to "feed my sheep," emphasizing the role of leaders in nurturing the faith of others. The provision of food can also be seen as a metaphor for teaching and preaching the Word of God, which is described as spiritual sustenance in Matthew 4:4.

at the proper time
Timing is crucial in fulfilling one's duties, reflecting the importance of discernment and readiness. Ecclesiastes 3:1 speaks of a time for every purpose under heaven, underscoring the need for wisdom in recognizing and acting at the appropriate moment. This phrase also alludes to the eschatological theme of being prepared for Christ's return, as emphasized in the surrounding context of Matthew 24, where Jesus speaks about the end times and the need for vigilance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Faithful and Wise Servant
Represents believers who are entrusted with responsibilities in God's kingdom. The Greek word for "faithful" is (pistos), meaning trustworthy or reliable, and "wise" is (phronimos), meaning prudent or sensible.

2. The Master
Symbolizes Jesus Christ, who entrusts His followers with duties and expects them to be diligent and responsible.

3. The Household
Represents the community of believers or the Church, which the servant is tasked to care for.

4. Food at the Proper Time
Symbolizes spiritual nourishment and guidance that believers are to provide to others in the community.

5. The Event of the Master's Return
Implies the Second Coming of Christ, when the faithfulness of His servants will be evaluated.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Stewardship
Believers are called to be faithful in the responsibilities God has given them, whether in ministry, family, or work.

Wisdom in Leadership
Being wise involves making prudent decisions that align with God's will and benefit the community of believers.

Readiness for Christ's Return
Christians should live in a state of readiness, knowing that Christ could return at any time, and they will be accountable for their stewardship.

Providing Spiritual Nourishment
Just as the servant provides food, believers are to offer spiritual guidance and support to others, ensuring they are fed with the Word of God.

Accountability and Reward
There is a promise of reward for those who are found faithful and wise, encouraging believers to persevere in their duties.(45) Who then is a faithful . . .?--Better, Who then is the faithful and wise servant? The latter word in the Greek is that which ethical writers had used to express the moral wisdom which adapts means to ends, as contrasted with the wisdom of pure contemplation on the one hand, or technical skill on the other.

To give them meat in due season.--Better, to give them their food. In the parallel passage of Luke 12:42, the word used means "a measure or fixed portion of meal or flour." The comparison brings before us one function of the minister of Christ. He is to supply men with the spiritual food which they need for the sustenance of their higher life. It may be the "spiritual milk" of 1Peter 2:2, Hebrews 5:12, 1Corinthians 3:2; it may be the "strong meat" or "solid food." There is an art, as it were, of spiritual dietetics, which requires tact and discernment as well as faithfulness. The wise servant will seek to discover not only the right kind of food, but the right season for giving it. An apparent parallel presents itself in the common interpretation of "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2Timothy 2:15), but the imagery implied in that phrase is probably of an entirely different character. (See Note there.) . . .

Verse 45. - Who then (τίς ἄρα;)? In Luke 12:41, etc, Christ utters this parabolic discourse in reply to Peter's question, "Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?" He now turns his exhortation to those in authority over the house, specially to the ministers and stewards of his mysteries, proposing it in an interrogative form, not only because the man he wants is difficult to find, but in order that each may put the question to himself, and see if he reaches the high standard suggested. Is a (, the) faithful and wise (φρόνιμος, prudens, practically wise) servant. The idea is that some good and true slave is raised to the stewardship of his master's household, like Eliezer whom Abram advanced to this position (Genesis 15:2). Hath made ruler (κατέστησεν, hath set) over his household (ἐπὶ τῆς θεραπείας αὐτοῦ, see on ver. 47). The word θεραπεία is used classically for a body of attendants, the servants that form the family, the menage. Christ asks - Where is one to be found fit for this position in his Church? It is the Lord who selects and appoints the steward; he is neither self-constituted nor appointed by those over whom he rules. To give them meat (τὴν τροφὴν, their food) in due season. It was the duty of such an officer to dispense the regular allowance of daily food to the members of the household. So the stewards of the mysteries of Christ have to feed his flock with spiritual food, with the Word and sacraments, and. to do this wisely and discreetly, according to the capacity, advancement, and circumstances of each recipient. The exhortation holds good for others as well as the clergy, civil rulers, the rich, all men. All our endowments, mental, spiritual, physical, material, are the gift of God, and are to be used in his service and to the good of others.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Who
Τίς (Tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

then
ἄρα (ara)
Conjunction
Strong's 686: Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.

is
ἐστὶν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

faithful
πιστὸς (pistos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4103: Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

wise
φρόνιμος (phronimos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5429: Intelligent, prudent, sensible, wise. From phren; thoughtful, i.e. Sagacious or discreet; in a bad sense conceited.

servant,
δοῦλος (doulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1401: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.

whom
ὃν (hon)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

master
κύριος (kyrios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

has put in charge
κατέστησεν (katestēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2525: From kata and histemi; to place down, i.e. to designate, constitute, convoy.

of
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

household,
οἰκετείας (oiketeias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3610: A household servant. From oikeo; a fellow resident, i.e. Menial domestic.

to give
δοῦναι (dounai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

[the others]
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

[their]
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

food
τροφὴν (trophēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5160: Food, nourishment, maintenance. From trepho; nourishment; by implication, rations.

at
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the proper time?
καιρῷ (kairō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2540: Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.


Links
Matthew 24:45 NIV
Matthew 24:45 NLT
Matthew 24:45 ESV
Matthew 24:45 NASB
Matthew 24:45 KJV

Matthew 24:45 BibleApps.com
Matthew 24:45 Biblia Paralela
Matthew 24:45 Chinese Bible
Matthew 24:45 French Bible
Matthew 24:45 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Matthew 24:45 Who then is the faithful and wise (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 24:44
Top of Page
Top of Page