The Parable of the Shrewd Manager 1Jesus also said to His disciples, “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2So he called him in to ask, ‘What is this I hear about you? Turn in an account of your management, for you cannot be manager any longer.’ 3The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking away my position? I am too weak to dig and too ashamed to beg. 4I know what I will do so that after my removal from management, people will welcome me into their homes.’ 5And he called in each one of his master’s debtors. ‘How much do you owe my master?’ he asked the first. 6‘A hundred measures of olive oil,’a he answered. ‘Take your bill,’ said the manager, ‘sit down quickly, and write fifty.’ 7Then he asked another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ ‘A hundred measures of wheat,’b he replied. ‘Take your bill and write eighty,’ he told him. 8The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light. 9I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings. 10Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches? 12And if you have not been faithful with the belongings of another, who will give you belongings of your own? 13No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” The Law and the Prophets 14The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all of this and were scoffing at Jesus. 15So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God. 16The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the gospel of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.c 17But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for a single stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. 18Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. The Rich Man and Lazarus 19Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. 20And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores 21and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side.d And the rich man also died and was buried. 23In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side. 24So he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.’ 25But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. 26And besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that even those who wish cannot cross from here to you, nor can anyone cross from there to us.’ 27‘Then I beg you, father,’ he said, ‘send Lazarus to my father’s house, 28for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also end up in this place of torment.’ 29But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let your brothers listen to them.’ 30‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone is sent to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31Then Abraham said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’” Footnotes: 6 a Greek ‘A hundred baths of oil’; that is, approximately 870 gallons or 3,300 liters 7 b Greek ‘A hundred cors of wheat’; that is, approximately 1,000 bushels or 35,000 liters (probably about 30 tons or 27 metric tons of wheat) 16 c Or everyone is urged to enter into it 22 d Greek into Abraham’s bosom; similarly in verse 23 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Luke 16 Summary The Rich Man and LazarusVerses 1–8a – The Parable of the Shrewd Manager Verses 8b-13 – Faithfulness with Earthly Wealth Verses 14–18 – The Law, the Prophets, and Divorce Verses 19–31 – The Rich Man and Lazarus In Luke 16, Jesus addresses important themes including the wise use of earthly wealth, the dangers of the love of money, and the implications of our choices in light of eternity. He uses two memorable parables – the Shrewd Manager and the Rich Man and Lazarus – to deliver lessons about stewardship, worldly wealth, and the afterlife. Background and Setting Luke places this chapter within Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem. He is speaking primarily to His disciples (16:1), but the Pharisees are listening (16:14). Luke frequently addresses money and compassion (12:13-34; 14:12-14), so chapter 16 continues a steady drumbeat against greed and for mercy. The Shrewd Manager: Culture and Commerce • Estate managers (oikonomoi) handled contracts, produce, rent, and debt collection for wealthy landowners. • Debts were often recorded in oil or grain—commodities that could double as currency. • When the manager cancels a portion of each debt (100 to 50 measures of oil; 100 to 80 cors of wheat), he likely forgoes his own commission or interest rather than stealing outright. His swift action protects the master’s reputation for generosity and gains the goodwill of debtors. • The master’s commendation: “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly” (Luke 16:8). In Middle Eastern culture, public generosity obliges recipients to reciprocate; the manager counts on this. • Point: Jesus does not praise dishonesty but highlights foresight—using present opportunity to secure future standing. Earthly Wealth and Eternal Friends Luke 16:9: “I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.” • “Worldly wealth” (literally “unrighteous mammon”) is morally neutral; its unrighteousness stems from its fleeting nature and frequent misuse. • Believers can convert temporary assets into eternal testimony by meeting needs, funding gospel work, and showing kindness (cf. Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 6:20; Philippians 4:17). • Trustworthiness: “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much” (16:10). God often tests His children’s hearts through simple, everyday decisions involving money. • Exclusive loyalty: “You cannot serve both God and money” (16:13). The verb “serve” pictures slavery; two masters with conflicting orders cannot be obeyed simultaneously (cf. Exodus 20:3; Matthew 6:24). The Unchanging Word: Law and Prophets Jesus links the coming of the kingdom with the enduring authority of Scripture. Luke 16:16-17: “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the gospel of the kingdom of God is being preached... But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for a single stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.” • John signals a new era (cf. Luke 3:1-18), yet the moral core of God’s Word stands. • Jesus shows continuity between old covenant commands and the kingdom ethic (cf. Matthew 5:17-19). Marriage, Divorce, and the Kingdom Luke 16:18: “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery...” • First-century debate: Rabbi Shammai allowed divorce only for unchastity, Rabbi Hillel for “any cause.” Jesus sides with the stricter reading reflected in Deuteronomy 24:1-4 and Genesis 2:24. • By inserting this remark into a money discussion, Luke hints that treating one’s spouse as disposable is another form of selfish greed. Rich Man and Lazarus: Afterlife Imagery • Contrast: The rich man is nameless; the poor man has a name meaning “God helps,” highlighting divine favor for the humble (cf. James 2:5-6). • Death reverses fortunes (cf. Luke 1:52-53; 6:20-26). • “Abraham’s side” evokes a banquet image—reclining beside the patriarch in peace (cf. Matthew 8:11). • “Hades” is the place of the dead; here it includes conscious pain. • “A great chasm has been fixed” (16:26) teaches finality of judgment; no post-death negotiations. • Moses and the Prophets (the Old Testament) already warn against hard-heartedness toward the needy (Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Isaiah 58:6-10; Amos 6:1-7). • Even a resurrection will not convince those resolved to ignore Scripture—foreshadowing Israel’s response to Jesus’ own resurrection (John 12:10-11). Old Testament Echoes and New Testament Parallels • Joseph’s wise management in Egypt (Genesis 41) prefigures the shrewd manager’s foresight. • Proverbs 11:24-25; 22:9 extol generous giving leading to blessing. • 1 Timothy 6:17-19 repeats Luke 16’s call to use wealth for eternal gain. • Revelation 20:12-15 parallels the finality of judgment and the unbridgeable chasm. Archaeological Notes • Ostraca (pottery shards) from the Judean desert list olive oil and wheat obligations similar to those in 16:6-7, confirming Luke’s commercial details. • First-century cemeteries around Jerusalem contain ossuaries with names like “Lazarus,” common among the poor. Wealthier families often had elaborate stone benches and niches—matching the rich man’s likely burial setting. • Synagogue inscriptions from Galilee display donor names prominently, illustrating how public generosity created social capital—echoing the manager’s tactic. Timeless Lessons for Believers Today 1. Plan ahead with eternity in view. Passing resources can secure lasting impact when used for gospel and mercy. 2. Faithfulness starts small. Honest budgeting and giving form the training ground for larger kingdom assignments. 3. God reads the heart beneath religious posturing. Appearances fool people but never the Lord who “knows your hearts” (16:15). 4. Scripture remains firm. New covenant freedom never erases God’s moral standards, whether about marriage or money. 5. Opportunity to repent is limited to this life. Respond to God’s Word now; don’t wait for spectacular signs. Connections to Additional Scriptures Matthew 6:19-21Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Encourages the rich to be generous and to store up treasures for the coming age. James 2:14-17 Discusses the importance of faith being accompanied by action, particularly in caring for those in need. Teaching Points The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-13)Jesus tells the account of a manager who, upon learning he will be dismissed, shrewdly reduces the debts of his master's debtors to secure future favor. This parable highlights the importance of using worldly wealth to gain eternal benefits. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light (Luke 16:8). This verse challenges believers to be wise and discerning in their use of resources. Jesus emphasizes faithfulness in small things: Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much (Luke 16:10). The impossibility of serving two masters: You cannot serve both God and money (Luke 16:13). The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) This account contrasts the earthly life of a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus, and their eternal destinies. It underscores the reality of heaven and hell. The rich man's neglect of Lazarus at his gate serves as a warning against indifference to the needs of others. The permanence of one's eternal state is highlighted: And besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you (Luke 16:26). The sufficiency of Scripture: They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them (Luke 16:29). Practical Applications Evaluate your use of resources: Are you using your time, talents, and treasures to further God's kingdom?Cultivate faithfulness in small tasks, knowing that God values integrity and stewardship. Reflect on your priorities: Are you serving God wholeheartedly, or are you divided in your loyalties? Show compassion and generosity to those in need, recognizing the eternal impact of your actions. Trust in the authority and sufficiency of Scripture for guidance and instruction. People 1. The Rich ManIn the Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1), the rich man is the employer of the manager. He is a figure of authority who holds the manager accountable for his stewardship. The Greek term used here is "πλούσιος" (plousios), meaning wealthy or rich. 2. The Manager (Steward) This character is central to the Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-8). He is accused of wasting his master's possessions and devises a plan to secure his future after being dismissed. The Greek word for manager is "οἰκονόμος" (oikonomos), meaning steward or manager. 3. Debtors In the same parable (Luke 16:5-7), the debtors are those who owe the rich man. The manager interacts with them to reduce their debts, hoping to gain favor. The Greek term "χρεοφειλέτης" (chreopheiletēs) is used, meaning debtor. 4. Abraham In the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), Abraham is depicted in the afterlife as a comforting presence for Lazarus. He represents the patriarch of faith and is a key figure in Jewish heritage. The Hebrew root of his name is "אַבְרָהָם" (Avraham), meaning "father of many." 5. Lazarus Also in the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:20-25), Lazarus is a poor man who suffers in life but is comforted after death. His name in Greek is "Λάζαρος" (Lazaros), derived from the Hebrew "אֶלְעָזָר" (Elʿazar), meaning "God has helped." 6. The Rich Man (in the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus) This is a different rich man from the earlier parable (Luke 16:19-31). He lives in luxury but finds himself in torment after death, seeking relief from Abraham. The Greek term "πλούσιος" (plousios) is again used for rich. 7. Moses and the Prophets While not persons in the narrative, they are referenced by Abraham in the parable (Luke 16:29-31) as the sources of God's revelation. "Μωϋσῆς" (Mōusēs) is the Greek for Moses, and "προφῆται" (prophētai) for prophets, referring to the Hebrew Scriptures. Places 1. Rich Man's HouseThis is the residence of the rich man in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. The rich man's house is described as a place of luxury and abundance, where he "feasted sumptuously every day" (Luke 16:19). The Greek word used here for "house" is "οἶκος" (oikos), which can refer to a physical dwelling or household. 2. Gate The gate is the location where Lazarus, the poor man, is laid. It is described as the place where Lazarus longed to eat the scraps that fell from the rich man's table (Luke 16:20-21). The Greek word for "gate" is "πύλη" (pylē), indicating an entrance or portal, often to a significant or grand place. 3. Abraham's Side (or Bosom) This is the place where Lazarus is taken after his death. It is depicted as a place of comfort and rest, in contrast to the rich man's torment (Luke 16:22). The term "Abraham's side" is translated from the Greek "κόλπος" (kolpos), which can mean bosom or embrace, symbolizing closeness and protection. 4. Hades Hades is the place where the rich man finds himself after death, described as a place of torment and suffering (Luke 16:23). The Greek word "ᾅδης" (Hades) refers to the realm of the dead, often associated with punishment in the New Testament context. Events 1. Parable of the Dishonest ManagerJesus tells a parable about a rich man who had a manager accused of wasting his possessions. The manager, realizing he will lose his job, shrewdly reduces the debts of his master's debtors to secure future hospitality. Jesus concludes with a lesson on using worldly wealth to gain eternal friends (Luke 16:1-9). 2. Faithfulness in Little and Much Jesus teaches that whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in larger ones, and whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in larger ones. He emphasizes the importance of being trustworthy with worldly wealth to be entrusted with true riches (Luke 16:10-12). 3. No Servant Can Serve Two Masters Jesus states that no servant can serve two masters, as he will either hate one and love the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. He concludes with the famous line, "You cannot serve both God and money" (Luke 16:13). 4. The Pharisees' Reaction The Pharisees, who loved money, heard Jesus' teachings and ridiculed Him. Jesus responds by highlighting their hypocrisy and the importance of what is valued by God over what is esteemed by men (Luke 16:14-15). 5. The Law and the Prophets Jesus affirms the enduring validity of the Law and the Prophets until the coming of John the Baptist, emphasizing that the Kingdom of God is being proclaimed and everyone is forcing their way into it. He underscores the permanence of God's law (Luke 16:16-17). 6. Teaching on Divorce Jesus briefly addresses the issue of divorce, stating that anyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery (Luke 16:18). 7. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who lived in luxury and a poor man named Lazarus who lay at his gate. Upon death, Lazarus is carried to Abraham's side, while the rich man finds himself in Hades, in torment. The rich man pleads for relief and a warning for his brothers, but Abraham explains the finality of their respective fates (Luke 16:19-31). Lessons from Luke 16 1. The Value of Shrewdness 2. Faithfulness in Small Things 3. The Danger of Divided Loyalties 4. The Eternal Perspective 5. The Law and the Prophets 6. The Reality of the Afterlife 7. Compassion for the Needy 8. The Power of God's Word 9. The Urgency of Repentance 10. The Call to Live Differently Topics 1. The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-13)This parable, also known as the Parable of the Unjust Steward, illustrates the importance of using worldly wealth wisely to gain eternal benefits. Jesus commends the shrewdness of the manager, emphasizing the need for believers to be prudent and faithful stewards. The Greek word "οἰκονόμος" (oikonomos) refers to a manager or steward, highlighting the responsibility entrusted to believers. 2. The Law and the Prophets (Luke 16:14-17) Jesus addresses the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, and emphasizes the enduring authority of the Law and the Prophets. He points out that what is highly esteemed among men is detestable in God's sight. The Greek term "νόμος" (nomos) refers to the Law, underscoring its divine origin and authority. 3. Divorce and Remarriage (Luke 16:18) Jesus briefly addresses the issue of divorce and remarriage, affirming the sanctity of marriage. He states that anyone who divorces and remarries commits adultery, reflecting the seriousness of the marriage covenant. The Greek word "μοιχᾶται" (moichatai) means "commits adultery," indicating a violation of the marital bond. 4. The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) This narrative contrasts the earthly life and afterlife of a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. The rich man, who lived in luxury, finds himself in torment after death, while Lazarus is comforted in Abraham's bosom. The account emphasizes the reality of eternal consequences and the importance of heeding God's Word. The Greek term "ᾅδης" (Hades) is used to describe the place of the dead, highlighting the concept of an afterlife. Themes 1. Stewardship and AccountabilityThe parable of the dishonest manager (Luke 16:1-13) emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. The Greek word "οἰκονόμος" (oikonomos) refers to a manager or steward, highlighting the responsibility to manage wisely. 2. Faithfulness in Small Things Jesus teaches that faithfulness in small matters leads to trust in greater responsibilities (Luke 16:10). The principle is that integrity in minor tasks reflects one's character and readiness for larger roles. 3. The Incompatibility of Serving God and Wealth The passage warns against the love of money, stating, "You cannot serve both God and money" (Luke 16:13). The Greek word "μαμωνᾶς" (mammonas) refers to wealth or riches, personified as a master competing with God for allegiance. 4. The Law and the Prophets Jesus affirms the enduring validity of the Law and the Prophets, stating that not even the smallest part of the law will become void (Luke 16:16-17). This underscores the continuity and fulfillment of the Old Testament in Jesus' teachings. 5. The Consequences of Ignoring the Poor The parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) illustrates the eternal consequences of neglecting the needy. The rich man's indifference to Lazarus' plight results in a reversal of fortunes in the afterlife, emphasizing the moral imperative to care for the poor. 6. The Reality of the Afterlife The narrative of the rich man and Lazarus provides a vivid depiction of the afterlife, with clear distinctions between comfort and torment (Luke 16:22-24). This theme highlights the eternal significance of earthly actions and decisions. 7. The Sufficiency of Scripture for Salvation In the dialogue between the rich man and Abraham, it is emphasized that the Scriptures are sufficient for guiding people to repentance and salvation (Luke 16:29-31). The refusal to heed Moses and the Prophets indicates a hardened heart, underscoring the sufficiency and authority of God's Word. Prayer Points Pray for wisdom and discernment in managing the resources God has entrusted to you.Ask God to help you be faithful in small things, preparing you for greater responsibilities. Seek a heart fully devoted to God, free from the love of money. Pray for a spirit of compassion and generosity towards those in need. Thank God for the guidance of Scripture and ask for a deeper understanding of His Word. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Luke 16:19–31, does the depiction of conscious interactions after death conflict with modern scientific understanding of the brain and death? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does the parable of the shrewd manager teach us about stewardship and the use of worldly wealth? 2. How does Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees challenge our attitudes towards money and righteousness? 3. What insights can we gain from the parable of the rich man and Lazarus about the consequences of our actions and choices? 4. How does the statement "You cannot serve both God and money" impact your personal financial decisions? 5. What can we learn from the parable of the rich man and Lazarus about our responsibilities towards those in need? 6. How does the idea of faithfulness in small things translate into your daily life? 7. How do the Pharisees' reactions to Jesus' teachings challenge religious hypocrisy in our time? 8. How does the parable of the rich man and Lazarus illustrate the concept of judgment after death? 9. What steps can you take to ensure your stewardship of resources aligns with God's principles? 10. How does this chapter challenge societal norms and expectations about wealth and success? 11. How does the fate of the rich man and Lazarus affect your understanding of justice and fairness? 12. How does Jesus' statement about divorce in verse 18 tie into the overall narrative of this chapter? 13. What lessons can we draw from the rich man's unfulfilled request to warn his brothers? 14. How does the idea of earthly choices having eternal implications influence your actions and decisions? 15. In what ways does this chapter highlight the importance of responding to God's Word in this life? 16. How do you balance the pursuit of worldly resources and spiritual riches in your life? 17. How does the chapter inspire us to evaluate our attitudes and actions towards those less fortunate in our communities? 18. How does this chapter challenge our understanding of repentance and conversion? 19. How can we use our resources to 'make friends' for the kingdom of God, as advised in the parable of the shrewd manager? 20. How do these teachings and parables guide us in living as followers of Christ in the present-day world? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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