What does Luke 16:7 mean?

Explanation

Luke 16:7 is a verse taken from the Parable of the Unjust Steward (also known as the Parable of the Shrewd Manager) which is found in Luke 16:1-13. The parable tells the story of a manager who is about to be fired for his poor management of his master's goods.

In an attempt to secure his future after his dismissal, he reduces the debts of his master's debtors hoping to win their favor.

In this verse, the manager continues his scheme.

He asks another debtor how much he owes the master.

The debtor responds with "an hundred measures of wheat." The manager then instructs him to quickly change his bill to reflect a debt of only eighty measures (fourscore), thereby reducing what is owed by twenty percent.

This verse hints at the manager's cunning and self-preservation instincts, as well as his abuse of his master's trust to ingratiate himself with others.

Historical Context

This parable was shared by Jesus during his travel towards Jerusalem and is a part of Luke's Gospel, which was written to provide a detailed account of Jesus' life, targeting mainly a Gentile audience.

The historical context is within first-century Palestine, where Roman and Jewish laws and customs were intertwined.

Debts and stewardship were common topics, as many people were indebted to landlords or to those wealthier than themselves.

Stewards were commonly employed by the wealthy to manage estates and wealth because absentee landlords were frequent due to the Roman influence and administration across vast areas.

Theological Insights

The Parable of the Unjust Steward is a complex and debated passage.

Theologically, it touches on the themes of stewardship, wisdom, judgment, and the kingdom of God.

Some interpret the parable as an encouragement to use worldly wealth to make friends for eternal dwellings, suggesting foresight and shrewdness in spiritual matters.

Others are troubled by what seems like a commendation of dishonest behavior and instead focus on the broader lesson of being faithful in little to be trusted with much.

The parable, including this verse, illustrates the innovative ways the steward sought to secure his future, possibly drawing a parallel to how individuals should be astute in their spiritual lives.

Practical Applications

This verse and the parable have applications in considering our actions and their future implications.

In practical life, it prompts reflection on how we manage resources entrusted to us and our relationships with others.

The steward acts to ensure his future security, a notion that could be applied to how we should prepare for our own futures, albeit not through dishonest means.

It invites us to think about the legacy we leave and urges us to act wisely and fairly in our dealings, recognizing that our actions affect not only our immediate future but also our standing before God.

Cross-References

• Luke 16:6 – This verse immediately precedes the one discussed, showing a similar action of debt reduction by the unjust steward.
• Luke 16:8 – This verse follows the one discussed, which then describes the master's reaction to the steward's actions.
• Matthew 25:21 – This verse talks about being faithful with a little and being made ruler over much, as a comparison to the kingdom of heaven.

Language Study

The original Greek text provides several keys to deeper understanding:

• "Hundred measures" (ἑκατον βατους / hekaton batous): A "bath" was a unit of measurement for liquids and dry goods, likely around 22 liters.

Thus, a "hundred measures" would signify a considerable quantity.

• "Fourscore" (ὀγδοήκοντα / ogdoēkonta): The Greek term for eighty, indicating a reduction of the debt by twenty measures.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons might be drawn between this parable and other ancient myths or teachings that highlight the cunning of individuals to overcome dire situations.

Ancient cultures often had tales of 'trickster' figures who used their wits to outmaneuver social superiors or adversaries.

In terms of religious interpretations, the importance of wise stewardship is found in many traditions, with the emphasis on honest management of resources varying across cultures.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly engage scientific concepts, though the "measure" involves early forms of scientific measurement (volume and quantity).

Additionally, evolutionary psychology might offer insights into the human tendency to make decisions for personal gain as observed in the steward's behavior.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries offer varied analyses of this verse:

• Some, like the Pulpit Commentary, suggest that the steward's actions may demonstrate a principle of making friends with material wealth.

The steward is seen as wise in a worldly sense, albeit unrighteous.

• Others, such as Matthew Henry's Commentary, highlight the impropriety of the steward's actions, and yet draw moral lessons from his foresight and initiative, which should instead be applied righteously by Christians.
• William Barclay notes the difficulty of this parable, considering that Jesus seems to praise the dishonest steward.

He clarifies that what is praised is not the dishonesty but the shrewdness and the imperative to plan for the future spiritually, as the steward did materially.