Devine Scripture

Luke 12:42

What does Luke 12:42 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 12:42 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 12:42 means

Jesus describes the faithful and wise steward set over the household to give food at the proper time. Faithfulness is reliability in the master’s will; wisdom is skill in timing and care. Leadership in God’s house is service, not status—meeting needs, portioning resources, and tending people. The steward acts under authority, for the master’s interests. This frames Christian responsibility: not building one’s platform but nurturing those entrusted by Christ. Such stewardship requires attentiveness, compassion, and persistence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall set over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall set over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the Lord said, Who then is the wise and responsible servant whom his lord will put in control of his family, to give them their food at the right time?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the Lord said, `Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the lord shall set over his household, to give in season the wheat measure?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the Lord said: Who thinkest thou is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord setteth over his family, to give them their measure of wheat in due season?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and prudent steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give the measure of corn in season?

Context

Answering Peter’s question, Jesus paints the positive ideal of stewardship before contrasting it with abuse. The focus on giving portions in due season suggests pastoral care and practical provision. The following verses will pronounce blessing on the servant found doing this at the master’s return and promise greater trust, then warn of the tragic alternative when a steward exploits others, presuming on delay.

v.41And Peter said, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even unto all?

v.42This passage

v.43Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 50:4

    The Lord Jehovah hath given me the tongue of them that are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as they that are taught.

  • 1 Timothy 5:17

    Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

  • Jeremiah 23:4

    And I will set up shepherds over them, who shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be lacking, saith Jehovah.

  • 1 Timothy 3:15

    but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

  • Titus 1:7

    For the bishop must be blameless, as God’s steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;

  • Hebrews 13:7

    Remember them that had the rule over you, men that spake unto you the word of God; and considering the issue of their life, imitate their faith.

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