Luke 16:10
What does Luke 16:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 16:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 16:10 means
Jesus emphasizes the principle of faithfulness in small matters as a predictor and prerequisite for faithfulness in larger ones. If a person proves trustworthy with a small amount of responsibility or resources, they will likely be trustworthy with much more. Conversely, unfaithfulness in minor things indicates a deeper character flaw that will manifest in greater responsibilities. This statement serves as a foundational principle for understanding true stewardship and integrity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He who is true in a little, is true in much; he who is false in small things, is false in great.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`He who is faithful in the least, <FI>is<Fi> also faithful in much; and he who in the least <FI>is<Fi> unrighteous, is also unrighteous in much;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in that which is greater: and he that is unjust in that which is little is unjust also in that which is greater.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He that is faithful in the least is faithful also in much; and he that is unrighteous in the least is unrighteous also in much.
Context
This verse continues Jesus' application of the parable's lesson, moving beyond the explicit instruction of verse 9 to a foundational principle of character. It serves as a general truth about trustworthiness, providing the logical groundwork for the more specific statements about "unrighteous mammon" and "true riches" that immediately follow in verses 11 and 12, linking present faithfulness to future, greater trusts.
v.9And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when it shall fail, they may receive you into the eternal tabernacles.
v.10This passage
v.11If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 25:21
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
- Luke 19:17
And he said unto him, Well done, thou good servant: because thou wast found faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
- Matthew 25:23
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
- Luke 16:11
If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
- Hebrews 3:2
who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house.
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