Devine Scripture

Luke 16:12

What does Luke 16:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 16:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 16:12 means

Jesus further develops the concept of stewardship by distinguishing between possessions that are "another's" (belonging to God or held in trust) and those that are "your own" (eternal rewards). If a person proves unfaithful in managing what belongs to someone else—that is, earthly resources God has entrusted to them—then they demonstrate they are not ready to receive their own, true, eternal inheritance from God. This underscores that earthly stewardship is a preparation for heavenly reward.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And if you have not been true in your care of the property of other people, who will give you that which is yours?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if in the other's ye became not faithful--your own, who shall give to you?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and if ye have not been faithful in that which is another's, who shall give to you your own?

Context

This verse flows directly from verse 11, extending the argument about faithfulness in stewardship. It deepens the comparison between earthly and heavenly treasures by using the terms "that which is another's" and "that which is your own." This statement serves as the final link in Jesus' logical progression, reinforcing the absolute necessity of faithful financial stewardship as a test for receiving eternal spiritual blessings, leading into the stark choice presented in verse 13.

v.11If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

v.12This passage

v.13No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Cross references

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

  • Job 1:21

    and he said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: Jehovah gave, and Jehovah hath taken away; blessed be the name of Jehovah.

  • Ezekiel 16:16

    And thou didst take of thy garments, and madest for thee high places decked with divers colors, and playedst the harlot upon them: the like things shall not come, neither shall it be so.

  • Luke 19:13

    And he called ten servants of his, and gave them ten pounds, and said unto them, Trade ye herewith till I come.

  • Matthew 25:14

    Forit isaswhena man, going into another country, called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

  • 1 Peter 1:4

    unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

  • 1 Chronicles 29:14

    But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

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