Luke 16:4
What does Luke 16:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 16:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 16:4 means
The steward resolves to take action, devising a plan to secure his future by manipulating his master's debtors. His aim is to create future obligations from others so that when he loses his position, they will "receive me into their houses." This demonstrates a worldly foresight and strategic thinking, using his remaining authority to benefit himself, even if it means acting unrighteously. His quick decision to leverage his current access to resources for future security is key to the parable's broader lesson.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I have come to a decision what to do, so that when I am put out of my position they will take me into their houses.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I have known what I shall do, that, when I may be removed from the stewardship, they may receive me to their houses.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I know what I will do, that when I shall be removed from the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I know what I will do, that when I shall have been removed from the stewardship I may be received into their houses.
Context
Having ruled out digging and begging in verse 3, the steward explicitly states his cunning solution. This verse is the turning point, moving from his internal dilemma to his external, strategic action. It directly sets up the encounters with the debtors detailed in the next few verses, explaining the motivation behind his seemingly benevolent, but self-serving, adjustments to their debts.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- James 3:15
This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
- Proverbs 30:9
Lest I be full, and denythee, and say, Who is Jehovah? Or lest I be poor, and steal, And use profanely the name of my God.
- Jeremiah 4:22
For my people are foolish, they know me not; they are sottish children, and they have no understanding; they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.
Related questions readers ask
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