Devine Scripture

Luke 16:5

What does Luke 16:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 16:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 16:5 means

Acting on his resolution, the steward calls in his master's debtors individually. This shows his immediate and calculated execution of his plan. By dealing with each debtor separately, he can negotiate discreetly and secure their allegiance without drawing immediate attention from his master. The act of calling them in sets the stage for the specific debt reductions that follow, illustrating his methodical approach to creating future benefactors.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And calling to him each one of his lord’s debtors, he said to the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And calling to him each one of his lord’s debtors, he said to the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And sending for every one who was in debt to his lord he said to the first, What is the amount of your debt to my lord?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And having called near each one of his lord's debtors, he said to the first, How much dost thou owe to my lord?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Therefore, calling together every one of his lord's debtors, he said to the first: How much dost thou owe my lord?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having called to [him] each one of the debtors of his own lord, he said to the first, How much owest thou to my lord?

Context

Following his internal decision in verse 4, the steward immediately acts by summoning his lord's debtors. This verse is the beginning of the execution of his plan, setting up the subsequent detailed interactions with each debtor. It shows his initiative and the practical steps he takes to secure his future among those who owe his master.

v.4I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.

v.5This passage

v.6And he said, A hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bond, and sit down quickly and write fifty.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 18:24

    And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, that owed him ten thousand talents.

  • Luke 7:41

    A certain lender had two debtors: the one owed five hundred shillings, and the other fifty.

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