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?

LUKE 12:42KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 12:42 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:42 mean?

Luke 12:42 describes Jesus asking who is the trustworthy and sensible manager that a master can put in charge of his household to distribute food to the other servants at the proper time. The verse uses the image of a steward to highlight the qualities of faithfulness and wisdom in someone given responsibility over others.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, using a parable to teach about readiness and responsibility. The steward is someone entrusted with caring for the master's household, and the focus is on being reliable and wise in fulfilling that trust. The question sets up a lesson about what kind of person is fit to be given authority and how they should act when given that role.

The Greek behind Luke 12:42

  • "faithful" (πιστός, pistos): This word means trustworthy or reliable. Jesus emphasizes that the steward must be someone the master can depend on, not just someone with authority.
  • "wise" (φρόνιμος, phronimos): This word means sensible or prudent. The steward is not only loyal but also thoughtful and practical in managing the household.
  • "steward" (οἰκονόμος, oikonomos): This term refers to a manager or overseer, especially of a household. In Jesus’ time, a steward had significant responsibility, acting on the master's behalf.
  • "meat" (σῖτος, sitos): This word is often understood as food or provisions, not just meat specifically. The steward’s job is to make sure everyone gets what they need at the right time.

Why Luke 12:42 matters

  • Luke 12:42 clarifies that Jesus values both faithfulness and practical wisdom in those who are given responsibility, not just one or the other.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Luke 12 about being prepared and trustworthy with what God entrusts to people, especially in leadership or service roles.
  • By using the image of a steward, Jesus highlights that authority is not about power, but about serving others well and meeting their needs at the right time.

Where else these words appear

“household” Greek G2322 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
  • Luke 9:11 And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
  • Revelation 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

“steward” Greek G3623 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.
  • Romans 16:23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
  • Galatians 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

“wise” Greek G5429 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Matthew 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
  • Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

“ruler” Greek G2525 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
  • Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
  • Hebrews 2:7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: