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

LUKE 16:11KJV
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Luke 16:11 (KJV)

What does Luke 16:11 mean?

Luke 16:11 says that if people are not trustworthy with handling worldly wealth, which is described as "unrighteous mammon," then they cannot expect to be trusted with spiritual or lasting riches. The verse warns that faithfulness with material things is a test for greater, more meaningful responsibilities.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after telling the parable of the dishonest manager. The situation is about how people handle money and possessions, using them as a measure of character and trustworthiness. "Unrighteous mammon" refers to ordinary money or wealth, and "true riches" points to spiritual blessings or responsibilities that God gives. The verse challenges listeners to consider how their actions with everyday resources reflect their readiness for deeper spiritual trust.

The Greek behind Luke 16:11

  • μαμωνᾶς (mamōnas): This word, transliterated as "mammon," means wealth or money. The phrase "unrighteous mammon" suggests that money itself is morally neutral but often associated with temptation or misuse.
  • πιστός (pistos): This word means "faithful" or "trustworthy." Here, it emphasizes the importance of reliability and integrity in handling even ordinary things.
  • ἀληθινός (alēthinos): Translated as "true," this word highlights the contrast between temporary, earthly wealth and what is genuinely valuable or lasting—spiritual riches.

Why Luke 16:11 matters

  • Luke 16:11 clarifies that how someone manages money is not just a small issue but a reflection of their overall trustworthiness and character.
  • The verse connects material stewardship with spiritual responsibility, showing that God values faithfulness in everyday matters as preparation for greater things.
  • In the context of Jesus' teaching, this verse challenges listeners to examine their priorities and to see money as a tool, not the ultimate goal.

Where else these words appear

“mammon” Greek G3126 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  • Luke 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
  • Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

“unrighteous” Greek G94 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
  • Acts 24:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

“true” Greek G228 · used in 25 verses

  • John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
  • Revelation 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

“faithful” Greek G4103 · used in 62 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?
  • Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
  • 2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.