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

LUKE 16:12KJV
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Luke 16:12 (KJV)

What does Luke 16:12 mean?

Luke 16:12 warns that if a person cannot be trusted to handle what belongs to someone else, they should not expect to be given responsibility over things that are truly their own. The verse uses this idea to highlight the importance of faithfulness and trustworthiness in all matters, even those that seem less significant.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, using everyday examples to teach about faithfulness and stewardship. The context is a discussion about handling money and resources, especially those that do not ultimately belong to us. Jesus points out that how someone manages another person’s property or affairs is a test of character, and that true responsibility comes to those who prove themselves trustworthy in small or borrowed things.

The Greek behind Luke 16:12

  • The word "faithful" (πιστός, pistos) means reliable or trustworthy. Here, it emphasizes the expectation that a person will act with integrity, even when dealing with something that is not their own.
  • The phrase "another man's" (ἀλλότριος, allotrios) refers to something belonging to someone else. The use of this word underlines the idea of stewardship—managing what is not yours as if it were.
  • The word "own" (ὑμέτερος, hymeteros) means "your own" or "belonging to you." The contrast in Greek between what is "another's" and what is "your own" highlights the progression from being a steward to being an owner.

Why Luke 16:12 matters

  • Luke 16:12 clarifies that faithfulness is proven in small or borrowed matters before greater responsibility is given, which counters the idea that only big tasks or possessions are important.
  • The verse connects to the broader teaching in Luke 16 about money and stewardship, showing that spiritual trustworthiness is often revealed in everyday, practical situations.
  • This verse helps correct the misunderstanding that what we do with "little things" or with what belongs to others does not matter; Jesus teaches that these are actually the proving ground for greater trust.

Where else these words appear

“own” Greek G5212 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 6:20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
  • John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

“man's” Greek G245 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 17:25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
  • Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
  • 1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

“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.