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

LUKE 16:4KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 16:4 (KJV)

What does Luke 16:4 mean?

Luke 16:4 shows the dishonest manager deciding on a plan to secure his future after losing his job, hoping that others will welcome him into their homes once he is no longer employed. The verse captures his moment of realization and his resolve to act so that he will have somewhere to turn when he is dismissed.

In this scene, Jesus is telling a parable to his disciples about a manager who is about to be fired for wasting his master's possessions. The manager, speaking to himself, figures out a way to make friends with his master's debtors so that they will help him when he is out of work. The verse highlights the manager’s quick thinking and his focus on practical solutions for his own survival.

The Greek behind Luke 16:4

  • "resolved" (ἔγνων, egnōn): This Greek word means "I have known" or "I have decided." Here, it shows the manager coming to a definite conclusion or decision, not just a vague idea.
  • "receive" (δέξωνται, dexōntai): This word means "to welcome" or "to receive." The manager is hoping for more than just a place to stay—he wants to be accepted and cared for by others.
  • "houses" (οἴκους, oikous): The Greek word for "houses" often carries the sense of households or families, not just physical buildings, suggesting the manager is seeking a place in someone’s life and community, not just a roof over his head.

Why Luke 16:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the manager’s actions are motivated by self-preservation, not by repentance or a change of heart, which shapes how the rest of the parable is understood.
  • The focus on being "received into their houses" points to the importance of relationships and hospitality in the ancient world, where losing a job could leave someone completely without support.
  • The verse sets up the lesson Jesus draws later in the parable about using resources wisely and thinking ahead, which is a key theme in this passage.

Where else these words appear

“out” Greek G3179 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
  • Acts 19:26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
  • 1 Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

“stewardship” Greek G3622 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 16:2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
  • Ephesians 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

“receive” Greek G1209 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
  • Luke 10:10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

“houses” Greek G3624 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,(then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
  • Luke 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
  • Acts 11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;