New International Version“So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
New Living Translation“So he invited each person who owed money to his employer to come and discuss the situation. He asked the first one, ‘How much do you owe him?’
English Standard VersionSo, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
Berean Standard BibleAnd he called in each one of his master’s debtors. ‘How much do you owe my master?’ he asked the first.
Berean Literal BibleAnd having summoned each one of his master's debtors, he was saying to the first, 'How much do you owe to my master?'
King James BibleSo he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?
New King James Version“So he called every one of his master’s debtors to him, and said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
New American Standard BibleAnd he summoned each one of his master’s debtors, and he began saying to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
NASB 1995“And he summoned each one of his master’s debtors, and he began saying to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
NASB 1977“And he summoned each one of his master’s debtors, and he began saying to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
Legacy Standard BibleAnd he summoned each one of his master’s debtors, and he began saying to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
Amplified BibleSo he summoned his master’s debtors one by one, and he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
Christian Standard Bible“So he summoned each one of his master’s debtors. ‘How much do you owe my master? ’ he asked the first one.
Holman Christian Standard Bible“So he summoned each one of his master’s debtors. How much do you owe my master?’ he asked the first one.
American Standard VersionAnd calling to him each one of his lord's debtors, he said to the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?
Contemporary English VersionThen one by one he called in the people who were in debt to his master. He asked the first one, "How much do you owe my master?"
English Revised VersionAnd calling to him each one of his lord's debtors, he said to the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?
GOD'S WORD® Translation"So the manager called for each one of his master's debtors. He said to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?'
Good News TranslationSo he called in all the people who were in debt to his master. He asked the first one, 'How much do you owe my master?'
International Standard Version"So he called for each of his master's debtors. He asked the first, 'How much do you owe my master?'
NET BibleSo he contacted his master's debtors one by one. He asked the first, 'How much do you owe my master?'
New Heart English BibleCalling each one of his lord's debtors to him, he said to the first, 'How much do you owe to my lord?'
Webster's Bible TranslationSo he called every one of his lord's debtors, and said to the first, How much owest thou to my lord?
Weymouth New Testament"So he called all his master's debtors, one by one, and asked the first, 'How much are you in debt to my master?' Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd he called in each one of his master’s debtors. ‘How much do you owe my master?’ he asked the first.
World English BibleCalling each one of his lord’s debtors to him, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe to my lord?’ Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd having called near each one of his lord’s debtors, he said to the first, How much do you owe to my lord?
Berean Literal BibleAnd having summoned each one of his master's debtors, he was saying to the first, 'How much do you owe to my master?'
Young's Literal Translation 'And having called near each one of his lord's debtors, he said to the first, How much dost thou owe to my lord?
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd having called upon each one of his lord's debtors, he said to the first, How much owest thou to my lord. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTherefore calling together every one of his lord's debtors, he said to the first: How much dost thou owe my lord?
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd so, calling together each one of his lord’s debtors, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my lord?’
New American BibleHe called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
New Revised Standard VersionSo, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he called his lord’s debtors, one by one, and said to the first, How much do you owe my lord?
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“And he called each one who was indebted to his lord and he said to the first, 'How much do you owe to my lord?' “ NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd he called to him every one of his lord's debtors, and said to the first, How much do you owe my lord?
Godbey New TestamentAnd calling each one of the debtors of his lord, he said to the first, How much do you owe my lord?
Haweis New Testament
So calling upon every one of his master?s debtors, he said to the first, How much owest thou to my master?
Mace New Testament
so he sent for every one of his master's debtors in private, he ask'd the first, how much do you owe my master?
Weymouth New Testament
"So he called all his master's debtors, one by one, and asked the first, 'How much are you in debt to my master?'
Worrell New Testament
And, calling to him each one of his lord's debtors, he said to the first, 'How much do you owe my lord?'
Worsley New Testament
So he called his master's debtors tohim, and said to the first, How much owest thou to my master? and he said, an hundred baths of oil.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Parable of the Shrewd Manager… 4I know what I will do, so that after my removal from management, people will welcome me into their homes.’ 5Andhe called ineachoneof hismaster’sdebtors.‘How muchdo you owemymaster?’he askedthefirst.6‘A hundred measures of olive oil,’ he answered. ‘Take your bill,’ said the manager. ‘Sit down quickly, and write fifty.’…
Cross References Matthew 25:14-30For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ...
Matthew 18:23-35Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. / As he began the settlements, a debtor owing ten thousand talents was brought to him. / Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned. ...
Luke 19:12-27So He said, “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to lay claim to his kingship and then return. / Beforehand, he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Conduct business with this until I return,’ he said. / But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’ ...
Matthew 6:19-21Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Proverbs 22:7The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
Romans 14:12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
1 Corinthians 4:2Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
2 Corinthians 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.
James 2:13For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Matthew 12:36But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
Ecclesiastes 12:14For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
Proverbs 27:23-24Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds; / for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation.
1 Peter 4:5But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
Colossians 3:23-24Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Galatians 6:7-8Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Treasury of Scripture So he called every one of his lord's debtors to him, and said to the first, How much owe you to my lord? his. Luke 7:41,42 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty… Matthew 18:24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. Jump to Previous AmountDebtDebtorsFirstHowLord'sMasterMaster'sOweOwestSendingSummonedSummoningJump to Next AmountDebtDebtorsFirstHowLord'sMasterMaster'sOweOwestSendingSummonedSummoningLuke 16 1.The parable of the unjust steward.14.Jesus reproves the hypocrisy of the covetous Pharisees.19.The parable of the rich man and Lazarus the beggar.And he called in each one of his master’s debtors.This phrase introduces the actions of the dishonest manager in the parable. The context is a parable told by Jesus, highlighting themes of stewardship and accountability. The manager, facing dismissal, seeks to secure his future by reducing the debts owed to his master. This reflects the cultural practice of debt management in ancient times, where stewards had significant control over financial transactions. The calling in of debtors suggests a formal process, possibly involving written records, which was common in the economic practices of the time. ‘How much do you owe my master?’
The question posed by the manager is direct and reflects the urgency of his situation. In the historical context, debt was a common part of life, often leading to servitude if not managed properly. The manager's inquiry indicates a personal knowledge of each debtor's account, emphasizing his role and responsibility. This question also sets the stage for the manager's subsequent actions, which are aimed at currying favor with the debtors. Theologically, this can be seen as a reflection on the nature of sin and forgiveness, where the "debt" can symbolize sin, and the reduction of debt can symbolize grace. he asked the first.
The phrase indicates the beginning of a series of interactions, suggesting a methodical approach by the manager. The "first" debtor represents the start of a pattern, highlighting the manager's intent to systematically reduce debts. This action can be seen as a type of Christ's redemptive work, where each individual is approached personally. Theologically, it underscores the importance of individual accountability and the personal nature of salvation. The manager's actions, though self-serving, inadvertently illustrate the concept of mercy and the transformative power of forgiveness. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Unjust Steward (Manager)A central figure in the parable, he is responsible for managing his master's resources but is accused of wasting them. His actions and decisions are pivotal to understanding the parable's message. 2. The MasterThe owner of the resources and employer of the steward. His response to the steward's actions provides insight into the parable's moral and ethical lessons. 3. The DebtorsIndividuals who owe the master various amounts. Their interactions with the steward reveal themes of mercy, forgiveness, and shrewdness. 4. The Parable SettingThis parable is set in a socio-economic context where debt and management of resources were common, reflecting the everyday life of Jesus' audience. 5. Jesus' AudiencePrimarily the disciples, but also includes the Pharisees and others who were listening, providing a broader context for the teaching. Teaching Points Stewardship and AccountabilityAs stewards of God's resources, we are accountable for how we manage what has been entrusted to us. This parable challenges us to reflect on our own stewardship and the eternal impact of our financial decisions. Wisdom in Resource ManagementThe steward's shrewdness, though ethically questionable, highlights the importance of wisdom and foresight in managing resources. Believers are called to be wise and discerning in their financial dealings. The Value of RelationshipsThe steward's focus on building relationships with the debtors underscores the importance of prioritizing people over possessions. In our lives, relationships should take precedence over material wealth. Mercy and ForgivenessThe reduction of debts points to the broader biblical themes of mercy and forgiveness. As recipients of God's grace, we are encouraged to extend mercy to others in our financial and personal interactions. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Luke 16
How does the unjust steward secure his future?
Why does Luke 16:1–8 seem to commend the unjust steward’s dishonest tactics, potentially endorsing unethical behavior?
How does Luke 16:19-31's portrayal of immediate judgment align with passages like John 5:28-29 that suggest a future resurrection?
How many disciples did Jesus appear to after his resurrection: Twelve (1 Cor 15:5) or Eleven (Matt 27:3-5; Acts 1:9-26; Matt 28:16; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:9, 33)?(5) So he called every one of his lord's debtors.--The debtors might be either men who had bought their wheat and their oil at the hands of the steward; or, as the sequel renders more probable, tenants who, after the common custom of the East, paid their rent in kind. Who, we ask, are the "debtors," in the interpretation of the parable? The Lord's Prayer supplies the answer to that question. The "debtors" are those who have sinned against God, who have left undone the things which they were bound to do, who have made no return for the outward blessings they have received. The unfaithful Church or party tries to secure its position by working on the lower nature of those who have the sense of that burden upon them. It neither gives the sense of peace or pardon, nor asserts the righteous severity of God's commandments. It keeps their consciences uneasy, and traffics in its absolutions. Verses 5, 6, and 7 simply paint in the details of the interesting picture of the parable. This singular plan of providing for himself by becoming a benefactor of the debtor, remarks Professor Bruce, was by no means the only possible one under the circumstances; but the Speaker of the parable made his hero make choice of it as the aim of the imaginary narrative was to teach the value of beneficence as a passport into the eternal habitations. Various explanations have been suggested to account for the difference in the gifts to the debtors. It is probable that when our Lord spoke the parable, reasons for these varied gifts were given, such as the circumstances of the debtors. It is scarcely now worth while to frame ingenious guesses respecting the details, which apparently do not affect the grand lessons which the story was intended to teach.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek AndΚαὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.he called inπροσκαλεσάμενος(proskalesamenos)Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4341:To call to myself, summon. Middle voice from pros and kaleo; to call toward oneself, i.e. Summon, invite.eachἕκαστον(hekaston)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1538:Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.oneἕνα(hena)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520:One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.of hisἑαυτοῦ(heautou)Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438:Himself, herself, itself.master’sκυρίου(kyriou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.debtors.χρεοφειλετῶν(chreopheiletōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5533:A debtor. From a derivative of chrao and opheiletes; a loan-ower, i.e. Indebted person.‘How muchΠόσον(Poson)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4214:How much, how great, how many. From an absolute pos and hos; interrogative pronoun how much (plural) many).do you oweὀφείλεις(opheileis)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3784:Or, its prolonged form opheileo probably from the base of ophelos; to owe; figuratively, to be under obligation; morally, to fail in duty.myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.master?’κυρίῳ(kyriō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.he askedἔλεγεν(elegen)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.theτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.first.πρώτῳ(prōtō)Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4413:First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.
Links Luke 16:5 NIVLuke 16:5 NLTLuke 16:5 ESVLuke 16:5 NASBLuke 16:5 KJV
Luke 16:5 BibleApps.comLuke 16:5 Biblia ParalelaLuke 16:5 Chinese BibleLuke 16:5 French BibleLuke 16:5 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: Luke 16:5 Calling each one of his lord's debtors (Luke Lu Lk) |
