So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
English Standard Version (ESV)
The steward didn't just call his master's debtors; he called them "one by one." This deliberate, individual approach reveals his calculated strategy: he wasn't just reducing their debts, he was personally creating a network of indebted, grateful allies for his own future.
So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of Jesus' parable about an unjust steward who is caught wasting his master's possessions and is about to be fired. Before this, the master calls the steward in and demands an accounting, giving him notice that his management is over. Now, the steward, facing ruin, begins to call in the people who owe his master, starting with the first one to falsify their debts.
The story starts with a manager in a tough spot. But who are the people he's calling in?
Jesus is telling this parable to disciples and Pharisees, painting a picture of a steward who's been caught skimming from his boss. He's been accused of wasting his master's wealth.
He's about to lose his job, and he knows it. So, he calls in the people who owe his master money – not to collect, but to change the records.
Think of it this way: the 'debtors' here represent people who owe something, whether it's money, crops, or even perhaps a spiritual debt. The steward is about to manipulate these debts to create future favors for himself.
The steward asks a simple question, but it's loaded with hidden motives. What's he really trying to achieve?
The steward's question, 'How much do you owe my master?' isn't just about getting information. It's the first step in a calculated plan.
He's not asking to ensure the correct amount is paid. Instead, he's gathering intel to rewrite the debt, essentially forgiving a portion of what is owed.
Why? Because he's been fired! He needs to make friends now so that when he's out of a job, these debtors will take him in. He's using his master's assets to secure his own future, albeit in a dishonest way.
Understand the original words
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chreopheiletōn · Greek Noun
Someone who is indebted or under obligation to another; in a theological context, it symbolizes the state of humanity before God, who owe a debt of righteousness they cannot pay.
This parable reflects the economic realities of the time, where rents were often paid in kind. A steward's ability to alter these records highlights the trust and the potential for corruption inherent in such financial management systems within the Roman provincial context.
Late 1st century BC - Early 1st century AD
Dominant Roman Provincial System
The Roman Empire controlled Judea and surrounding regions, implementing a system of taxation and land management often involving local stewards and tax collectors who owed allegiance and revenue to Roman governors or wealthy landowners.
Early 1st century AD
Prevalence of Landowners and Stewards
Wealthy landowners, both Roman and local elites, commonly employed stewards (managers) to oversee their estates, collect rents, and manage accounts. These stewards often had significant authority but were accountable for their stewardship.
c. AD 25-30— this verse
Jesus Teaches and Parables
During his public ministry, Jesus taught in Galilee and Judea, frequently using parables—stories drawn from everyday life—to illustrate spiritual truths and challenge his listeners, including religious leaders like the Pharisees.
c. AD 30-33
Pharisees' Scrutiny of Jesus
The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to the Law and their influence, frequently observed and questioned Jesus, especially when his teachings and actions seemed to contradict their interpretations or challenged their authority.
This parable of the talents also deals with a master entrusting possessions to servants, highlighting accountability and the consequences of how those resources are managed.
Luke 12:48This verse directly follows Jesus' teaching on being watchful and ready, stating that 'everyone to whom much was given, much will be required'. It underscores the principle of stewardship central to the parable.
Proverbs 3:9-10This passage speaks about honoring the Lord with one's wealth and possessions, suggesting a principle of generosity and right use of resources, which contrasts with the steward's initial actions but relates to the 'friends' he makes.
Ecclesiastes 11:1-2This passage encourages sharing and distributing possessions, reflecting the steward's strategy of giving to make friends, and suggests that such actions can have future benefits.
barnesLuke 16:5: "So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?"
Called every one - As he was "steward," he had the management of all the affairs, and, of course, debts were to be paid to him. Debtors - Those who "owed" his master, or perhaps "tenants;" those who rented land of his master.
calvinLuke 16:1-15: "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."
- And he said also to his disciples, There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and he was accused to him that he was wasting his estate. 2. And he called him, and said to him, What is this that I hear of thee? render an account of thy stewardship, for thou shalt no longer have it in thy power to be steward. 3. And the stew…
The steward didn't just call his master's debtors; he called them "one by one." This deliberate, individual approach reveals his calculated strategy: he wasn't just reducing their debts, he was personally creating a network of indebted, grateful allies for his own future.
This verse is part of Jesus' parable about an unjust steward who is caught wasting his master's possessions and is about to be fired. Before this, the master calls the steward in and demands an accounting, giving him notice that his management is over. Now, the steward, facing ruin, begins to call in the people who owe his master, starting with the first one to falsify their debts.
This verse is part of Jesus' parable about an unjust steward who is caught wasting his master's possessions and is about to be fired. Before this, the master calls the steward in and demands an accounting, giving him notice that his management is over. Now, the steward, facing ruin, begins to call in the people who owe his master, starting with the first one to falsify their debts.
"So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’" — The steward didn't just call his master's debtors; he called them "one by one." This deliberate, individual approach reveals his calculated strategy: he wasn't just reducing their debts, he was perso…
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Last reviewed October 2026