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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 16:8 The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/16-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/42_Luk_16_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 16:8 - The Parable of the Shrewd Manager" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. 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For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. <a href="/nlt/luke/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> “The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light. <a href="/esv/luke/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. <a href="/bsb/luke/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light. <a href="/blb/luke/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd than the sons of the light in their own generation. <a href="/kjv/luke/16.htm">King James Bible</a> And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. <a href="/nkjv/luke/16.htm">New King James Version</a> So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light. <a href="/nasb_/luke/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And his master complimented the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light. <a href="/nasb/luke/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220And his master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light. <a href="/nasb77/luke/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And his master praised the unrighteous steward because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light. <a href="/lsb/luke/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And his master praised the unrighteous steward because he had acted shrewdly, for the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light. <a href="/amp/luke/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And his master commended the unjust manager [not for his misdeeds, but] because he had acted shrewdly [by preparing for his future unemployment]; for the sons of this age [the non-believers] are shrewder in relation to their own kind [that is, to the ways of the secular world] than are the sons of light [the believers]. <a href="/csb/luke/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “The master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the children of this age are more shrewd than the children of light in dealing with their own people. <a href="/hcsb/luke/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220The master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted astutely. For the sons of this age are more astute than the sons of light in dealing with their own people. <a href="/asv/luke/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> And his lord commended the unrighteous steward because he had done wisely: for the sons of this world are for their own generation wiser than the sons of the light. <a href="/cev/luke/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The master praised his dishonest manager for looking out for himself so well. That's how it is! The people of this world look out for themselves better than the people who belong to the light. <a href="/erv/luke/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> And his lord commended the unrighteous steward because he had done wisely: for the sons of this world are for their own generation wiser than the sons of the light. <a href="/gwt/luke/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "The master praised the dishonest manager for being so clever. Worldly people are more clever than spiritually-minded people when it comes to dealing with others." <a href="/gnt/luke/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> As a result the master of this dishonest manager praised him for doing such a shrewd thing; because the people of this world are much more shrewd in handling their affairs than the people who belong to the light." <a href="/isv/luke/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> The master praised the dishonest servant manager for being so clever, because worldly people are more clever than enlightened people in dealing with their own. <a href="/msb/luke/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light. <a href="/net/luke/16.htm">NET Bible</a> The master commended the dishonest manager because he acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their contemporaries than the people of light. <a href="/nheb/luke/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "His lord commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness, for the people of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the people of light. <a href="/wbt/luke/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. <a href="/wey/luke/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "And the master praised the dishonest steward for his shrewdness; for, in relation to their own contemporaries, the men of this age are shrewder than the sons of Light. <a href="/web/luke/16.htm">World English Bible</a> “His lord commended the dishonest manager because he had done wisely, for the children of this world are, in their own generation, wiser than the children of the light. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the lord commended the unrighteous steward that he did prudently, because the sons of this age are more prudent than the sons of the light in respect to their generation. <a href="/blb/luke/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd than the sons of the light in their own generation. <a href="/ylt/luke/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And the lord commended the unrighteous steward that he did prudently, because the sons of this age are more prudent than the sons of the light, in respect to their generation. <a href="/slt/luke/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the Lord praised the steward of injustice, because he did wisely: for the sons of this life are wiser than the children of light in their generation.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the lord commended the unjust steward, forasmuch as he had done wisely: for the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light. <a href="/cpdv/luke/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the lord praised the iniquitous steward, in that he had acted prudently. For the sons of this age are more prudent with their generation than are the sons of light. <a href="/nabre/luke/16.htm">New American Bible</a> And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. “For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the lord praised the unjust steward because he had done wisely; for the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And our Lord praised the evil steward, because he acted wisely, for “The children of this world in this their generation are wiser than the children of light.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he acted prudently. For the children of this age are more prudent toward their generation than the children of light.<CM> <a href="/godbey/luke/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>And the lord praised the steward of unrighteousness because he acted shrewdly: because the sons of this age are wiser in their generation than the sons of the light.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/luke/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And the master praised the unjust steward, because he had acted providently: for the children of this world are more provident among their own generation of men, than the children of light. <a href="/mace/luke/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and this unfaithful steward was commended by his master for being so provident, for they who look to this world, manage their affairs with more prudence, than those who have a prospect of a better. <a href="/wey/luke/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "And the master praised the dishonest steward for his shrewdness; for, in relation to their own contemporaries, the men of this age are shrewder than the sons of Light. <a href="/worrell/luke/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>And the lord praised the steward of unrighteousness, because he acted prudently; because the sons of this age are more prudent toward their own generation, than the sons of light.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>And <Fr>his<FR> master commended the dishonest steward as having acted prudently: for the men of this world are as to their affairs wiser than the children of light.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/luke/16-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=6497" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/16.htm">The Parable of the Shrewd Manager</a> …7Then he asked another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ ‘A hundred measures of wheat,’ he replied. ‘Take your bill and write eighty,’ he told him. 8<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: kyrios (N-NMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">master</a> <a href="/greek/1867.htm" title="1867: epēnesen (V-AIA-3S) -- To praise, commend, applaud. From epi and aineo; to applaud.">commended</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/93.htm" title="93: adikias (N-GFS) -- Injustice, unrighteousness, hurt. From adikos; injustice; morally, wrongfulness.">dishonest</a> <a href="/greek/3623.htm" title="3623: oikonomon (N-AMS) -- A household manager, a steward, guardian. ">manager</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: epoiēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">he had acted</a> <a href="/greek/5430.htm" title="5430: phronimōs (Adv) -- Wisely, sensibly, prudently. Adverb from phronimos; prudently.">shrewdly.</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5207.htm" title="5207: huioi (N-NMP) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.">sons</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutou (DPro-GMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">of this</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/165.htm" title="165: aiōnos (N-GMS) -- From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.">age</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</a> <a href="/greek/5429.htm" title="5429: phronimōteroi (Adj-NMP-C) -- Intelligent, prudent, sensible, wise. From phren; thoughtful, i.e. Sagacious or discreet; in a bad sense conceited.">more shrewd</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">in dealing with</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautōn (RefPro-GM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">their own</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1074.htm" title="1074: genean (N-AFS) -- From genos; a generation; by implication, an age.">kind</a> <a href="/greek/5228.htm" title="5228: hyper (Prep) -- Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. ">than are</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5207.htm" title="5207: huious (N-AMP) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.">sons</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5457.htm" title="5457: phōtos (N-GNS) -- Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.">of light.</a> 9I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a> Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. <a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-16</a> Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Proverbs 14:8</a> The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them. <a href="/proverbs/12-23.htm">Proverbs 12:23</a> A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18-19</a> Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” <a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">Colossians 4:5</a> Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. <a href="/proverbs/13-16.htm">Proverbs 13:16</a> Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly. <a href="/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3</a> The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences. <a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13</a> Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. <a href="/matthew/25-2.htm">Matthew 25:2-9</a> Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. / But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps. ... <a href="/proverbs/1-4.htm">Proverbs 1:4</a> To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young, <a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-8</a> Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:6</a> So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. <a href="/proverbs/8-5.htm">Proverbs 8:5</a> O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding. <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a> Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.unjust.<a href="/luke/16-10.htm">Luke 16:10</a> He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.<a href="/luke/18-6.htm">Luke 18:6</a> And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.done.<a href="/luke/16-4.htm">Luke 16:4</a> I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.<a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1</a> Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?<a href="/exodus/1-10.htm">Exodus 1:10</a> Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.children of this.<a href="/luke/20-34.htm">Luke 20:34</a> And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:<a href="/psalms/17-14.htm">Psalm 17:14</a> From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18</a> Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.in.<a href="/psalms/49-10.htm">Psalm 49:10-19</a> For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others… <a href="/matthew/17-26.htm">Matthew 17:26</a> Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.children of light.<a href="/john/12-36.htm">John 12:36</a> While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.<a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8</a> For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:<a href="/1_thessalonians/5-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:5</a> Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/10-36.htm">Acted</a> <a href="/luke/12-25.htm">Age</a> <a href="/luke/14-26.htm">Children</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Commended</a> <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Contemporaries</a> <a href="/micah/6-11.htm">Dishonest</a> <a href="/luke/13-15.htm">False.</a> <a href="/luke/11-51.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/luke/12-3.htm">Light</a> <a href="/luke/16-6.htm">Manager</a> <a href="/luke/16-5.htm">Master</a> <a href="/luke/12-32.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/luke/13-13.htm">Praised</a> <a href="/isaiah/52-13.htm">Prudently</a> <a href="/luke/1-1.htm">Relation</a> <a href="/luke/16-3.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Shrewd</a> <a href="/daniel/8-25.htm">Shrewdness</a> <a href="/luke/16-6.htm">Steward</a> <a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Unjust</a> <a href="/matthew/12-37.htm">Unrighteous</a> <a href="/luke/13-11.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/mark/12-34.htm">Wisely</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-3.htm">Wiser</a> <a href="/luke/12-30.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/24-28.htm">Acted</a> <a href="/luke/18-30.htm">Age</a> <a href="/luke/18-16.htm">Children</a> <a href="/acts/14-23.htm">Commended</a> <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Contemporaries</a> <a href="/luke/16-10.htm">Dishonest</a> <a href="/luke/16-10.htm">False.</a> <a href="/luke/17-25.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/luke/17-24.htm">Light</a> <a href="/romans/16-23.htm">Manager</a> <a href="/luke/17-13.htm">Master</a> <a href="/luke/23-8.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/luke/18-43.htm">Praised</a> <a href="/psalms/36-3.htm">Prudently</a> <a href="/john/1-1.htm">Relation</a> <a href="/luke/16-13.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/acts/7-19.htm">Shrewd</a> <a href="/job/5-13.htm">Shrewdness</a> <a href="/john/2-8.htm">Steward</a> <a href="/luke/16-10.htm">Unjust</a> <a href="/luke/16-9.htm">Unrighteous</a> <a href="/luke/18-17.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">Wisely</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">Wiser</a> <a href="/luke/18-30.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 16</div>1. <a href="/luke/16-1.htm">The parable of the unjust steward.</a> 14. <a href="/luke/16-14.htm">Jesus reproves the hypocrisy of the covetous Pharisees.</a> 19. <a href="/luke/16-19.htm">The parable of the rich man and Lazarus the beggar.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The master commended the dishonest manager In this parable, the master represents a figure of authority, possibly symbolizing God or a worldly authority figure. The commendation of the dishonest manager is unexpected, as it highlights the manager's shrewdness rather than his dishonesty. This reflects a cultural understanding of shrewdness as a valuable trait in ancient Near Eastern societies, where resourcefulness and cleverness were often necessary for survival. The parable challenges the listener to consider the importance of wisdom and prudence in managing resources, even when the methods are not entirely ethical.because he had acted shrewdly. The term "shrewdly" here implies a level of wisdom and foresight. In biblical context, shrewdness is often associated with practical wisdom, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/1-4.htm">Proverbs 1:4</a>, which speaks of giving prudence to the simple. The manager's actions, though dishonest, demonstrate an ability to navigate difficult situations effectively. This phrase encourages believers to be wise and discerning in their dealings, using their resources to secure a future, much like the manager secured his. It also serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual discernment, as seen in <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a>, where Jesus advises His disciples to be "shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves."For the sons of this age are more shrewd "Sons of this age" refers to those who belong to the present world system, often characterized by a focus on material wealth and temporal concerns. This phrase contrasts with the "sons of light," who are associated with spiritual insight and eternal values. The observation that the sons of this age are more shrewd suggests that worldly people often exhibit greater practical wisdom in their affairs than believers do in spiritual matters. This serves as a call for Christians to be equally diligent and wise in their spiritual pursuits.in dealing with their own kind This phrase highlights the idea that people of the world are adept at navigating their own systems and relationships to achieve their goals. It underscores the importance of understanding and engaging effectively with the world while maintaining one's spiritual integrity. The cultural context of the time valued community and relationships, and this insight into human behavior remains relevant for believers today, urging them to be wise in their interactions with both believers and non-believers.than are the sons of light. "Sons of light" is a term used to describe those who follow Christ and live according to His teachings, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8</a>, which calls believers to "walk as children of light." This phrase serves as a critique of believers who may lack the same level of shrewdness in spiritual matters as worldly people do in secular affairs. It challenges Christians to be proactive and wise in their spiritual lives, using their resources and opportunities to further God's kingdom. The contrast between the two groups emphasizes the need for believers to be as committed and strategic in their spiritual endeavors as the world is in its pursuits.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_master.htm">The Master</a> Represents God or a figure of authority who recognizes the shrewdness of the manager. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_dishonest_manager.htm">The Dishonest Manager</a> A steward who, upon facing dismissal, acts cleverly to secure his future by reducing the debts of his master's debtors. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_sons_of_this_age.htm">The Sons of This Age</a> Refers to people who live according to worldly wisdom and values. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_sons_of_light.htm">The Sons of Light</a> Represents believers who are expected to live according to God's wisdom and values. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_parable_setting.htm">The Parable Setting</a> Jesus uses this parable to teach His disciples about the use of worldly resources for eternal purposes.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_shrewdness.htm">Understanding Shrewdness</a> The parable highlights the importance of being wise and strategic in our dealings, not for selfish gain, but for the Kingdom of God. <a href="/topical/w/worldly_vs._godly_wisdom.htm">Worldly vs. Godly Wisdom</a> Believers are called to discern the difference between worldly shrewdness and godly wisdom, using the latter to advance God's purposes. <a href="/topical/s/stewardship_of_resources.htm">Stewardship of Resources</a> We are stewards of the resources God has given us, and we should use them to build relationships and invest in eternal treasures. <a href="/topical/l/living_as_children_of_light.htm">Living as Children of Light</a> Our actions should reflect our identity as children of light, using wisdom to navigate a world that often values cunning over integrity. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a> The parable encourages us to focus on eternal outcomes rather than temporary gains, aligning our actions with God's eternal purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 16</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_the_efca.htm">What defines the Evangelical Free Church of America?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_the_steward_secure_his_future.htm">How does the unjust steward secure his future?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_luke_16_1-8_praise_the_steward.htm">Why does Luke 16:1–8 seem to commend the unjust steward’s dishonest tactics, potentially endorsing unethical behavior? </a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_truly_overcome_death.htm">How can worldly wealth secure eternal friendships?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) And the lord commended . . .--The "lord" is, of course, the rich man of the parable, the steward's master. He too, in the outer framework of the story, is one of the children of this world, and he admires the sharpness and quickness of the steward's action. In the interpretation of the story, we trace once more the grave, half-veiled indignation, more keenly incisive than if the veil had been withdrawn, which so often appears in this phase of our Lord's teaching. If this world were all, there would be a wisdom worthy of praise when a Church or its teachers adapted themselves to men's passions or interests at the expense of Truth. That which makes such action hateful is that by so doing the children of light transform themselves into the children of this world.The unjust steward.--Literally, the steward of unrighteousness, St. Luke using the half-Hebrew idiom of a genitive of the characteristic attribute. (Comp. the "mammon of unrighteousness" in <a href="/luke/16-9.htm" title="And I say to you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.">Luke 16:9</a>, and the "unjust judge" of <a href="/luke/18-6.htm" title="And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge said.">Luke 18:6</a>, where the same idiom is used.)The children of this world are in their generation wiser . . .--Better, for their generation, with a view, i.e., to their own advantages and interests, and those of others like them.Wiser than the children of light.--The word for "wise" is that used by our Lord in "wise as serpents" (see Notes on <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm" title="Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the middle of wolves: be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.">Matthew 10:16</a>). In "children of light" (literally, sons of light), though usage has made the Hebrew idiom familiar, we have another example of the genitive of characteristic attribute. We may note the recurrence of the phrase (with the variation of the Greek word for "children" instead of "sons") in <a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm" title="For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord: walk as children of light:">Ephesians 5:8</a> as another instance of the way in which the phraseology of St. Paul was influenced by that of the words of the Lord Jesus collected by his fellow-labourer. "Children of light" are those in whom light is the prevailing element of their life, and they are necessarily also children of God; for "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all" (<a href="/1_john/1-5.htm" title="This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.">1John 1:5</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely. This, again, is a detail which has little bearing on the main teaching. It is a graphic and sarcastic eulogy which a good-humoured man of the world would pronounce upon a brilliant and skilful, although unprincipled, action, and it completes the story as a story. It seems evident that the intentions of the steward in regard to the debtors were carried out, and that they were really indebted to him for the release of a part of their indebtedness, and that the owner of the property did not dispute the arrangement entered into by his steward when in office. For the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. This was a melancholy and sorrowful reflection. It seems to say, "I have been painting, indeed, from the life. See, the children of this world, men and women whose ends and aims are bounded by the horizon of this world, who only live for this life, how much more painstaking and skilful are they in their working for the perishable things of this world than are the children of light in their noble toiling after the things of the life to come. The former appear even more in earnest in their search after what they desire than do the latter. There is underlying the Lord's deep and sorrowful reflection here, a mournful regret over one feature that is, alas! characteristic of well-nigh all religious life - the unkindness which religious professors so often show to one another. One great division of Christianity despises, almost hates, the other; sect detests sect; a very slight difference in religious opinion bars the way to all friendship, often to even kindly feeling. With truth Godet remarks here "that the children of this world use every means for their own interest to strengthen the bonds which unite them to their contemporaries of the same stamp, but, on the other hand, the children of light neglect this natural measure of prudence; they forget to use God's goods to form bonds of love to the contemporaries who might one day give them a full recompense, when they themselves shall want everything, and these shall have abundance." <a href="/commentaries/luke/16-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>The ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. master κύριος (kyrios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. commended ἐπῄνεσεν (epēnesen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1867.htm">Strong's 1867: </a> To praise, commend, applaud. From epi and aineo; to applaud. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. dishonest ἀδικίας (adikias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_93.htm">Strong's 93: </a> Injustice, unrighteousness, hurt. From adikos; injustice; morally, wrongfulness. manager οἰκονόμον (oikonomon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3623.htm">Strong's 3623: </a> A household manager, a steward, guardian. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. he had acted ἐποίησεν (epoiēsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. shrewdly. φρονίμως (phronimōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5430.htm">Strong's 5430: </a> Wisely, sensibly, prudently. Adverb from phronimos; prudently. For ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. sons υἱοὶ (huioi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5207.htm">Strong's 5207: </a> A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. of this τούτου (toutou) Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. age αἰῶνος (aiōnos) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_165.htm">Strong's 165: </a> From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period. are εἰσιν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. more shrewd φρονιμώτεροι (phronimōteroi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_5429.htm">Strong's 5429: </a> Intelligent, prudent, sensible, wise. From phren; thoughtful, i.e. Sagacious or discreet; in a bad sense conceited. in dealing with εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. their own ἑαυτῶν (heautōn) Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. kind γενεὰν (genean) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1074.htm">Strong's 1074: </a> From genos; a generation; by implication, an age. than [are] ὑπὲρ (hyper) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5228.htm">Strong's 5228: </a> Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. sons υἱοὺς (huious) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5207.htm">Strong's 5207: </a> A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. of light. φωτὸς (phōtos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5457.htm">Strong's 5457: </a> Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/16-8.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 16:8 His lord commended the dishonest manager because (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/16-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 16:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 16:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/16-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 16:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 16:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>