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My master is taking away my job. I&#8217m not strong enough to dig, and I&#8217m ashamed to beg— <a href="/nlt/luke/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> “The manager thought to himself, ‘Now what? My boss has fired me. I don’t have the strength to dig ditches, and I’m too proud to beg. <a href="/esv/luke/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. <a href="/bsb/luke/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking away my position? I am too weak to dig and too ashamed to beg. <a href="/blb/luke/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the manager said within himself, 'What shall I do, for my master is taking away the management from me? I am not able to dig; I am ashamed to beg. <a href="/kjv/luke/16.htm">King James Bible</a> Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. <a href="/nkjv/luke/16.htm">New King James Version</a> “Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. <a href="/nasb_/luke/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And the manager said to himself, ‘What am I to do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig; I am ashamed to beg. <a href="/nasb/luke/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220The manager said to himself, &#8216What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig; I am ashamed to beg. <a href="/nasb77/luke/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And the steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the stewardship away from me? I am not strong enough to dig; I am ashamed to beg. <a href="/lsb/luke/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the stewardship away from me? I am not strong enough to dig; I am ashamed to beg. <a href="/amp/luke/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The manager [of the estate] said to himself, ‘What will I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig [for a living], and I am ashamed to beg. <a href="/csb/luke/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Then the manager said to himself, ‘What will I do since my master is taking the management away from me? I’m not strong enough to dig; I’m ashamed to beg. <a href="/hcsb/luke/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220Then the manager said to himself, What should I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I&#8217m not strong enough to dig; I&#8217m ashamed to beg. <a href="/asv/luke/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the steward said within himself, What shall I do, seeing that my lord taketh away the stewardship from me? I have not strength to dig; to beg I am ashamed. <a href="/cev/luke/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The manager said to himself, "What shall I do now that my master is going to fire me? I can't dig ditches, and I'm ashamed to beg. <a href="/erv/luke/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the steward said within himself, What shall I do, seeing that my lord taketh away the stewardship from me? I have not strength to dig; to beg I am ashamed. <a href="/gwt/luke/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "The manager thought, 'What should I do? My master is taking my job away from me. I'm not strong enough to dig, and I'm ashamed to beg. <a href="/gnt/luke/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> The servant said to himself, 'My master is going to dismiss me from my job. What shall I do? I am not strong enough to dig ditches, and I am ashamed to beg. <a href="/isv/luke/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Then the servant manager told himself, 'What should I do? My master is taking my position away from me. I'm not strong enough to plow, and I'm ashamed to beg. <a href="/msb/luke/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The manager said to himself, ?What shall I do, now that my master is taking away my position? I am too weak to dig and too ashamed to beg. <a href="/net/luke/16.htm">NET Bible</a> Then the manager said to himself, 'What should I do, since my master is taking my position away from me? I'm not strong enough to dig, and I'm too ashamed to beg. <a href="/nheb/luke/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "The manager said within himself, 'What will I do, seeing that my lord is taking away the management position from me? I do not have strength to dig. I am ashamed to beg. <a href="/wbt/luke/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. <a href="/wey/luke/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Then the steward said within himself, "'What am I to do? For my master is taking away the stewardship from me. I am not strong enough for field labour: to beg, I should be ashamed. <a href="/web/luke/16.htm">World English Bible</a> “The manager said within himself, ‘What will I do, seeing that my lord is taking away the management position from me? I don’t have strength to dig. I am ashamed to beg. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the steward said in himself, What will I do, because my lord takes away the stewardship from me? I am not able to dig, I am ashamed to beg— <a href="/blb/luke/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the manager said within himself, 'What shall I do, for my master is taking away the management from me? I am not able to dig; I am ashamed to beg. <a href="/ylt/luke/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And the steward said in himself, What shall I do, because my lord doth take away the stewardship from me? to dig I am not able, to beg I am ashamed: -- <a href="/slt/luke/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the steward said in himself, What shall I do? for my lord takes away the stewardship from me: I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the steward said within himself: What shall I do, because my lord taketh away from me the stewardship? To dig I am not able; to beg I am ashamed. <a href="/cpdv/luke/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the steward said within himself: ‘What shall I do? For my lord is taking the stewardship away from me. I am not strong enough to dig. I am too ashamed to beg. <a href="/nabre/luke/16.htm">New American Bible</a> The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then the manager said to himself, ‘What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then the steward said to himself, What will I do? for my lord will take away from me the stewardship? I cannot dig, and I am ashamed to beg. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> That steward said to himself, “What shall I do? My Lord has taken the stewardship from me; I cannot dig, and I am ashamed to beg.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord takes from me the stewardship. I have not strength to dig; I am ashamed to beg. <a href="/godbey/luke/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>And the steward said within himself, What shall I do, because my lord takes away my stewardship from me? I am not able to dig; I am ashamed to beg.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/luke/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? because my master is taking away the stewardship from me: to dig, I have not the strength; to beg, I am ashamed. <a href="/mace/luke/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a> upon which the steward said in himself, what shall I do, now my master strips me of my employment? dig I cannot: and 'tis shameful to beg: I see it now, <a href="/wey/luke/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Then the steward said within himself, "'What am I to do? For my master is taking away the stewardship from me. I am not strong enough for field labour: to beg, I should be ashamed. <a href="/worrell/luke/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>And the steward said in himself, 'What shall I do? because my lord takes away the stewardship from me! To dig, I have not strength; to beg, I am ashamed!<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>And the steward said in himself, What shall I do? now my master takes away the stewardship from me; I am not able to work, <Fr>and<FR> I am ashamed to beg.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/luke/16-3.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=6448" 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> …2So he called him in to ask, ‘What is this I hear about you? Turn in an account of your management, for you cannot be manager any longer.’ 3<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></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/3623.htm" title="3623: oikonomos (N-NMS) -- A household manager, a steward, guardian. ">manager</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: Eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">said</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">to</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautō (RefPro-DM3S) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">himself,</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">‘What</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēsō (V-ASA-1S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">shall I do,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">now that</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</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."></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/851.htm" title="851: aphaireitai (V-PIM-3S) -- To take away, smite off. From apo and haireomai; to remove.">is taking</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: ap’ (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">away</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: emou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</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/3622.htm" title="3622: oikonomian (N-AFS) -- Management of household affairs, stewardship, administration. From oikonomos; administration; specially, a economy.">position?</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/2480.htm" title="2480: ischyō (V-PIA-1S) -- To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.">I am too weak</a> <a href="/greek/4626.htm" title="4626: skaptein (V-PNA) -- To dig, excavate. Apparently a primary verb; to dig.">to dig</a> <a href="/greek/153.htm" title="153: aischynomai (V-PIM/P-1S) -- To be ashamed, be put to shame. From aischos; to feel shame.">and too ashamed</a> <a href="/greek/1871.htm" title="1871: epaitein (V-PNA) -- To beg, be a beggar, ask alms. From epi and aiteo; to ask for.">to beg.</a> 4I know what I will do, so that after my removal from management, people will welcome me into their homes.’…<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/25-24.htm">Matthew 25:24-30</a> Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. / So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’ / ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. ... <a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-11</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="/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4</a> The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there. <a href="/proverbs/22-13.htm">Proverbs 22:13</a> The slacker says, “There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!” <a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">Proverbs 26:13-16</a> The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!” / As a door turns on its hinges, so the slacker turns on his bed. / The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. ... <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:18</a> Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks. <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:10-12</a> For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” / For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies. / We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living. <a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-15</a> For 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. <a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Proverbs 10:4-5</a> Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. / He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. <a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Proverbs 12:24</a> The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. <a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Proverbs 13:4</a> The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. <a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Proverbs 19:15</a> Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger. <a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Proverbs 24:30-34</a> I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. / Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. / I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: ... <a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">1 Timothy 5:8</a> If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. <a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-17</a> What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord takes away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.said.<a href="/luke/18-4.htm">Luke 18:4</a> And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;<a href="/esther/6-6.htm">Esther 6:6</a> So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?What.<a href="/luke/12-17.htm">Luke 12:17</a> And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?<a href="/isaiah/10-3.htm">Isaiah 10:3</a> And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?<a href="/jeremiah/5-31.htm">Jeremiah 5:31</a> The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?I cannot.<a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Proverbs 13:4</a> The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.<a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Proverbs 15:19</a> The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.<a href="/proverbs/18-9.htm">Proverbs 18:9</a> He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.to beg.<a href="/luke/16-20.htm">Luke 16:20,22</a> And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, … <a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4</a> The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.<a href="/mark/10-46.htm">Mark 10:46</a> And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/14-9.htm">Ashamed</a> <a href="/luke/14-19.htm">Beg</a> <a href="/luke/13-8.htm">Dig</a> <a href="/luke/15-21.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/luke/15-25.htm">Field</a> <a href="/luke/15-15.htm">Fields</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-20.htm">Job</a> <a href="/ezekiel/29-20.htm">Labour</a> <a href="/luke/16-2.htm">Management</a> <a href="/luke/16-2.htm">Manager</a> <a href="/luke/14-23.htm">Master</a> <a href="/luke/15-13.htm">Money</a> <a href="/luke/1-48.htm">Position</a> <a href="/luke/11-9.htm">Requests</a> <a href="/luke/15-29.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/luke/13-17.htm">Shamed</a> <a href="/luke/16-2.htm">Steward</a> <a href="/luke/16-2.htm">Stewardship</a> <a href="/luke/14-21.htm">Streets</a> <a href="/luke/10-27.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/luke/11-21.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/luke/16-2.htm">What</a> <a href="/luke/12-17.htm">Within</a> <a href="/luke/5-10.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/1-16.htm">Ashamed</a> <a href="/luke/16-27.htm">Beg</a> <a href="/genesis/26-19.htm">Dig</a> <a href="/luke/21-4.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/luke/17-7.htm">Field</a> <a href="/john/4-35.htm">Fields</a> <a href="/luke/16-4.htm">Job</a> <a href="/john/16-21.htm">Labour</a> <a href="/luke/16-4.htm">Management</a> <a href="/luke/16-6.htm">Manager</a> <a href="/luke/16-5.htm">Master</a> <a href="/luke/16-13.htm">Money</a> <a href="/luke/16-4.htm">Position</a> <a href="/luke/18-35.htm">Requests</a> <a href="/luke/16-8.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/romans/2-24.htm">Shamed</a> <a href="/luke/16-6.htm">Steward</a> <a href="/luke/16-4.htm">Stewardship</a> <a href="/acts/5-15.htm">Streets</a> <a href="/luke/21-26.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/luke/21-36.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/luke/20-13.htm">What</a> <a href="/luke/17-21.htm">Within</a> <a href="/john/5-17.htm">Working</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 manager said to himself This phrase introduces the internal dialogue of the manager, highlighting his self-awareness and introspection. In the cultural context of the time, a manager or steward was responsible for overseeing the affairs of a wealthy landowner. This role required trust and competence. The manager's self-reflection indicates a moment of crisis, prompting him to consider his future actions. This introspection is a common biblical theme, seen in other parables where individuals must confront their circumstances and make decisions, such as the Prodigal Son in <a href="/luke/15-17.htm">Luke 15:17</a>.‘What shall I do, The question reflects a moment of desperation and uncertainty. In the biblical narrative, questions often precede significant decisions or divine intervention. This mirrors the human condition of seeking guidance when faced with difficult situations. The manager's question is reminiscent of other biblical figures who faced pivotal moments, such as the rich young ruler in <a href="/matthew/19-16.htm">Matthew 19:16</a>, who asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life.now that my master is taking away my position? The loss of position signifies a loss of identity and security. In the historical context, a steward's role was crucial for managing estates, and losing this position would mean losing social standing and livelihood. This reflects the broader biblical theme of stewardship and accountability, as seen in the Parable of the Talents (<a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a>), where servants are held accountable for their management of the master's resources.I am too weak to dig This phrase indicates the manager's physical limitations and unsuitability for manual labor. In the cultural context, digging or manual labor was considered low-status work, often reserved for the poor or enslaved. The manager's acknowledgment of his inability to perform such work highlights his reliance on his current position and the skills associated with it. This can be contrasted with Paul's encouragement in <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:10</a>, where he emphasizes the importance of work and self-sufficiency.and too ashamed to beg. Begging was seen as a last resort and carried a social stigma. In the historical and cultural context, begging was associated with shame and loss of dignity. The manager's reluctance to beg underscores his desire to maintain some level of respectability and avoid public humiliation. This reflects the biblical theme of pride and humility, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/11-2.htm">Proverbs 11:2</a>, which warns that pride leads to disgrace, but humility brings wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_manager.htm">The Manager (Steward)</a> A servant responsible for managing his master's resources. In this parable, he faces the loss of his position due to mismanagement. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_master.htm">The Master</a> The owner of the resources, who decides to dismiss the manager for his poor stewardship. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_event_of_dismissal.htm">The Event of Dismissal</a> The manager is informed that he will lose his job, prompting him to consider his future actions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/stewardship_and_accountability.htm">Stewardship and Accountability</a> As stewards of God's resources, we are accountable for how we manage what is entrusted to us. This parable challenges us to reflect on our own stewardship. <a href="/topical/s/self-reflection_and_planning.htm">Self-Reflection and Planning</a> The manager's introspection ("What shall I do?") encourages us to regularly evaluate our actions and plan wisely for the future. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_poor_management.htm">The Consequences of Poor Management</a> The impending loss of the manager's position serves as a warning about the consequences of neglecting our responsibilities. <a href="/topical/h/humility_and_resourcefulness.htm">Humility and Resourcefulness</a> The manager's admission of his limitations ("too weak to dig and too ashamed to beg") teaches us the importance of humility and finding creative solutions in difficult situations.<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_does_biblical_stewardship_mean.htm">What is the meaning of Biblical stewardship?</a> <a href="/q/is_money_the_root_of_all_evil.htm">Is money the root of all evil?</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/how_does_the_steward_secure_his_future.htm">How does the unjust steward secure his future?</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>(3) I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.--In the outer framework of the parable there is something eminently characteristic in this utterance of the steward's thoughts. He has lost the manliness and strength which would have fitted him for actual labour. He retains the false shame which makes him prefer fraud to poverty. He shudders at the thought that it might be his lot to sit, like Lazarus, and ask an alms at the rich man's door. Spiritually, we may see what happens to a religious caste or order, like the Pharisees, when it forfeits its true calling by misuse. It has lost the power to prepare the ground for future fruitfulness by the "digging," which answers, as in <a href="/luke/13-8.htm" title="And he answering said to him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:">Luke 13:8</a>, to the preliminary work of education and other influences that lie outside direct religious activity. It is religious and ecclesiastical, or it is nothing. It is ashamed to confess its spiritual poverty, and to own that it is "poor, and blind, and naked" (<a href="/revelation/3-17.htm" title="Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:">Revelation 3:17</a>). Anything seems better than either of those alternatives.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship. This day of dismissal must be prepared for; very carefully, very anxiously, the man who has received the sentence of doom ponders over his future. The lesson of the Master is spoken to all; it is a solemn warning to each of us to see what we can do by way of providing for the inevitable day when we shall find ourselves alone and naked and perhaps friendless in the great, strange world to come. The hero of the parable seems suddenly, after a life of carelessness and thoughtlessness, to have awakened to a sense of his awful danger. So the voice of the real Owner of the goods, which we have so long deluded ourselves into thinking were our own, comes to us, bidding us make ready to give them back again to him, their Owner, and at the same time to render an account of our administration of them. The voice comes to us in the varied forms of conscience, sickness, misfortune, old age, sorrow, and the like; well for us if, when we hear it, we at once determine, as did the steward of the parable, to make a wise use of the goods in our power for the little time they are still left to us to dispose of as we will. <a href="/commentaries/luke/16-3.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. manager οἰκονόμος (oikonomos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3623.htm">Strong's 3623: </a> A household manager, a steward, guardian. said Εἶπεν (Eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. to ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. himself, ἑαυτῷ (heautō) Reflexive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. ‘What Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. shall I do, ποιήσω (poiēsō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st 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. now that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. my μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. master κύριός (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. is taking ἀφαιρεῖται (aphaireitai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_851.htm">Strong's 851: </a> To take away, smite off. From apo and haireomai; to remove. away ἀπ’ (ap’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. my ἐμοῦ (emou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. [position]? οἰκονομίαν (oikonomian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3622.htm">Strong's 3622: </a> Management of household affairs, stewardship, administration. From oikonomos; administration; specially, a 'economy'. I am too weak ἰσχύω (ischyō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2480.htm">Strong's 2480: </a> To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force. to dig σκάπτειν (skaptein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4626.htm">Strong's 4626: </a> To dig, excavate. Apparently a primary verb; to dig. [and] too ashamed αἰσχύνομαι (aischynomai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_153.htm">Strong's 153: </a> To be ashamed, be put to shame. From aischos; to feel shame. to beg. ἐπαιτεῖν (epaitein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1871.htm">Strong's 1871: </a> To beg, be a beggar, ask alms. From epi and aiteo; to ask for. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/16-3.htm">Luke 16:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/16-3.htm">Luke 16:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/16-3.htm">Luke 16:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/16-3.htm">Luke 16:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/16-3.htm">Luke 16:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/16-3.htm">Luke 16:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/16-3.htm">Luke 16:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/16-3.htm">Luke 16:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/16-3.htm">Luke 16:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/16-3.htm">Luke 16:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/16-3.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 16:3 The manager said within himself 'What will (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/16-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 16:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 16:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/16-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 16:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 16:4" /></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>