The verb conveys the active exercise of stewardship—managing what belongs to another with the expectation of accountability. It presumes the existence of a true Owner (God) and delegates authority to a steward who must act faithfully, wisely, and profitably on the Owner’s behalf.

Occurrence in Luke 16

Luke 16:2 records the only New Testament use of the verb: “So he called him in and asked, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, because you cannot be manager any longer.’”. Here the master demands a reckoning, underscoring that stewardship is never absolute ownership but a trust that can be revoked.

Parable of the Unjust Steward

1. Immediate Purpose: Jesus employs a worldly scenario to illustrate eternal truth. The steward, though unjust, recognizes the urgency of judgment and acts decisively for his future.
2. Contrast and Comparison: Christ does not commend dishonesty but shrewd foresight (Luke 16:8). Believers are urged to leverage present resources for eternal outcomes, “so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9).
3. Faithfulness Principle: “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much” (Luke 16:10). The single use of the verb seeds an extended discourse on trustworthy service that follows through verse 13.

Stewardship in the Greco-Roman World

Household administrators held legal power over inventories, finances, and servants yet answered fully to the householder. Contracts, debt instruments, and supply ledgers were common tools. Knowing this, Jesus’ audience grasped instantly the gravity of the steward’s dismissal and the creativity of his last-minute negotiations.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Ownership: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). God retains all rights; humans manage His assets.
2. Accountability: Future judgment is certain. “Each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).
3. Faithfulness and Reward: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Faithfulness links ordinary tasks with eternal commendation.
4. Grace Dispensation: Paul speaks of “the stewardship of God’s grace” entrusted to him for the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:2), indicating that even spiritual gifts and revelation are to be administered, not possessed.

Applications in Ministry and Christian Living

• Personal Resources: Time, talents, and money are to be directed toward Kingdom purposes; see 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace.”
• Church Leadership: Elders are “God’s stewards” (Titus 1:7), charged with doctrinal purity, pastoral care, and financial integrity.
• Gospel Trust: Ministers are “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1). The message must not be altered for personal gain.
• Missions and Mercy: Strategic deployment of resources mirrors the steward’s foresight, providing for eternal relationships rather than temporary luxuries.

Related Terms and Ideas

• οἰκονόμος (steward) highlights the person.
• οἰκονομία (stewardship, administration) highlights the assignment.

The verb under study emphasizes the action that unites both.

Summary

Though appearing only once, the verb encapsulates a central biblical motif: life, possessions, and revelation are trusts from God. The steward in Luke 16 warns of inevitable audit; the subsequent teaching calls believers to prudent, faithful, and farsighted management of all God has placed in their hands, confident that “if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches?” (Luke 16:11).