Talk:Parable of the Unjust Steward

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What the heck is this supposed to mean, anyway?

Contents 1 Difficult only for some people 2 Deleted link citing no origin for research 3 Broad Context and the Greek word "kai" 4 Steward's Salary compared to "just" or "unjust"

[edit] Difficult only for some people

I'm modifying the introduction a little, because the parable is not difficult to understand. But it has been for some people who don't understand a few principles about reading the bible.Mdvaden 19:40, 13 August 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Deleted link citing no origin for research

Consistency. Removed link of commercial site blog citing no basis or resources for content.

[edit] Broad Context and the Greek word "kai"

The understanding of the parable hinges on the PLACEMENT of the word "also" which is derived from the Greek "kai". I tried to include this information via the external link Figure of Speech Parable: Luke 16 Page but one user deleted the informational link, without adding the information or contributing to the discussion page.

If the Greek word "kai" (also) is used, the meaning changes depending on whether "also" is placed before a word or after a word - here, "disciples" in Luke 16:1. In one spot, it means that Jesus said the parable exclusively to them in addition to something else he said to them. In another spot, it means totally different, that he told the parable to THEM in addtion to SOMEONE ELSE.

In Luke 16:1 the "kai" or "also" is placed before "disciples" in the Greek text and completely limits the entire meaning to Jesus addressing the disciples in addition to someone else. This requires going all the way back to Luke 15:1-3 to see who the full audience was. Which included the Scribes and Pharisees.

This sets the context and further shows why they got bent out of shape. They then become the "unjust" steward of the parable. Thus, the parable is not difficult to understand, unless people make it hard to understand by not laying the premise.

[edit] Steward's Salary compared to "just" or "unjust"

The steward was not exactly commended for wisdom. It was more for "shrewdness" and not exactly BECAUSE of the shrewdness. It hinges on the "had" (past tense). The steward "had" already been shrewd, and changed circumstances; due to the outcome of the shrewdness, the master offered praise. It can be deserved because the scripture clearly defines UNJUST for the steward and there is not way of getting around that.

A steward had right to forgive debt, and surely could have reduced his salary. But that is not a PROBABLE outcome. Because the parable deals with being JUST versus UNJUST. Scripture also dictates that just living includes properity and that a man is worthy of his hire. If a steward eliminated the worthiness of his hire, he would not be subjecting himself to prospering, being compensated properly, nor doing things decently and in order.

Even if we twisted it so that he did reconcile loss by taking reduced pay, that could easily leave the original accusation standing as a true report of negligence or damage. The justness was based on what occured before the financial changes to records, not afterward. If the steward had to change the paperwork to recover the loss, then its almost certain he was rightly turned in.

In that case, its NOT PROBABLE, or near IMPOSSIBLE that a loss to his wage or commission was any reason to be commended.Mdvaden 22:31, 13 August 2007 (UTC)