Stewardship (Greek Word Study)

Stewardship (Greek Word Study) By Mark Mayberry 9/23/2012 Introduction Describing one who is entrusted with the management of some important responsibility, stewards are frequently mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. Joseph faithfully served in the household of Potiphar (Gen. 39:7-9), and later, in the government of Pharaoh (Gen. 41:38-49). Paul was faithful as an apostle of Jesus Christ and a preacher of the gospel. What are the demands of stewardship? How does this concept affect the service we render unto God and man? Genesis 39:78-9 (NASB95) 7 It came about after these events that his master s wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, Lie with me. 8 But he refused and said to his master s wife, Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. 9 There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God? Genesis 41:38-49 (NASB95) 38 Then Pharaoh said to his servants, Can we find a man like this, in whom is a divine spirit? 39 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you are. 40 You shall be over my house, and according to your command all my people shall do homage; only in the throne I will be greater than you. 41 Pharaoh said to Joseph, See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt. 42 Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put the gold necklace around his neck. 43 He had him ride in his second chariot; and they proclaimed before him, Bow the knee! And he set him over all the land of Egypt. 44 Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, Though I am Pharaoh, yet without your permission no one shall raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. 45 Then Pharaoh named Joseph Zaphenath-paneah; and he gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, as his wife. And Joseph went forth over the land of Egypt. 46 Now Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt. 47 During the seven years of plenty the land brought forth abundantly. 48 So he gathered all the food of these seven years which occurred in the land of Egypt and placed the food in the cities; he placed in every city the food from its own surrounding fields. 49 Thus Joseph stored up grain in great abundance like the sand of the sea, until he stopped measuring it, for it was beyond measure. 1

The Noun 3623 The Greek noun oikonomos, translated steward, identifies the manager of a household or estate. Thomas defines the Greek noun οἰκονόμος [oikonomos], a compound of oikos [a house, a dwelling] and nemō [to manage], as the manager of a household [3623]. BDAG say it refers to a (1) manager of a household or estate, (house) steward, manager; (2) public treasurer, treasurer; (3) one who is entrusted with management in connection with transcendent matters, administrator. This word occurs 10x in the NT (Luke 12:42; 16:1, 3, 8; Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor. 4:1, 2; Gal. 4:2; Titus 1:7; 1 Pet. 4:10). Luke 12:42 (NASB95) 42 And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and sensible *steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time? Luke 16:1 (NASB95) 1 Now He was also saying to the disciples, There was a rich man who had a *manager, and this manager was reported to him as squandering his possessions. Luke 16:3 (NASB95) 3 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; I am ashamed to beg. Luke 16:8 (NASB95) 8 And 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. Romans 16:23 (NASB95) 23 Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city *treasurer greets you, and Quartus, the brother. 1 Corinthians 4:1 (NASB95) 1 Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and *stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NASB95) 2 In this case, moreover, it is required of *stewards that one be found trustworthy. Galatians 4:2 (NASB95) 2 but he is under guardians and *managers until the date set by the father. Titus 1:7 (NASB95) 7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God s *steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 1 Peter 4:10 (NASB95) 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good *stewards of the manifold grace of God. 2

The Noun 3622 The related Greek noun oikonomia, translated stewardship or administration, refers to the responsibility of management, the state of being arranged, or a program of instruction. Thomas defines the noun οἰκονομία [oikonomia], derived from oikonomeō [to be a steward, to manage], as stewardship, administration [3622]. BDAG say it refers to (1) responsibility of management, management of a household, direction, office; (2) state of being arranged, arrangement, order, plan; (3) program of instruction, training (in the way of salvation). This word occurs 9x in the NT (Luke 16:2, 3, 4; 1 Cor. 9:17; Eph. 1:10; 3:2, 9; Col. 1:25; 1 Tim. 1:4). Luke 16:2 (NASB95) 2 And he called him and said to him, What is this I hear about you? Give an accounting of your *management, for you can no longer be manager. Luke 16:3 (NASB95) 3 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; I am ashamed to beg. Luke 16:4 (NASB95) 4 I know what I shall do, so that when I am removed from the *management people will welcome me into their homes. 1 Corinthians 9:17 (NASB95) 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a *stewardship entrusted to me. Ephesians 1:10 (NASB95) 10 with a view to an *administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him Ephesians 3:2 (NASB95) 2 if indeed you have heard of the *stewardship of God s grace which was given to me for you; Ephesians 3:9 (NASB95) 9 and to bring to light what is the *administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; Colossians 1:25 (NASB95) 25 Of this church I was made a minister according to the *stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, 1 Timothy 1:4 (NASB95) 4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the *administration of God which is by faith. 3

The Verb 3621 The Greek verb oikonomeō means to be a steward, to manage or administer a project. Thomas defines the verb οἰκονομέω [oikonomeō], derived from oikonomos [the manager of a household], as to be a steward, to manage [3621]. BDAG say it means (1) to manage a household, manage, administer, be manager; (2) to administrate achievement of a project, manage, regulate, administer, plan. This word occurs 1x in the NT (Luke 16:2). Luke 16:2 (NASB95) 2 And he called him and said to him, What is this I hear about you? Give an accounting of your management, for you can no longer *be *manager. Physical Usage These words are used in reference to the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-13, esp. vs 1-4). Luke 16:1-13 (NASB95) 1 Now He was also saying to the disciples, There was a rich man who had a *manager, and this manager was reported to him as squandering his possessions. 2 And he called him and said to him, What is this I hear about you? Give an accounting of your *management, for you can no longer *be *manager. 3 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; I am ashamed to beg. 4 I know what I shall do, so that when I am removed from the *management people will welcome me into their homes. 5 And he summoned each one of his master s debtors, and he began saying to the first, How much do you owe my master? 6 And he said, A hundred measures of oil. And he said to him, Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty. 7 Then he said to another, And how much do you owe? And he said, A hundred measures of wheat. He said to him, Take your bill, and write eighty. 8 And 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. 9 And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it fails, they will receive you into the eternal dwellings. 10 He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? 12 And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another s, who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. They are used in reference to Erastus, treasurer of the city of Corinth (Rom. 16:23). Romans 16:23 (NASB95) 23 Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city *treasurer greets you, and Quartus, the brother. 4

They are used in reference to guardians and managers of a child (Gal. 4:1-7, esp. vs. 2). Galatians 4:1-7 (NASB95) 1 Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and *managers until the date set by the father. 3 So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba! Father! 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. Spiritual Usage These words are used in reference to the workings of God & Christ (Eph. 1:7-12, esp. vs. 10). Ephesians 1:7-12 (NASB95) 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an *administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. They are used in reference to inspired apostles and prophets (Eph. 3:1-10, esp. vs. 2 & 9). Ephesians 3:1-10 (NASB95) 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles 2 if indeed you have heard of the *stewardship of God s grace which was given to me for you; 3 that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. 4 By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 6 to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, 7 of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. 8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light what is the *administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. They are used in reference to preachers of the gospel (1 Cor. 4:1-2; 9:16-17; Col. 1:24-29, esp. vs. 25; 1 Tim. 1:3-7, esp. vs. 4). 5

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 (NASB95) 1 Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and *stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 In this case, moreover, it is required of *stewards that one be found trustworthy. 1 Corinthians 9:16-17 (NASB95) 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a *stewardship entrusted to me. Colossians 1:24-29 (NASB95) 24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ s afflictions. 25 Of this church I was made a minister according to the *stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, 26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, 27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. 29 For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. 1 Timothy 1:3-7 (NASB95) 3 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, 4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the *administration of God which is by faith. 5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, 7 wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions. They are used in reference to elders/overseers (Titus 1:5-9, esp. vs. 7). Titus 1:5-9 (NASB95) 5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. 7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God s *steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. They are used in reference to disciples in general (Luke 12:42-46, esp. vs. 42; 1 Pet. 4:10-11). Luke 12:42-46 (NASB95) 42 And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and sensible *steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. 44 Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45 6

But if that slave says in his heart, My master will be a long time in coming, and begins to beat the slaves, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk; 46 the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and assign him a place with the unbelievers. 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NASB95) 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good *stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Conclusion In whatever capacity we serve, let us strive to be faithful (Luke 12:42-44; 1 Cor. 4:1-2). Have you began a life of service? Are you continuing in such, remaining constant and true? Luke 12:42-44 (NASB95) 42 And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. 44 Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 (NASB95) 1 Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. 7