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Luke 16

And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

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.

I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.

So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.

Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.

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.

And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

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.

If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:

For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

What does Luke 16:18 mean?

Explanation

Luke 16:18 addresses the issue of divorce and remarriage from the perspective of Jesus' teachings.

This verse plainly states that a man who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery.

Additionally, it is asserted that a man who marries a woman divorced from her husband is also guilty of adultery. This teaching reflects a strict view of marriage as a lifelong covenant, with divorce and subsequent remarriage being viewed as a violation of this sacred bond.

The verse implies that the marital relationship is to be exclusive and permanent, and any breaking of this commitment is tantamount to adultery, which is a sin.

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Historical Context

The verse is part of the Gospel of Luke, which was likely written between AD 80 and 110. During this period, Jewish law permitted divorce under certain circumstances, and it was also regulated by Roman law.

However, the grounds for divorce and attitudes towards it varied considerably.

In the Jewish context, there were two main schools of thought: the Hillel school, which allowed for divorce on many grounds including trivial matters, and the Shammai school, which permitted divorce only on the grounds of sexual immorality.

Jesus' teaching in Luke 16:18 reflects a stricter interpretation, closer to that of the Shammai school, emphasizing the permanence of marriage.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse is seen as underscoring the inviolability of the marriage covenant.

Many Christian denominations interpret this teaching as a clear directive against divorce and remarriage, while others argue for a more nuanced understanding that considers the complexity of individual situations.

Some theologians argue that the verse reveals the heart of God for marriage and reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church – one of fidelity and indissolubility.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Luke 16:18 can be used to encourage marital fidelity and the seriousness of the marriage vows.

It can serve as a caution against entering marriage without full commitment and a reminder of the spiritual and moral implications of divorce and remarriage.

The application of this teaching requires pastoral sensitivity and care, particularly in modern contexts where divorce is more prevalent.

Cross-References

Matthew 5:32: "But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery."
Mark 10:11-12: "And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.

And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery."

1 Corinthians 7:10-11: "And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key words are:

"ἀπολύων" (apoluōn) which generally means "to release" or "to divorce"
"γυναῖκα" (gynaika), meaning "wife"
"μοιχεύει" (moicheuei), meaning "commits adultery"

Analyzing these terms shows a clear directive against the termination of a marriage (through divorce) and the establishment of another marital relationship, which is equated with adultery.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times and across cultures, views on marriage and divorce varied.

For comparison, some ancient societies had more permissive attitudes towards divorce.

In Roman culture, while divorce was common and socially accepted, early Christians often contrasted their views with those of the surrounding society, advocating for the permanence of marriage.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of human psychology and sociology indicate the complex factors contributing to marital discord and the potential impacts of divorce on individuals and families.

While Luke 16:18 establishes a clear moral directive within a religious framework, contemporary discussions on the topic of divorce often involve considerations of personal well-being, mental health, and the dynamics of abusive relationships.

commentaries

Various biblical commentators have offered differing perspectives on Luke 16:18.

Some, like John MacArthur, support a strict interpretation, insisting that the verse allows for no exceptions outside of marital unfaithfulness.

Others, for instance, William Barclay, suggest a more compassionate approach, recognizing the hurt and damage that can arise within marriages.

They urge that the church should be a place of healing rather than condemnation.

Commentators throughout Christian history, from the early church fathers to modern scholars, continue to wrestle with the implications of Jesus' teachings on divorce and remarriage, often seeking a balance between upholding biblical principles and addressing the pastoral needs of individuals.

Luke 16

Luke 16

What does Luke 16:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 16:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?