οἰκοδεσπότης (oikodespotēs)
oikodespotēs
householder
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word oikodespotēs refers to the master of a house or head of a household. It combines terms for "house" and "master," identifying the person who holds authority over the domestic space and its inhabitants. In the Gospels, this figure appears frequently as a central character in Jesus’ parables, serving as a relatable model for everyday life.
This term highlights the responsibility of leadership within the family unit. Jesus uses the householder to illustrate spiritual truths, such as the need for vigilance against unexpected events (Matthew 24:43) or the joy of fair wages in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-11). The word underscores that authority comes with stewardship, whether managing resources or welcoming guests.
Translators typically render oikodespotēs as "householder" or "master of the house," preserving the specific social role rather than using a generic term like "owner." This precision reminds readers that biblical teachings often ground profound theological concepts in familiar, practical scenarios of daily domestic life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The term oikodespotēs describes the head of a household, someone who holds authority and responsibility for those living under their roof. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this familiar figure to teach about spiritual readiness and generosity. When He speaks of the householder watching for a thief or paying workers fairly, He is using everyday domestic life to reveal how God values vigilance and grace.
For your faith, this word reminds us that leadership is rooted in stewardship rather than control. Whether you are managing a family, a team, or simply your own life, the example of the householder invites you to act with foresight and kindness. It encourages a posture of care for others, reflecting the heart of a God who provides for His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- master of the house8×
- a master of a house3×
- master1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- οἰκοδεσπότης5×
- οἰκοδεσπότῃ4×
- οἰκοδεσπότου2×
- οἰκοδεσπότην1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 24:43
But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.
This verse uses the householder to illustrate the necessity of spiritual vigilance, as one must stay alert because the timing of a crisis is unknown.
-
Matthew 20:1
“For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
Here the householder represents God’s generous sovereignty, initiating the hiring of workers and demonstrating that grace is not earned by hours served.
-
Luke 13:25
When once the master of the house has risen up and has shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ then he will answer and tell you, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’
The closing of the door by the master serves as a sobering image of finality, emphasizing the importance of responding to God’s invitation while it is open.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does oikodespotēs mean in the Bible?
Why does Jesus use the image of a householder?
How is this word different from other words for 'master'?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 7 verses
It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the…
Matthew 13:27The servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where did these…
Matthew 13:52He said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been made a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a…
Matthew 20:1“For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire…
Matthew 20:11When they received it, they murmured against the master of the household,
Matthew 21:33“Hear another parable. There was a man who was a master of a household who planted a vineyard, set a hedge about it,…
Matthew 24:43But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have…