οἰκονομέω (oikonomeō)
oikonomeō
to manage
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb oikonomēō means to act as a steward or manager, specifically overseeing the affairs of a household. Its root combines words for "house" and "law," suggesting one who administers rules within a domestic setting. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Luke 16:2, where Jesus tells a parable about an unjust manager.
Here, the term describes someone entrusted with resources who is called to give an account of their management. The context highlights the responsibility inherent in stewardship, focusing on how one handles what belongs to another rather than personal ownership. This usage underscores the serious nature of accountability in biblical teaching.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oikonomeō calls us to remember that we are stewards, not owners. In Luke 16:2, Jesus uses this term to describe a manager who must give an account for what he has handled. This reminds us that every resource, talent, and opportunity in our lives is entrusted to us by God. We do not possess these things absolutely; we manage them on His behalf.
Living as a faithful steward means handling daily responsibilities with integrity and care. It invites us to view our work, finances, and relationships as sacred trusts rather than personal property. This perspective brings freedom from the pressure of ownership and replaces it with the peace of faithful service. God knows what is in your heart and sees your efforts to manage well.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to manage.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- οἰκονομεῖν.1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 16:2
He called him, and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give an accounting of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’
This verse establishes the core meaning by linking management directly to the requirement of giving an accounting, showing that stewardship always involves accountability.