οἰκονομία (oikonomia)
oikonomia
management
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun oikonomia refers to stewardship or the administration of a household. Derived from words for "house" and "law," it originally described the office of a manager responsible for overseeing another’s property and affairs. In the New Testament, this concept moves beyond simple budgeting to encompass a broader divine plan or dispensation that God entrusts to human agents.
While Luke uses the term in its literal sense when Jesus tells a parable about a steward who must account for his management (Luke 16:2), the apostle Paul expands the meaning significantly. In Ephesians and Colossians, oikonomia describes God’s hidden plan to unite all things in Christ (Ephesians 1:10; Colossians 1:25). Similarly, in First Timothy, it denotes the responsibility of leaders to manage the household of faith with integrity.
This word highlights that believers are not owners but managers. The theological weight lies in the accountability inherent in stewardship; just as a household manager answers to the owner, Christians are called to faithfully execute the responsibilities God has assigned them within His overarching redemptive history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oikonomia reminds us that we are managers, not owners. In ancient households, a steward handled resources entrusted by the master. This shifts our perspective on time, money, and gifts. We do not possess these things absolutely; God holds the title deed. Our role is to manage what He has given with integrity and care.
This concept extends beyond personal finances to God’s broader plan for history. Scripture shows that God entrusts specific responsibilities to people, from household managers in parables to apostles carrying His message. When we feel overwhelmed by duty, remember that the Master provides the authority and strength needed for the task. Faithful stewardship is simply doing what has been assigned with a willing heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- administration3×
- stewardship2×
- management2×
- a stewardship1×
- [the] administration1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- οἰκονομίαν6×
- οἰκονομίας2×
- οἰκονομία1×
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 accountability of stewardship, as the master demands an accounting from his manager.
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Ephesians 1:10
to an administration of the fullness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth, in him.
Here the term expands to describe God’s grand plan to unite all creation under Christ, showing His sovereign administration of history.
-
I Corinthians 9:17
For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward. But if not of my own will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.
Paul uses this word to explain that his ministry is a trust given by God, not merely a personal choice, highlighting the weight of divine calling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does oikonomia mean in the New Testament?
How is oikonomia different from simple budgeting?
Why does Paul use this word for his ministry?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 5 books)
Luke 3 verses
He called him, and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give an accounting of your management, for you can…
Luke 16:3“The manager said within himself, ‘What will I do, seeing that my lord is taking away the management position from me?…
Luke 16:4I know what I will do, so that when I am removed from management, they may receive me into their houses.’