οἰκονόμος (oikonomos)
oikonomos
manager
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun oikonomos refers to a manager or steward entrusted with running a household or estate. Derived from words for "house" and "to manage," it describes someone who oversees receipts, expenditures, and the distribution of resources to servants and children. In the ancient world, this role was often held by a trusted slave or freedman, though it could also apply to free-born administrators.
In the New Testament, Jesus uses this figure in parables to illustrate spiritual responsibility, such as the faithful servant appointed over others in Luke 12:42 and the dishonest manager in Luke 16:1. The term extends beyond literal household management to describe Christian leaders. Paul calls himself an oikonomos of God’s mysteries in 1 Corinthians 4:1, while Titus 1:7 identifies bishops as stewards of God’s household.
The word also applies broadly to all believers. Peter instructs Christians to use their gifts to serve one another, acting as good stewards of God’s varied grace in 1 Peter 4:10. This usage shifts the focus from professional ministers to every member of the community, emphasizing that managing spiritual resources is a shared responsibility.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oikonomos describes someone entrusted with managing a household or estate. In ancient times, this person handled resources for others, acting as a bridge between the owner and those who worked there. This role required trust, wisdom, and careful oversight of daily needs.
For believers, this concept shifts from wealth management to spiritual stewardship. You are not the owner of your gifts or time; you are a manager entrusted with God’s grace. Like the faithful servant in Luke 12:42, your calling is to distribute what you have received with wisdom and care, ensuring others are fed and supported.
This responsibility applies to every Christian, not just leaders. Whether you serve in a church or at home, you are managing divine resources. The goal is faithfulness, proving that you can be trusted with the mysteries of God as described in 1 Corinthians 4:1. Your careful use of these gifts honors the One who entrusted them to you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- stewards3×
- manager2×
- trustees1×
- steward,1×
- steward1×
- manager;1×
- a manager,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- οἰκονόμους2×
- οἰκονόμος2×
- οἰκονόμον,2×
- οἰκονόμος·1×
- οἰκονόμον1×
- οἰκονόμοις1×
- οἰκονόμοι1×
Key Verses
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Luke 12:42
The Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the right times?
This verse defines the ideal steward as one who is both faithful and wise, specifically tasked with providing timely care for others in the household.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does oikonomos mean in the Bible?
Is oikonomos only for church leaders?
How is oikonomos different from a general servant?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 6 books)
Luke 4 verses
The Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give them…
Luke 16:1He also said to his disciples, “There was a certain rich man who had a manager. An accusation was made to him that this…
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 16:8“His lord commended the dishonest manager because he had done wisely, for the children of this world are, in their own…