Luke 16:10
New International Version
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

New Living Translation
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.

English Standard Version
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

Berean Standard Bible
Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

Berean Literal Bible
The one faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and the one unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.

New American Standard Bible
“The one who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and the one who is unrighteous in a very little thing is also unrighteous in much.

NASB 1995
“He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.

NASB 1977
“He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.

Legacy Standard Bible
“He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much, and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.

Amplified Bible
“He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little thing is also dishonest in much.

Berean Annotated Bible
Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

Christian Standard Bible
Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.

American Standard Version
He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much.

Contemporary English Version
Anyone who can be trusted in little matters can also be trusted in important matters. But anyone who is dishonest in little matters will be dishonest in important matters.

English Revised Version
He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with a lot. Whoever is dishonest with very little is dishonest with a lot.

Good News Translation
Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones; whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones.

International Standard Version
Whoever is faithful with very little is also faithful with a lot, and whoever is dishonest with very little is also dishonest with a lot.

NET Bible
"The one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and the one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

New Heart English Bible
He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
The man who is honest in a very small matter is honest in a great one also; and he who is dishonest in a very small matter is dishonest in a great one also.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

World English Bible
He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He who is faithful in the least, [is] also faithful in much; and he who in the least [is] unrighteous, is also unrighteous in much;

Berean Literal Bible
The one faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and the one unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.

Young's Literal Translation
He who is faithful in the least, is also faithful in much; and he who in the least is unrighteous, is also unrighteous in much;

Smith's Literal Translation
He faithful in the least, is also faithful in much: and he unjust in the least, is also unjust in much.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in that which is greater: and he that is unjust in that which is little, is unjust also in that which is greater.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Whoever is faithful in what is least, is also faithful in what is greater. And whoever is unjust in what is small, is also unjust in what is greater.

New American Bible
The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones.

New Revised Standard Version
“Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He who is faithful with little, is also faithful with much; and he who is dishonest with little, is also dishonest with much.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Whoever is faithful with little is faithful with much also, and whoever does evil with a little also does evil with much”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
He that is faithful in the least, is faithful also in much. He that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much.

Godbey New Testament
He that is faithful in the least is also faithful in much: and he that is unrighteous in the least is unrighteous in much.

Haweis New Testament
He that is faithful in the least thing, is faithful also in much: and he who is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much.

Mace New Testament
He that is faithful in a small trust, will be faithful in a greater: and he that is unfaithful in a little, will be unfaithful in much.

Weymouth New Testament
The man who is honest in a very small matter is honest in a great one also; and he who is dishonest in a very small matter is dishonest in a great one also.

Worrell New Testament
He that is faithful in the least is faithful also in much; he that is unrighteous in the least is unrighteous in much.

Worsley New Testament
He, that is faithful in the lest, is faithful also in much: and he, that is unjust in the lest, is unjust also in much.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager
9I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings. 10Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches?…

Cross References
Whoever is faithful with very little

Luke 19:17
His master replied, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.’

Matthew 25:21
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

1 Corinthians 4:2
Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
will also be faithful with much,

Luke 12:42-44
And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? / Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. / Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

Matthew 25:23
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

Genesis 39:4
Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned.
and whoever is dishonest with very little

Proverbs 11:1
Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.

Proverbs 20:10
Differing weights and unequal measures—both are detestable to the LORD.

Proverbs 16:11
Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.
will also be dishonest with much.

John 12:6
Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.

Acts 5:1-11
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. / With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. / Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? …

Matthew 25:26-30
‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. / Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest. / Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. …
Proverbs 28:20
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

Matthew 5:19
So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

2 Corinthians 8:12
For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

faithful in.

Luke 16:11,12
If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? …

Luke 19:17
And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

Matthew 25:21
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

he that is unjust.

John 12:6
This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

John 13:2,27
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; …

Jump to Previous
Dishonest Faithful False. Great Honest Little Matter Small Trusted Unjust Unrighteous True.
Jump to Next
Dishonest Faithful False. Great Honest Little Matter Small Trusted Unjust Unrighteous True.
Luke 16
1. The parable of the unjust steward.
14. Jesus reproves the hypocrisy of the covetous Pharisees.
19. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus the beggar.












Whoever is faithful with very little
This phrase emphasizes the principle of stewardship, a recurring theme in Scripture. In biblical times, stewardship was a common concept, as many people worked as servants or managers of household affairs. Faithfulness in small matters is seen as a test of character and integrity. This principle is echoed in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where servants are rewarded based on their management of the master's resources. The "very little" can symbolize earthly possessions or responsibilities, suggesting that God values how we handle even the smallest tasks.

will also be faithful with much
This part of the verse highlights the reward for faithfulness. In the biblical context, being entrusted with "much" can refer to greater responsibilities or blessings, both in this life and in the eternal kingdom. The idea is that God observes our actions and entrusts us with more based on our proven reliability. This principle is seen in the lives of biblical figures like Joseph, who was faithful in Potiphar's house and later entrusted with the governance of Egypt (Genesis 39-41).

and whoever is dishonest with very little
Dishonesty, even in minor matters, reveals a lack of integrity. In the cultural context of the Bible, honesty was a highly valued trait, essential for maintaining trust within communities. The phrase warns that small acts of dishonesty can lead to larger moral failures. This is illustrated in the story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11), where deceit in financial matters led to severe consequences.

will also be dishonest with much
This concluding phrase underscores the consistency of character. Just as faithfulness in small things leads to greater trust, dishonesty in small matters can lead to greater corruption. The Bible consistently teaches that one's character is revealed through actions, regardless of the scale. This principle is a warning against the dangers of allowing small sins to grow unchecked, as seen in the life of King Saul, whose initial disobedience led to his downfall (1 Samuel 15).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this parable, Jesus uses this teaching to instruct His disciples and the Pharisees about the importance of faithfulness and integrity.

2. Disciples
The primary audience of Jesus' teaching, they are being prepared for their future roles in spreading the Gospel and leading the early Church.

3. Pharisees
Although not directly addressed in this verse, they are present in the broader context of the chapter and are often challenged by Jesus for their hypocrisy and love of money.

4. The Parable of the Shrewd Manager
This parable precedes the verse and sets the context for Jesus' teaching on faithfulness and stewardship.

5. The Kingdom of God
The ultimate context of Jesus' teaching, emphasizing the values and principles of God's Kingdom, including faithfulness and integrity.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Small Things
God values our faithfulness in the small, everyday tasks. Our integrity in these areas reflects our character and readiness for greater responsibilities.

Integrity as a Lifestyle
Integrity should be a consistent part of our lives, not just in significant matters but also in the seemingly insignificant ones. This builds trustworthiness and credibility.

Preparation for Greater Responsibility
Being faithful with little prepares us for greater opportunities and responsibilities in God's Kingdom. Our current stewardship is a test of our readiness for more.

The Heart of Stewardship
True stewardship is about managing God's resources wisely and honestly, recognizing that everything we have is entrusted to us by Him.

Reflection of Inner Character
Our actions in small matters reveal our true character. Faithfulness and honesty in little things are indicators of our overall integrity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Luke 16:10?

2. How does Luke 16:10 encourage faithfulness in small responsibilities in daily life?

3. What does "faithful in very little" reveal about God's expectations for stewardship?

4. How can Luke 16:10 be connected to the Parable of the Talents?

5. In what ways can you demonstrate trustworthiness in minor tasks at work?

6. How does being "dishonest in much" impact your spiritual growth and witness?

7. How does Luke 16:10 challenge our understanding of faithfulness in small matters?

8. What does Luke 16:10 reveal about God's expectations for stewardship?

9. How does Luke 16:10 relate to personal integrity and honesty?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 16?

11. Are church raffles acceptable?

12. Can you be trusted with small and great things?

13. What is the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability?

14. Does gambling align with biblical teachings on stewardship?
What Does Luke 16:10 Mean
Whoever is faithful

Jesus begins with an open-ended invitation: “Whoever.” The promise applies to every disciple, regardless of background or gifting. Scripture consistently highlights faithfulness as God’s first requirement for service (1 Corinthians 4:2; Revelation 2:10). We are stewards, not owners, and God watches for reliable hearts (2 Chronicles 16:9). Faithfulness is not flashy; it is steady obedience rooted in love (John 14:15).


with very little

The Lord usually tests us in the ordinary—timecards, household chores, unseen acts of kindness, the handling of a few coins. Small matters reveal big loyalties. Compare the steward in Luke 12:42–44 who manages daily rations, or David guarding sheep before facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17:34-37). Proverbs 28:20 affirms, “A faithful man will abound with blessings,” showing that everyday integrity positions us for God’s favor.


will also be faithful with much

God’s economy rewards trustworthiness with expanded responsibility. In the parable of the talents, the master says, “You have been faithful over a few things; I will set you over many” (Matthew 25:21, 23). Likewise, Luke 19:17 shows a servant ruling ten cities after handling a single mina well. The principle is literal: present obedience prepares us for future assignments, both in this life and in Christ’s coming kingdom (2 Timothy 2:12).


and whoever is dishonest with very little

Dishonesty does not wait for a large payday; it begins in the corners of the heart. Ananias and Sapphira held back a portion and lost their lives (Acts 5:1-11). Achan’s secret theft in Joshua 7 brought national defeat. “He who is crooked in a small matter will fall headlong” (Proverbs 28:18). Small compromises nurture a pattern of deceit that hardens the conscience (Hebrews 3:13).


will also be dishonest with much

If unfaithfulness shows up in minor dealings, greater resources only amplify it. Judas pilfered from the moneybag before betraying the Lord for silver (John 12:6; Matthew 26:14-16). The heart that mismanages pennies will mismanage crowds, influence, or doctrine. Galatians 6:7 warns that God is not mocked; the harvest matches the seed.


summary

Luke 16:10 teaches a timeless, literal principle: daily faithfulness pleases God and prepares us for greater stewardship, while small acts of dishonesty forecast larger failures. The Master watches the little things—because they reveal the true state of our hearts and determine the scope of our future service with Him.

(10) He that is faithful in that which is least . . .--The context shows that by "that which is least" is meant what men call wealth, and which to most of them seems as the greatest, highest good. To be faithful in that is to acknowledge that we have it as stewards, not as possessors, and shall have to give an account of our stewardship. The word of warning was meant, we may believe, specially for the disciples. They, coming, for the most part, from the poorer classes, thought that they were in no danger of worshipping mammon. They are told, probably with special reference to the traitor Judas, that the love of money may operate on a narrow as well as on a wide scale, and that wrong-doing in the one case tests character not less perfectly than in the other. This seems truer to the meaning of "much" than to find in it simply the higher wealth of the kingdom of God, generically different from the former, though this also may be included in the wider operation of the laws thus asserted.

Verse 10. - 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. This and the next three verses are closely connected with the parable of the unjust steward. Our Lord no doubt continued speaking, and these four verses contain a general resume of what may be called his reflections on the important piece of teaching he had just delivered. We have here the broad rule, upon which God will decide the soul's future, laid down. If the man has been faithful in his administration of the comparatively unimportant goods of earth, it is clear that he can be entrusted with the far more important things which belong to the world to come. There is, too, in these words a kind of limitation and explanation of the foregoing parable of the unjust steward. The conduct of that steward, regarded in one point of view, was held to be wise, and we, though in a very different way, were advised to imitate it; yet here we are distinctly told that it is fidelity, not unfaithfulness, which will be eventually re-warded - the just, not the unjust steward.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Whoever
(Ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

[is] faithful
πιστὸς (pistos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4103: Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful.

with
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

very little
ἐλαχίστῳ (elachistō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular - Superlative
Strong's 1646: Superlative of elachus; used as equivalent to mikros; least.

will
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

also
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

{be} faithful
πιστός (pistos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4103: Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful.

with
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

much,
πολλῷ (pollō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

whoever
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

[is] dishonest
ἄδικος (adikos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 94: Unjust, unrighteous, wicked. Specially, heathen.

with
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

very little
ἐλαχίστῳ (elachistō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular - Superlative
Strong's 1646: Superlative of elachus; used as equivalent to mikros; least.

will
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

also
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

{be} dishonest
ἄδικός (adikos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 94: Unjust, unrighteous, wicked. Specially, heathen.

with
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

much.
πολλῷ (pollō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.


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NT Gospels: Luke 16:10 He who is faithful in a very (Luke Lu Lk)
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