Luke 16:10

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 16:10 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Luke 16:10 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10He 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.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“He that is faithful in that which is least, etc.] In quantity and quality, especially the latter; in that which is of little value and worth, at least when compared with other things: is faithful also in much: in matters of greater consequence and importance: the sense of the proverb is, that, generally speaking, a man that acts a faithful part in a small trust committed to him, does so likewise in a much larger; and being tried, and found faithful in things of less moment, he is intrusted with things of greater importance; though this is not always the case: for sometimes a man may behave with great integrity in lesser matters, on purpose that he might gain greater confidence, which, when…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He, &c.--a maxim of great pregnancy and value; rising from the prudence which the steward had to the fidelity which he had not, the "harmlessness of the dove, to which the serpent" with all his "wisdom" is a total stranger. Fidelity depends not on the amount entrusted, but on the sense of responsibility. He that feels this in little will feel it in much, and conversely.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He that is faithful ... - This is a maxim which will almost universally hold true. A man that shows fidelity in small matters will also in large; and he that will cheat and defraud in little things will also in those involving more trust and responsibility. Fidelity is required in small matters as well as in those of more importance. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And whether ye have more or less, see that ye be faithful as well as wise stewards. He that is faithful in what is meanest of all, worldly substance, is also faithful in things of a higher nature; and he that uses these lowest gifts unfaithfully, is likewise unfaithful in spiritual things. Luke 16:11”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“faithful in: Luk 16:11, Luk 16:12, Luk 19:17; Mat 25:21; Heb 3:2 he that is unjust: Joh 12:6, Joh 13:2, Joh 13:27 Luke 16:11”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification