oikonomia (oijkonomiva, 3622), is translated “stewardship” in Luk 16:2,3,4; see , and also .
Source: Vine New Testament Dictionary
In the Greek, the word stewardship (oikonomia) is a compound word meaning “management of a house”. The one who manages the house is called butler (oikonomos “law of the house”) or superintendent (epitropes). The idea has its roots in the establishment of slavery. The master appointed a slave to manage his household, which could include teaching and disciplining members of the household, especially other slaves and children. A classic example would be Joseph in Potiphar’s house (Gen. 39:4–6). The ordinary idea of stewardship is found in several NT passages; Notable is the story of the unjust steward (Lk. 16:1–8; cf. Mt. 20:8; Lk. 12:42). The guardian of a minor may also be called a butler (oikonomos, Ga. 4:3). This is one of the common uses in the papyri (MM). A public official might be called a mayordomo (oikonomos, Ro. 16:23) or supervisor (epitropes Lc. 8:3).
The idea that man is God’s steward in his relationship with the world and his own life is something inherent in the creation account (Gen. 1-3), in which he is named lord of everything, except himself. . In the NT, when the word is not used in its ordinary sense, it refers to the administration of God’s gifts, especially the preaching of the gospel. By metonymy, stewardship can refer to God’s provision for the Christian age (Eph. 1:10; 3:9), the context implying that this plan includes entrusting men with the gospel message. The idea is explicit in 1 Cor. 9:17; Eph. 3:2; Col. 1:25; 1 Cor. 4:1–2; Tit. 1:7. Stewardship is expanded to include all Christians and all of God’s gifts in 1 Pet. 4:10. An unusual use is found in 1 Ti. 1:4, where it seems to refer to the discipline and training of the Christian in the area of faith. Stewards of God and of men are required to be faithful; that is, that they manage according to the directions they received (1 Cor. 4:2).
The modern emphasis on stewardship of possessions, while true, may tend to obscure the fact that the Christian’s primary stewardship is that of the gospel, including all of life, as well as his money.
Fred L Fisher
Harrison, EF, Bromiley, GW, & Henry, CFH (2006). Dictionary of Theology (383). Grand Rapids, MI: Challenge Books.
Source: Dictionary of Theology