Luke 16:1. There was a certain rich man which had a steward.
The steward had general charge of the business of the house, and especial care of the heir. This is referred to in Galatians 4:2, where the word elsewhere rendered “stewards” is translated “governors.” The office is a very ancient one. Abraham had a steward, Eliezer. See Genesis 15:2 and note on Genesis 24:2 (#29). The steward was generally an old faithful slave though sometimes free men were so employed. The honorable position of the steward is seen in the fact that he was considered to be ruler over the household. See Luke 12:42. His duties are also referred to in the parable of the laborers. See Matthew 20:8.