Steward
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
In ancient Near Eastern societies, a steward (Hebrew: saris or oikonomos in Greek translations) was a trusted servant appointed to manage the property, finances, and personnel of a master's household, often wielding significant administrative authority.
What is the meaning of Steward in the Bible?
In ancient Near Eastern societies, a steward (Hebrew: saris or oikonomos in Greek translations) was a trusted servant appointed to manage the property, finances, and personnel of a master's household, often wielding significant administrative authority.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the role of a steward clarifies the hierarchical structure of ancient households and illustrates how biblical authors used household management metaphors to explain spiritual responsibilities and divine judgment.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Steward in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Steward clarify?
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.