Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely

Spoken to
audience

Jesus continues the parable of the rich man's house manager who was slandered. 

KJV

Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

NIV

Luke 16:8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.

LISTENERS HEARD

And that lord applauded the house manager for the offense because he performed wisely. Because the sons of this era here are more sensible beyond the sons of the light in regards to their own, this type here

LOST IN TRANSLATION

The Gospel writers did not call the manager "unjust" or "dishonest." The word is a noun and it means "bad act" or "offense." This is the act the lord applauded as well a the manager. The NIV tries to make his wisdom seem like shrewdness, a word with a negative tilt, but the word used twice is "wise," which Jesus always applauds. 

The last part of the verse contrasts the children of light with the children, not of the world, but of this "era" (see this article). We might say, "children of these times."This is an important distinction. It does not make them worldly because Jesus uses a different Greek word for that kind of world (see this article). This children are wiser"among this their own, this kind." Jesus says they are "above" the children of the light in this respect. This is left out of translations. If this is condemnation, as the English Bibles want it to be, it is a very odd form. 

From this, you can imagine how accurately the next line, the lesson of this story, is transated.

MY TAKE

Church people are sometimes unnecessarily stupid when dealing mistakes of the real world. 

GREEK ORDER

 

καὶ  ἐπῄνεσεν         κύριος τὸν οἰκονόμον             τῆς ἀδικίας 
And applauded that lord      the house manager for the offense 

ὅτι           φρονίμως     ἐποίησεν: ὅτι         οἱ    υἱοὶ     τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου
because he performed wisely.      Because the sons of this era       here

φρονιμώτεροι ὑπὲρ   τοὺς υἱοὺς     τοῦ φωτὸς εἰς τὴν γενεὰν τὴν ἑαυτῶν εἰσίν.
wiser                above  the sons     of       light  

εἰς                  τὴν γενεὰν τὴν ἑαυτῶν       εἰσίν.   
in regards to  this type     these their own are 

# KJV TRANSLATION ISSUES
10

And the lord commended the (MW) unjust(WF) steward, because he had(WT) done wisely: for the children of this(CW) (MW) world(CW) are in (MW) their(CW) (MW) generation(CW) wiser than(CW) the children of light.

  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "unjust" is not shown in the English translation.
  • WF -- This is not an adjective but an noun. 
  • WT - Wrong Tense - The verb "had" indicates the past perfect tense, but the tense is something that happens at a specific point in time (past, present, or future).
  • CW --Confusing Word -- The "this" should be either "here" or "there" in most situations.
  •  MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "their" is not shown in the English translation. 
  • CW --Confusing Word -- The "their" should be "their own."
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "world" should be something more like "era."
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "their" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "generation" is not shown in the English translation.
  •  CW --Confusing Word -- "Generation" is more specific than the word's more general meaning.
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "generation" should be something more like "kind."
# NIV TRANSLATION ISSUES
16
(MW) “The master commended the (MW) dishonest(WF) manager because he had(WT) acted shrewdly(CW). For the people(WW) of  this(CW) (MW) world(CW) are more shrewd(CW) [in dealing(IW)] (MW) with their own kind than(CW) are(IW) the people(WW) of the light.
 
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "unjust" is not shown in the English translation.
  • WF -- This is not an adjective but an noun. 
  • WT - Wrong Tense - The verb "had" indicates the past perfect tense, but the tense is something that happens at a specific point in time (past, present, or future).
  • . CW --Confusing Word --  The word "shrewdly" has a negative meaning that the Greek word didn't have.
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "people" should be something more like "children."
  • CW --Confusing Word -- The "this" should be either "here" or "there" in most situations.
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "world" should be something more like "era."
  •  MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "their" is not shown in the English translation. 
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "world" should be something more like "era."
  • . CW --Confusing Word --  The word "shrewd" has a negative meaning that the Greek word didn't have.
  • IP - Inserted Phrase-- The "in dealing" doesn't exist in the source. 
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "their own" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "kind" is not shown in the English translation.
  • IW - Inserted Word-- The "are" doesn't exist in the source.
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "than" should be something more like "over."
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "people" should be something more like "children."
EACH WORD of KJV

And  -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."

the  -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. 

lord -- The word translated as "lord" means "lord," "master of the house," and "head of the family." It is the specific term for the master of slaves or servants, but it was a common term of respect both for those in authority and who were honored. It was the term people used to address Christ, even though he had no formal authority. Today, we would say "boss" or "chief." For the sake of consistency, this should be the Greek word translated as "master."

commended -- "Commended" is a unique word, approved only here. It means to "approve", "applaud", "commend", "praise", "recommend", and "advise".  This word would be a surprise to listeners, who might not even know who the "he" was who "applauded" or "approved". 

the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. 

missing "the/this"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more. 

unjust -- (WF) The Greek noun translated as "unjust" means "wrongdoing", "injustice", "a wrongful act," and "offense."  This is not an adjective but an noun. 

steward,  -- "Steward" means "one who manages a household", "house-steward", generally, "manager," "administrator."

because -- The word translated as "for" introduces a statement of fact or cause, "for what," "because," "since," "seeing that," "that," and "wherefore." Jesus usually uses this word to mean "because" in statements that seem like an answer to a question because of the change of context. It means "because" when answering a "why" question and "that" when explaining a "what" question. Another common word is used for "for."

he -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.

had -- (WT) This helping verb "had" indicates that the verb is the past tense, but the verb is not the past but a form that indicates a specific point in time, past, present, or future. 

done -- The Greek word translated as "do" has the primary meaning of "making" or producing" something or "causing" or "performing" as service. It describes a productive action.  In English, "do" is also frequently a helper verb. This Greek word is not used as broadly.

wisely:  -- "Wisely" is a Greek adjective used uniquely in this verse.   It is the adverbial form of the adjective that means "in one's right mind", "in one's senses", "sensible", "prudent", "practical wisdom", and "prudence".

for -- The word translated as "for" introduces a statement of fact or cause, "for what," "because," "since," "seeing that," "that," and "wherefore." Jesus usually uses this word to mean "because" in statements that seem like an answer to a question because of the change of context. It means "because" when answering a "why" question and "that" when explaining a "what" question. Another common word is used for "for."

the  -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. 

 children -- The word translated as "children" is the Greek word for "son," "scion," "heir," or "descendant." Like most male words, it can be used in the plural as a generic term for both sexes when they are descendants of someone. It can refer to all offspring in later generations, just like "father" refers to all previous generations.  More about it in this article. 

of -- This word "of"  comes from the possessive form (genitive case) of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English.  The most common is the "of" of possession.

this - (CW) The word translated as "this" means "from here" "from there" or "this/that thing/person here/there." As a pronoun by itself, it means "this here" but it can be shortened to just "this."  The Bible usually translates it as the adjective "this" when it appears after words modifying them, which is confusing because the definite article, with which it is often used before the word, also can mean "this." It works better as "here," which is how Jesus usually uses it, but it can also mean "there." It often comes after the noun, emphasizing it, "this thing here."  

missing "the/this"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.

world -- (WW) "World" is a Greek word that means "lifetime," "life," "a space of time," "an age," an epoch," and "the present world." This word plays a major if misleading role in the concepts of  “forever” (see this article) and “eternal” (see this article). It is also an even larger and more misleading role in this idea of "the end of the world" (see this article. This word doesn't mean "world."  

are -- The verb "are " here is the common form of "to be" in Greek. It means to have a certain characteristic or remain in a certain condition. It also equates terms or assigns characteristics.  The word also means "to exist" and where it doesn't connect to characteristics or conditions.

in -- The word translated as "in" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in" (a position),  "as much as (of measure or limit)," "in regards to" a subject, "up to" limits in measures, "until" in reference to time, "within" a time limit, and "for" a purpose or object. Used with the Greek "from" it means "from...to."

 missing "the/this"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more. 

their  -- (CW) "Their" is a special reflexive pronoun that means "himself," "herself," and so on. " When used in the possessive, it has the sense of "his own."

missing "the/this"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more. 

generation -- (CW) The word translated as "generation" means "race," "offspring," "class," "sort," "type," "generation," "age," and "kind." " The sense is a "type" or a "specimen" of a particular type.   Jesus uses it to refer to a type of person, specifically those like the Pharisees. See this article. This is a feminine noun so it is slightly insulting when applied to men. There is also a neuter form the means the same things. This translation "generation" is more specific than the word's general meaning.

wiser -- "Wiser" is the same Greek adjective used above in its comparative form.   It  means "in one's right mind", "in one's senses", "sensible", "prudent", "practical wisdom", and "prudence".

than -- (WW) "Than" is a preposition that means "over" "beyond," "concerning," "on behalf of,"  and "instead of" with many other specific uses. This word doesn't mean "than."  WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "than" should be something more like "over."

the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. 

 children -- The word translated as "children" is the Greek word for "son," "scion," "heir," or "descendant." Like most male words, it can be used in the plural as a generic term for both sexes when they are descendants of someone. It can refer to all offspring in later generations, just like "father" refers to all previous generations.  More about it in this article. 

of -- This word "of"  comes from the possessive form (genitive case) of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English.  The most common is the "of" of possession.

light.  -- The Greek word translated as "light" means "light," "daylight [primarily], "opening," and "public visibility." Jesus uses it as a metaphor for "knowledge,"

EACH WORD of NIV

missing "And  "  -- (MW) The untranslated word  MW - Missing Word -- The word "and" is not shown in the English translation.  "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."

the  -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. 

master -- The word translated as "master " means "lord," "master of the house," and "head of the family." It is the specific term for the master of slaves or servants, but it was a common term of respect both for those in authority and who were honored. It was the term people used to address Christ, even though he had no formal authority. Today, we would say "boss" or "chief." For the sake of consistency, this should be the Greek word translated as "master."

commended -- "Commended" is a unique word, approved only here. It means to "approve", "applaud", "commend", "praise", "recommend", and "advise".  This word would be a surprise to listeners, who might not even know who the "he" was who "applauded" or "approved". 

the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. 

missing "the/this"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more. 

dishonest -- (WF) The Greek noun translated as "dishonest" means "wrongdoing", "injustice", "a wrongful act," and "offense." This is not an adjective but an noun.

manager ,  -- "Manager " means "one who manages a household", "house-steward", generally, "manager," "administrator."

because -- The word translated as "for" introduces a statement of fact or cause, "for what," "because," "since," "seeing that," "that," and "wherefore." Jesus usually uses this word to mean "because" in statements that seem like an answer to a question because of the change of context. It means "because" when answering a "why" question and "that" when explaining a "what" question. Another common word is used for "for."

he -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.

had -- (WT) This helping verb "had" indicates that the verb is the past tense, but the verb is not the past but a form that indicates a specific point in time, past, present, or future. 

acted -- The Greek word translated as "acted" has the primary meaning of "making" or producing" something or "causing" or "performing" as service. It describes a productive action.  In English, "do" is also frequently a helper verb. This Greek word is not used as broadly.

shrewdly:  -- (CW) "Shrewdly" is a Greek adjective used uniquely in this verse.   It is the adverbial form of the adjective that means "in one's right mind", "in one's senses", "sensible", "prudent", "practical wisdom", and "prudence". The word "shrewdly" has a negative meaning that the Greek word didn't have

For -- The word translated as "for" introduces a statement of fact or cause, "for what," "because," "since," "seeing that," "that," and "wherefore." Jesus usually uses this word to mean "because" in statements that seem like an answer to a question because of the change of context. It means "because" when answering a "why" question and "that" when explaining a "what" question. Another common word is used for "for."

the  -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. 

 people -- (WW) The word translated as "people" is the Greek word for "son," "scion," "heir," or "descendant." Like most male words, it can be used in the plural as a generic term for both sexes when they are descendants of someone. It can refer to all offspring in later generations, just like "father" refers to all previous generations.  More about it in this article.  This word doesn't mean "people."  

of -- This word "of"  comes from the possessive form (genitive case) of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English.  The most common is the "of" of possession.

this - (CW) The word translated as "this" means "from here" "from there" or "this/that thing/person here/there." As a pronoun by itself, it means "this here" but it can be shortened to just "this."  The Bible usually translates it as the adjective "this" when it appears after words modifying them, which is confusing because the definite article, with which it is often used before the word, also can mean "this." It works better as "here," which is how Jesus usually uses it, but it can also mean "there." It often comes after the noun, emphasizing it, "this thing here."  

missing "the/this"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.

world -- (WW) "World" is a Greek word that means "lifetime," "life," "a space of time," "an age," an epoch," and "the present world." This word plays a major if misleading role in the concepts of  “forever” (see this article) and “eternal” (see this article). It is also an even larger and more misleading role in this idea of "the end of the world" (see this article. This word doesn't mean "world."  

are -- The verb "are " here is the common form of "to be" in Greek. It means to have a certain characteristic or remain in a certain condition. It also equates terms or assigns characteristics.  The word also means "to exist" and where it doesn't connect to characteristics or conditions.

more shrewd -- (CW) "More shrewd" is the same Greek adjective used above in its comparative form.   It  means "in one's right mind", "in one's senses", "sensible", "prudent", "practical wisdom", and "prudence". The word "shrewd" has a negative meaning that the Greek word didn't have

in dealing -- (IP) This word is not in the Greek source.

 missing "the/this"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more. 

with - The word translated as "to" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in" (a position),  "as much as (of measure or limit)," "in regards to" a subject, "up to" limits in measures, "until" in reference to time, "within" a time limit, and "for" a purpose or object. Used with the Greek "from" it means "from...to."

their own --  "Their" own is a special reflexive pronoun that means "himself," "herself," and so on. " When used in the possessive, it has the sense of "his own."

missing "the/this"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more. 

kind -- The word translated as "kind" means "race," "offspring," "class," "sort," "type," "generation," "age," and "kind." " The sense is a "type" or a "specimen" of a particular type.   Jesus uses it to refer to a type of person, specifically those like the Pharisees. See this article. This is a feminine noun so it is slightly insulting when applied to men. There is also a neuter form the means the same things. This translation "generation" is more specific than the word's general meaning. 

than -- (WW) "Than" is a preposition that means "over" "beyond," "concerning," "on behalf of,"  and "instead of" with many other specific uses. This word doesn't mean "than."  

 are -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source

the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. 

 people -- (WW) The word translated as "people" is the Greek word for "son," "scion," "heir," or "descendant." Like most male words, it can be used in the plural as a generic term for both sexes when they are descendants of someone. It can refer to all offspring in later generations, just like "father" refers to all previous generations.  More about it in this article.  This word doesn't mean "people."  

of -- This word "of"  comes from the possessive form (genitive case) of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English.  The most common is the "of" of possession.

light.  -- The Greek word translated as "light" means "light," "daylight [primarily], "opening," and "public visibility." Jesus uses it as a metaphor for "knowledge,"

COMPARISON: GREEK to KJV

καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."

ἐπῄνεσεν [1 verse] (verb 3rd sg aor ind act) "Commended" is epaneo, which means to "approve", "applaud", "commend", "praise", "recommend", and "advise". 

[821 verses](article sg masc nom)  "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").   It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." 

κύριος [92 verses](noun sg masc nom) "Lord" is kyrios, which means "having power," "being in authority" and "being in possession of." It also means "lord," "master of the house," and "head of the family." It is the specific term for the master of slaves or servants, but it was a common term of respect both for those in authority and who were honored. It was the term people used to address Jesus, even though he had no formal authority. It was also the term used for the name of God in the Old Testament. Today, we would say "boss" or "chief." For the sake of consistency, this should be the Greek word translated as "master" for humans and "Lord" for the Old Testament usage. 

τὸν [821 verses](article sg masc acc)  "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").   It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."  

οἰκονόμον  [5 verse](noun sg masc acc) 'Steward"  is oikonomos, which means "one who manages a household", "house-steward", generally, "manager," "administrator."

τῆς [821 verses](article sg fem gen)  Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."  -- 

ἀδικίας. [5 verses](noun sg fem gen) "Unjust" is from adikia, which means "wrongdoing", "injustice", "a wrongful act," and "offense." 

ὅτι [332 verses](adv/conj) "Because" is hoti, which introduces a statement of fact "with regard to the fact that," "seeing that," and acts as a causal adverb meaning "for what," "because," "since," and "wherefore." This is the same word can be translated as both "because" and "that" in the same verse when answering two different types of questions. 

φρονίμως  [1 verse](adv, adj) "Wisely" is phronimōs, which is the adverbial form of the adjective that means "in one's right mind", "in one's senses", "sensible", "prudent", "practical wisdom", and "prudence".

ἐποίησεν: [168 verses] (verb 3rd sg aor ind act) "He had done" is poieo, which means "to make," "to produce," "to create," "to bring into existence," "to bring about," "to cause," "to perform," "to render," "to consider," "to prepare," "to make ready," and "to do." The accusative object is what is made. Double accusative is to do something to someone. When it has a genitive object, it means "made from." When it doesn't have an object, the verb is translated as  "perform" or simply "do." When used with an accusative infinitive, it means to "cause" or "bring about." A dative object means "made with."  With the preposition "into" (eis) it means "made into." 

ὅτι [332 verses](adv/conj) "for" is hoti, which introduces a statement of fact "with regard to the fact that," "seeing that," and acts as a causal adverb meaning "for what," "because," "since," and "wherefore." This is the same word can be translated as both "because" and "that" in the same verse when answering two different types of questions. 

οἱ [821 verses](article pl masc nom)  "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").   It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." 

υἱοὶ  [158 verses] (noun pl masc nom) "Children"is huios, which means a "son," and more generally to refer to any descendant, of any generation. It can refer to male sons or descendants of both sexes, but not purely female descendants. It can and often does refer to adults who are not "children."  When it refers to "sons" specifically, it should be translated that way, but when it can be applied to both sexes, the less familiar "descendant" is better than "children," especially since this word can refer to adults. It is often a reference to the role of "heir." but Jesus uses another word that specifically means "heir." Jesus also used it metaphorically to describe those who follow a way of thought or set of beliefs that descend from an individual.

τοῦ [821 verses](article sg masc gen)  Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."  -- 

αἰῶνος [41 verses] (noun sg masc gen) "World" is aion, which means "life," "lifetime," "age," or "generation." 

τούτου [154 verses] (adj sg masc gen) "Of this"  is toutos, (touto, toutou)which means "from here," "from there," "this [thing] there," or "that [person] here." In the neuter plural form, it is often used as the object of the verb to means "these things."-

φρονιμώτεροι [1 verse](adj pl masc nom comp) "Wiser"is phronimōs, which is the Greek adjective used uniquely in this verse twice.  It means "in one's right mind", "in one's senses", "sensible", "prudent", "practical wisdom", and "prudence". form of the adjective that means "in one's right mind", "in one's senses", "sensible", "prudent", "practical wisdom", and "prudence". 

ὑπὲρ [17 verses](prep) "Than" is hyper (huper), which means "over" (of place), "above' (in a state of rest), "off' (ships at sea), "over" and "across (in a state of motion), "over," "beyond," "on behalf of one (metaphor), "for," "instead of," "in the name of," "as a representative of" (in an entreaty), "for" and "because of" (of the cause or motive), "concerning," "exceeding" "above" and "beyond" (of measure), "above" and "upwards" (of numbers), "before" and "earlier than" (of time), "over much" and "beyond measure" (as an adverb), "for" and "in deference of" (doing a thing), and "above measure." 

τοὺς [821 verses](article pl masc acc)  "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").   It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."  

υἱοὺς [158 verses] (noun pl masc acc) "Children"is huios, which means a "son," and more generally to refer to any descendant, of any generation. It can refer to male sons or descendants of both sexes, but not purely female descendants. It can and often does refer to adults who are not "children."  When it refers to "sons" specifically, it should be translated that way, but when it can be applied to both sexes, the less familiar "descendant" is better than "children," especially since this word can refer to adults. It is often a reference to the role of "heir." but Jesus uses another word that specifically means "heir." Jesus also used it metaphorically to describe those who follow a way of thought or set of beliefs that descend from an individual.

τοῦ  [821 verses](article sg neut gen)  "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").   It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."  

φωτὸς  [21 verses](noun sg neut gen) "Of light" is phos, which means "light," "daylight [primarily], "illumination [of things and of the mind]," "light [of the eyes], "window," "opening," " public visibility," and "publicity." Christ uses it as a metaphor for "knowledge," but in Greek it is also a metaphor for "deliverance," "happiness," "victory," and "glory."

εἰς [325 verses](prep) "Into" is eis, which means "into (of place)," "up to (of time)," "until (of time)," "in" (a position),  "as much as (of measure or limit)," "as far as (of measure or limit)," "towards (to express relation)," "in regard to (to express relation)," "of an end or limit," and "for (of purpose or object)."With verbs of speaking, it is the person spoken "to." With time, a limit "until," or a duration "for," "throughout," or a date, "on," "at." Used with ek, it means "from...to." 

τὴν  [821 verses](article sg fem acc)   Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."  -- 

γενεὰν [19 verses](noun sg fem acc) "Generation"  is genea, which means "race," "offspring," "class," "sort," "type," "generation," "age," and "kind." It is a form of the word from which we get the scientific word,"genus." 

τὴν   [821 verses] (article sg fem acc) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."  --

ἑαυτῶν  [75 verses](noun sg fem acc) "Their"  is heautou, is a reflexive pronoun that means "himself," "herself," "itself" "themselves," and "ourselves." It is not the common pronoun meaning simply "he," "she," "them," etc. In the genitive form, it has the sense of "his own."

εἰσίν.  [614 verses] (verb 3rd pl pres ind act) "Are"is eimi, which means "to be," "to exist," "to be the case," of circumstance and events "to happen,"  and "is possible." With the possessive (genitive) object, it means "is descended from," "is the type of," "belongs to," "is made of," "is a duty of," "is at the mercy of," or " is dependent on." With an indirect (dative) object, it means "have" where the subject and object are reversed.  "It is to him" becomes "it is his" or "he has it."  With the preposition,"into" (εἰς), the sense is "consist of." When the verb "to be" appears early in the clause before the subject, the sense is more like "it is" or, in the plural, "there are." 

Unimportant Opinions and Imaginings

The Biblical translators have framed this house manager as a crook, following the initial slander. But his master actually applauds him. What does the lord recognize that the translators did not? This decreasing was a demonstration of something, but what? While the manager decreased the amounts and the lord was offend with act is was wise. First, the may have demonstrated what the profit the manager was getting for his lord. Second, the manager was taking care of himself because his lord would no longer take care of him. 

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