Guardian and Manager: The Words Behind "Steward"

In the New Testament, two Greek words embody the meaning of our English word "stewardship."

Epitropos

The first word is epitropos, meaning "manager, foreman, or steward." From the standpoint of government, it can mean "governor" or "procurator." At times it is used to mean "guardian," as in:

"What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father" (Galatians 4:1-2).

Oikonomos

The second word, oikonomos, also means "steward, manager, or administrator," and occurs more frequently in the New Testament. Depending on context it is translated "dispensation, stewardship, management, arrangement, administration, order, plan, or training." It refers mostly to the management of a household or household affairs.

Why the Words Matter

Both words point to the same reality: a steward is trusted with someone else's estate, someone else's household, someone else's resources — and is expected to manage them faithfully until the owner returns. That is exactly the position every believer holds with God.

Reflect

If you thought of your finances as "God's household" that you've been entrusted to manage, what would you handle differently this month?