A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 12:42

"And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall set over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?" — Luke 12:42 (ASV)

Who then (τις αρα). Jesus introduces this parable of the wise steward (42-48) by a rhetorical question that answers itself. Peter is this wise steward, each of the Twelve is, anyone is who acts thus.

The faithful and wise steward (ο πιστος οικονομος ο φρονιμος). The faithful steward, the wise one. A steward is house manager (οικοσ, νεμω, to manage). Each man is a steward in his own responsibilities.

Household (θεραπειας). Literally, service from θεραπευω. medical service as in Lu 9:11, by metonymy household (a body of those domestics who serve).

Their portion of food (το σιτομετριον). Late word from σιτομετρεω (Genesis 47:12) for the Attic τον σιτον μετρεω, to measure the food, the rations. Here only in the N.T. or anywhere else till Deissmann (Bible Studies, p. 158) found it in an Egyptian papyrus and then an inscription in Lycia (Light from the Ancient East, p. 104).