Meaning & Origin
A steward is an individual who manages and oversees the household and affairs of a noble family or a lord. In Christian context, a steward is a faithful servant or caretaker of God's house and resources. The word has its roots in Old English, where 'stig' means 'house' and 'weard' means 'guardian'.
Spiritual meaning
Symbol of faithful service to God and others.
Language details
Steward
overseer, administrator
Pronunciation & Numerology
Pronunciation
/ˈstjuːd/
ˈstjuːd
Lucky number
1
Lucky day
Saturday
Lucky colors
Life path
3
Lucky stone
Amethyst
Cultural & Spiritual notes
A Christian steward is called to be a manager of God's world and to use all of God's resources wisely, efficiently, and justly. This concept is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the Bible. In the parable of the faithful steward found in Luke 12:42-43, the steward is commended for being a trustworthy servant who uses the talents given to him by his master effectively.
For a Christian, being a steward is a call to stewardship, which is the responsible handling of God's resources - time, talent, and treasure - in a way that glorifies God and benefits others. The spiritual significance of being a steward is found in Colossians 1:10, where Paul prays for the Colossian believers to " walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness, gentle sweetness, longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." By being faithful stewards, we can reflect the character of our loving and generous God, who is the ultimate steward of all creation.
Historical references
Steward was a common name among Anglo-Saxon nobility, and was used to denote a person who managed the household and estate of a lord.
5th to 11th centuries
Steward Took, a character in J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings', is named after this historical usage.
20th century
Notable people with this name
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