Genesis 43:19 - "So they went up to the steward of Joseph’s house, and spoke with him at the door of the house,"

1 Peter 4:10 - "As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:"

The steward in ancient Israel was the man who controlled the affairs of the household of the wealthy and royal families, especially in overseeing the service of the table, directing the servants, and controlling the household expenses. This was a position of trust, as is evident, because then, just as today, there were many opportunities to "grease the palm" by padding expenses. However, it was a position of honor, and not likely to be abused, especially considering the irascible tempers of most Oriental rulers.

The Hebrew may be translated as "man over the house," which gives us a good indication of the type of duties for which this man was hired. In reading Genesis 15:2, we find that Eliezer, Abraham’s steward, is also his heir, another indication of the high regard in which the steward was held. Later, the kings of Israel had such officers over their households, and they are sometimes considered as "treasurers" or "princes."

In the New Testament, bishops are admonished to be stewards of the affairs of God; Christians of all degree, however, are also to be stewards of the gifts which God has given them - such gifts as time, talents, possessions, and self.

As a modern counter-part, I suppose we could think of the head waiter in an expensive restaurant, who is responsible for the comfort and satisfaction of his guests, as well as for the proper service by under-employees. Or, in the case of a wealthy household, or a wealthy person, we might consider it as comparable to the business manager, who sees to it that all financial obligations are met and his employer is kept solvent.