Luke 12:21 Meaning and Explanation
“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →So it is, Jesus concludes, with everyone who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.
What Does Luke 12:21 Mean?
Jesus steps out of the story and hands the crowd its meaning. The rich fool is not a rare monster but a pattern — so is he — repeatable in any generation and at any income. The fatal combination has two parts: treasure heaped up for the self, and poverty toward God.
Rich toward God is the quiet invitation hidden in the verdict. There is a wealth God counts: gratitude, generosity, mercy to the poor, trust laid up in heaven, as verses 33 and 34 will say. Such riches need no barns and fear no midnight summons. The question the parable leaves behind is not how much have I stored, but which way does my treasure flow — inward only, or Godward and outward?
Luke 12:21 in the Original Language
thesaurizo (θησαυρίζω), 'layeth up treasure' -- to store up or hoard wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 12:21
What does Luke 12:21 mean?
So it is, Jesus concludes, with everyone who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.