Luke 12:21

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Complete Jewish Bible:

That’s how it is with anyone who stores up wealth for himself without being rich toward God.”

Berean Standard Bible:

This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”

American Standard Version:

So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

So^{G3779} is he that layeth up treasure^{G2343} for himself^{G1438}, and^{G2532} is^{G4147} not^{G3361} rich^{G4147} toward^{G1519} God^{G2316}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Matthew 6:19

¶ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Matthew 6:20

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

James 2:5

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Luke 12:33

Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

James 5:1

¶ Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].

James 5:3

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

Revelation 2:9

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan.

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Commentary for Luke 12:21

Luke 12:21 is part of the Gospel according to Luke, which is attributed to Luke the Evangelist and written around 80-90 AD. This verse is situated within the larger context of Jesus' teachings on wealth and materialism, as well as the dangers of greed. In the verses leading up to 12:21, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool, who having amassed great wealth, decides to build larger barns to store his abundant harvests, planning to take life easy, eat, drink, and be merry. However, God calls him a fool, for that very night his life would be required of him, and then whose would the things he had prepared belong to?

The verse in question, Luke 12:21, serves as a concluding proverb that encapsulates the moral of the parable. It emphasizes the futility of accumulating earthly treasures at the expense of spiritual wealth. The phrase "rich toward God" suggests a life oriented towards God's values and teachings, implying that true riches come from a right relationship with the divine and a life lived in accordance with God's will, rather than an obsessive focus on material possessions.

Historically, this teaching would have resonated with the socio-economic realities of the time, where wealth inequality was pronounced and the pursuit of riches could easily become an all-consuming endeavor. Jesus' message speaks to the heart of Jewish wisdom literature, which often contrasts the temporary nature of earthly wealth with the enduring value of wisdom and a godly life.

In summary, Luke 12:21 encapsulates the theme that the pursuit of wealth for its own sake is a vain endeavor. It calls for a reorientation of values, advocating for spiritual richness and alignment with God's will over the accumulation of earthly treasures. This verse reflects the broader teachings of Jesus, which consistently challenge materialism and encourage a life centered on deeper, more lasting virtues.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

Strong's Number: G3779
There are 206 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: οὕτω
Transliteration: hoútō
Pronunciation: hoo'-toce
Description: adverb from οὗτος; in this way (referring to what precedes or follows):--after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what.
Strong's Number: G2343
There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: θησαυρίζω
Transliteration: thēsaurízō
Pronunciation: thay-sow-rid'-zo
Description: from θησαυρός; to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively):--lay up (treasure), (keep) in store, (heap) treasure (together, up).
Strong's Number: G1438
There are 312 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἑαυτοῦ
Transliteration: heautoû
Pronunciation: heh-ow-too'
Description: from a reflexive pronoun otherwise obsolete and the genitive case (dative case or accusative case) of αὐτός; him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other persons) my-, thy-, our-, your-) self (selves), etc.:--alone, her (own, -self), (he) himself, his (own), itself, one (to) another, our (thine) own(-selves), + that she had, their (own, own selves), (of) them(-selves), they, thyself, you, your (own, own conceits, own selves, -selves).
Strong's Number: G2532
There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: καί
Transliteration: kaí
Pronunciation: kahee
Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Strong's Number: G4147
There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πλουτέω
Transliteration: ploutéō
Pronunciation: ploo-teh'-o
Description: from πλουτίζω; to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively):--be increased with goods, (be made, wax) rich.
Strong's Number: G3361
There are 602 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: μή
Transliteration: mḗ
Pronunciation: may
Description: a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas οὐ expresses an absolute denial); (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas οὐ expects an affirmative one)) whether:--any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations. See also ἐὰν μή, ἵνα μή, οὐ μή, μῆκος, μηκύνω, μήν, μὴ οὐκ.
Strong's Number: G1519
There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἰς
Transliteration: eis
Pronunciation: ice
Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
Strong's Number: G2316
There are 1172 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: θεός
Transliteration: theós
Pronunciation: theh'-os
Description: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).

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