Luke 12:15

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, Take heed {G3708}, and {G2532} beware {G5442} of {G575} covetousness {G4124}: for {G3754} a man's {G5100}{G846} life {G2222} consisteth {G2076} not {G3756} in {G1722} the abundance {G4052} of {G1537} the things which he {G846} possesseth {G5224}.

Then to the people he said, “Be careful to guard against all forms of greed, because even if someone is rich, his life does not consist in what he owns.”

And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

And he said unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Commentary

Luke 12:15 is a powerful admonition from Jesus, serving as a foundational warning against the dangers of materialism and misplaced priorities. This verse directly addresses a common human inclination and redefines the true nature of a fulfilling life.

Context

This verse immediately precedes the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21). Jesus speaks these words in response to a request from someone in the crowd to arbitrate a dispute over an inheritance. Rather than engaging in the worldly matter, Jesus uses the opportunity to pivot to a profound spiritual lesson, highlighting His primary concern for eternal values over temporal possessions. It sets the stage for understanding that true security and richness are not found in what one owns.

Key Themes

  • Warning Against Covetousness: Jesus explicitly commands His listeners to "take heed, and beware of covetousness." This is a strong warning against the insatiable desire for more possessions, wealth, or status. It's not just about stealing, but about the heart's disposition towards material things.
  • Redefining "Life": The core message is that "a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." This challenges the world's definition of success and well-being, which often equates happiness and value with material accumulation. Jesus teaches that true life, worth, and contentment are not found in earthly wealth.
  • Spiritual vs. Material Wealth: The verse implicitly contrasts the fleeting nature of physical possessions with the enduring value of spiritual riches. It encourages a shift in focus from what can be accumulated on earth to what holds eternal significance. This aligns with other teachings where Jesus encourages followers to store up treasures in heaven.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "covetousness" in the KJV is pleonexia (πλεονεξία). This term literally means "a desire to have more," or "greed." It denotes an excessive, insatiable craving for gain, often at the expense of others or neglecting spiritual principles. It's more than just wanting something; it's an aggressive, grasping attitude that seeks to accumulate without limit, believing that more possessions will bring true satisfaction or security.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 12:15 serves as a timeless reminder to examine our hearts and priorities. In a consumer-driven society, the temptation to define ourselves by what we own or to seek happiness in material abundance is ever-present. This verse calls us to:

  • Self-Examination: Honestly assess our desires. Do we find our security, identity, or joy primarily in our possessions, or in our relationship with God?
  • Contentment: Cultivate a spirit of contentment, recognizing that true richness comes from God's provision and spiritual blessings, not from endless acquisition. Hebrews 13:5 also encourages us to "be content with such things as ye have."
  • Eternal Perspective: Prioritize spiritual growth, loving relationships, and serving God and others, understanding that these are the things that truly constitute a meaningful and lasting "life." The love of money, as highlighted in 1 Timothy 6:10, is indeed a root of many evils.

Jesus' warning in Luke 12:15 is a call to freedom from the bondage of materialism, inviting us into a life defined by spiritual abundance and a clear understanding of what truly matters.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 13:5 (45 votes)

    [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

  • 1 Timothy 6:6 (38 votes)

    ¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

  • 1 Timothy 6:10 (38 votes)

    For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

  • Psalms 119:36 (33 votes)

    Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

  • Psalms 119:37 (33 votes)

    ¶ Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; [and] quicken thou me in thy way.

  • Proverbs 15:16 (28 votes)

    ¶ Better [is] little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

  • Proverbs 16:16 (26 votes)

    ¶ How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!