Luke 12:16

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

And {G1161} he spake {G2036} a parable {G3850} unto {G4314} them {G846}, saying {G3004}, The ground {G5561} of a certain {G5100} rich {G4145} man {G444} brought forth plentifully {G2164}:

And he gave them this illustration: “There was a man whose land was very productive.

Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance.

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

Commentary

Luke 12:16 introduces one of Jesus' most poignant and well-known parables, often referred to as the Parable of the Rich Fool. This verse sets the stage, describing the initial prosperity of a man whose land yielded an exceptionally bountiful harvest.

Context

This parable is spoken by Jesus immediately after a crowd member asks Him to arbitrate an inheritance dispute. Jesus uses this opportunity to warn against covetousness and materialism, stating, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Luke 12:15). The parable serves as a vivid illustration of this principle, demonstrating the dangers of focusing solely on earthly possessions without regard for eternal realities. Jesus frequently employed parables—earthly stories with heavenly meanings—to convey profound spiritual truths to His listeners.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Abundance: The verse begins by highlighting that the ground "brought forth plentifully." This signifies a natural blessing and the earth's fruitfulness, a common theme throughout scripture that emphasizes God's ability to provide abundantly.
  • Introduction to the Rich Man: The character is introduced simply as "a certain rich man." His wealth is not inherently condemned; rather, it is his subsequent actions and mindset regarding this abundance that will reveal his spiritual foolishness and serve as a cautionary tale.
  • Setting the Stage for Stewardship: This opening line immediately establishes a scenario of significant prosperity, which then becomes the backdrop for examining themes of stewardship, priorities, and the true meaning of security and wisdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "plentifully" is euphorēsantos (εὐφορήσαντος), which means "having brought forth well" or "having yielded abundantly." This term emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the harvest, indicating that the man's prosperity was exceptional and beyond typical expectations. This extreme abundance highlights the magnitude of the blessing he received and, consequently, the gravity of his subsequent misjudgment.

Deeper Meaning and Significance

Luke 12:16 is not a condemnation of wealth or agricultural success itself, but rather the critical prelude to a powerful lesson about how one responds to prosperity. The rich man's initial blessing becomes the test of his character and wisdom. His land's fertility was a gift, but his focus quickly turned inward, leading to self-centered planning rather than gratitude or consideration for others or God. This verse prepares the audience for the man's tragic error, which unfolds in the subsequent verses of the parable (Luke 12:17-21), where his foolishness is fully revealed.

Practical Application

This opening verse prompts us to consider our own response to blessings and abundance. Do we acknowledge the source of our prosperity? Do we view our resources as opportunities for self-indulgence, or as tools for good and for God's glory? It challenges us to examine our priorities, reminding us that true life and security are not found in the accumulation of material possessions, but in a right relationship with God and proper stewardship of what we have been given. It lays the groundwork for understanding the dangers of materialism and the importance of storing up treasures in heaven, where true wealth resides.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 26:12 (5 votes)

    ¶ Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.

  • Genesis 26:14 (5 votes)

    For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.

  • Hosea 2:8 (4 votes)

    For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, [which] they prepared for Baal.

  • Genesis 41:47 (4 votes)

    And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.

  • Genesis 41:49 (4 votes)

    And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for [it was] without number.

  • Psalms 73:3 (3 votes)

    For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

  • Psalms 73:12 (3 votes)

    Behold, these [are] the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase [in] riches.