Luke 12:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 12:16 introduces the well-known Parable of the Rich Fool, setting the stage for Jesus' profound teaching on the dangers of materialism and the fleeting nature of earthly security. This verse begins the narrative by describing a prosperous man whose agricultural land yields an exceptionally abundant harvest, laying the groundwork for the ensuing narrative that will expose his self-centered priorities and spiritual blindness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This parable is delivered by Jesus immediately after a specific request from someone in the crowd: "Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me" ([Luke 12:13](/luke/12-13 "Luke 12:13 - Request for Inheritance Division")). Jesus refuses to act as a legal arbiter, instead seizing the moment to issue a stern warning against covetousness: "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](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Warning Against Covetousness")). The Parable of the Rich Fool, beginning in [Luke 12:16](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16 - The Parable of the Rich Fool Begins") and concluding in [Luke 12:21](/luke/12-21 "Luke 12:21 - The Conclusion of the Parable"), serves as a vivid, illustrative narrative to underscore this very principle, demonstrating the folly of a life consumed by material accumulation at the expense of spiritual realities. It flows directly into further teaching on anxiety and seeking God's kingdom first, found in [Luke 12:22-34](/luke/12-22-34 "Luke 12:22-34 - Do Not Worry").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee, agriculture was the backbone of the economy, and land ownership was a primary source of wealth and status. A "rich man" would typically derive his prosperity from abundant harvests, livestock, or trade. Such a bountiful yield as described in this verse would have been seen as a significant blessing, potentially even a sign of divine favor. However, the cultural understanding of wealth also carried a strong expectation of generosity and care for the less fortunate, often rooted in Old Testament laws concerning gleaning and tithing. Jesus' audience, largely agrarian, would have immediately grasped the significance of a "plentiful" harvest and the social implications of a rich landowner. Parables were a common and effective teaching method in Jewish culture, making complex spiritual truths accessible through relatable, everyday scenarios.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 12:16 introduces several foundational themes that Jesus develops throughout the parable and the broader discourse in [Luke 12](/luke/12 "Luke 12 - Warnings and Exhortations"). Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Abundance**, as the ground "brought forth plentifully," signifying a natural blessing and God's capacity to provide. Secondly, it immediately sets up the theme of **Stewardship**, posing the question of how one responds to unexpected prosperity—whether with gratitude and generosity or with self-centered accumulation. Thirdly, it lays the groundwork for the contrast between **Earthly Wealth and Spiritual Riches**, which is the core message of the parable, culminating in Jesus' pronouncement in [Luke 12:21](/luke/12-21 "Luke 12:21 - Rich Toward God"). The verse also subtly introduces the theme of **Human Wisdom vs. Divine Wisdom**, as the rich man's plans, though seemingly shrewd from a worldly perspective, are ultimately deemed foolish by God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **parable (Greek, _parabolḗ'_):** From G3850, meaning "a similitude ('parable'), i.e. (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage." Jesus' use of a parable here indicates that the story is not a historical account of a specific person, but a didactic narrative designed to convey a profound spiritual truth through a relatable, everyday scenario. It is a comparison or illustration drawn from ordinary life to teach a spiritual lesson.
* **rich (Greek, _ploúsios'_):** From G4145, meaning "wealthy; figuratively, abounding with." This word simply describes the man's economic status, emphasizing his material abundance. The term itself is neutral; the moral and spiritual implications arise from the man's subsequent actions and attitude toward his wealth, not from the wealth itself.
* **brought forth plentifully (Greek, _euphoréō'_):** From G2164, meaning "to bear well, i.e. be fertile; to bring forth abundantly." This verb emphasizes the extraordinary and unexpected nature of the harvest. It suggests a yield far beyond the ordinary, highlighting the magnitude of the blessing or provision the rich man received, which then becomes the catalyst for his subsequent decisions and the focus of the parable's critique.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he spake a parable unto them, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes Jesus as the speaker and the parable as His chosen method of instruction. The "them" refers to the crowd, including the man who sought legal arbitration, indicating that the lesson is broadly applicable to all who prioritize material possessions over spiritual realities. Jesus uses this common literary form to make a complex theological point accessible and memorable.
* **"The ground of a certain rich man"**: This introduces the central character of the parable—a man whose identity is not important beyond his defining characteristic: his wealth, derived from his land. The "ground" (Greek, _chṓra_, G5561) signifies his primary asset and the source of his prosperity, grounding the story in the agrarian reality of the audience. The anonymity of "a certain rich man" allows the audience to identify with or reflect on the character's situation without personalizing it to a specific individual.
* **"brought forth plentifully:"**: This phrase describes the extraordinary abundance of the harvest. The verb "brought forth plentifully" (Greek, _euphoréō_, G2164) conveys an exceptional yield, a superabundant blessing. This unexpected prosperity is the inciting incident of the parable, setting in motion the rich man's subsequent internal monologue and actions, which will reveal his character and serve as a cautionary tale. It highlights that the problem is not the blessing itself, but the man's response to it.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device in Luke 12:16 is the **Parable** itself, a short, illustrative story that uses familiar earthly scenarios to convey profound spiritual truths. Jesus frequently employed parables to engage His audience, provoke thought, and often to challenge their preconceived notions. This verse acts as the **Exposition** or **Setup** for the entire narrative, introducing the protagonist and the initial situation (the abundant harvest) that drives the plot forward. The extraordinary nature of the harvest, described as "plentifully," also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting that the man's response to such an overwhelming blessing will be the central conflict and the source of the parable's moral lesson. The implied **Irony** is also present, as the man's material abundance will ultimately lead to his spiritual poverty and condemnation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:16, as the opening of the Parable of the Rich Fool, immediately draws us into a profound theological discussion about the nature of true wealth and the appropriate response to divine blessing. It underscores the biblical truth that all provision ultimately comes from God, even if mediated through natural processes like a fertile ground. The man's sudden, overwhelming prosperity is not condemned, but it serves as a critical test of his character, revealing where his ultimate trust and security lie. The parable challenges the common human tendency to find security in material possessions, asserting that such security is fleeting and ultimately illusory in the face of eternity. It calls believers to consider their stewardship of resources and to prioritize spiritual riches over earthly accumulation.

* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trust in Riches vs. Righteousness")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [1 Timothy 6:17-19](/1_timothy/6-17-19 "1 Timothy 6:17-19 - Instructions to the Rich")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:16 serves as a powerful mirror for self-reflection, urging us to examine our own hearts in the face of prosperity and unexpected blessings. When our "ground" brings forth plentifully—whether in financial gain, career success, good health, or abundant relationships—what is our immediate, instinctual response? Do we, like the rich man, immediately turn inward, focusing on self-storage and self-security, or do we acknowledge the source of the blessing and consider how we might use our abundance for God's glory and the good of others? This verse challenges us to re-evaluate our definition of "life" and "security." Is our life truly measured by the abundance of our possessions, or by our relationship with God and our eternal standing? It calls us to cultivate a mindset of stewardship, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God, to be managed wisely according to His purposes, rather than hoarded for selfish gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond to unexpected blessings or increased prosperity in my life?**
* **What does "true wealth" mean to me, and where do I place my ultimate security?**
* **Am I more focused on accumulating earthly possessions or on investing in eternal realities?**
* **In what ways can I practice better stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to me?**

### FAQ

**Is wealth inherently evil according to this verse?**

Answer: No, Luke 12:16 simply states that the rich man's ground "brought forth plentifully," indicating a natural blessing and abundance. The verse does not condemn wealth itself, but rather sets the stage for the rich man's subsequent foolish response to his prosperity. Jesus' warning in [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Warning Against Covetousness") is against "covetousness" (greed and excessive desire for more), not against wealth itself. The parable illustrates that the danger lies in making material possessions the foundation of one's life and security, neglecting one's relationship with God and eternal realities.

**Why does Jesus choose to tell a parable in response to the inheritance dispute?**

Answer: Jesus uses a parable because it is an effective teaching tool that transcends the immediate, specific request. Instead of arbitrating a legal dispute, which was not His primary mission, Jesus addresses the root spiritual issue: the human heart's tendency toward greed and materialism. Parables, as "earthly stories with heavenly meanings," allow listeners to engage with a relatable scenario and draw out universal spiritual truths. This method encourages self-reflection and challenges assumptions more powerfully than a direct command or legal ruling, making the lesson about covetousness applicable to all, not just the man with the inheritance issue. Jesus often used parables to reveal spiritual truths to those who were open to hearing, while concealing them from those with hardened hearts, as discussed in passages like [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:16, by introducing the Parable of the Rich Fool, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate contrast between earthly security and the eternal life offered through Christ. The rich man's folly lies in his self-centered accumulation and his failure to be "rich toward God" ([Luke 12:21](/luke/12-21 "Luke 12:21 - Rich Toward God")). Jesus, by contrast, embodies the true riches that endure. He is the one who, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). His life and teachings consistently redirect our focus from perishable earthly treasures to imperishable heavenly ones. He calls us not to labor for "the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life" ([John 6:27](/john/6-27 "John 6:27 - Labor for Enduring Food")), which He Himself provides. The fulfillment of this parable's warning is found in embracing Christ's call to "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")), recognizing that true life and security are found not in what we possess, but in a saving relationship with the Son of God, who offers eternal abundance beyond measure.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 26:12

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

Genesis 26:14

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

Hosea 2:8

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

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

Genesis 41:49

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

Psalms 73:3

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

Psalms 73:12

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