Luke 12:18

And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

And {G2532} he said {G2036}, This {G5124} will I do {G4160}: I will pull down {G2507} my {G3450} barns {G596}, and {G2532} build {G3618} greater {G3187}; and {G2532} there {G1563} will I bestow {G4863} all {G3956} my {G3450} fruits {G1081} and {G2532} my {G3450} goods {G18}.

Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and I’ll store all my wheat and other goods there.

Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and will build bigger ones, and there I will store up all my grain and my goods.

And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my grain and my goods.

Context of Luke 12:18

Luke 12:18 is a pivotal line within the Parable of the Rich Fool, a narrative delivered by Jesus in response to a man asking Him to arbitrate an inheritance dispute (Luke 12:13). This parable serves as a stark warning against covetousness and the dangers of materialism. In this specific verse, the rich man, having experienced an unexpectedly bountiful harvest, outlines his plan for his surplus. His immediate reaction to abundance is not gratitude or generosity, but a self-centered decision to expand his storage capacity to accommodate his burgeoning wealth.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Self-Reliance and Accumulation: The rich man's repeated use of "my" ("my barns," "my fruits," "my goods") highlights an exclusive focus on himself and his possessions. His solution to prosperity is to hoard more, revealing a spirit of covetousness rather than contentment or charity.
  • False Security in Riches: The man believes that by securing his wealth, he will secure his future and his "soul" (Luke 12:19). This verse shows his strategy to achieve peace and comfort through material means, a direct contrast to seeking the kingdom of God first.
  • Earthly vs. Eternal Perspective: His entire planning horizon is earthly. He plans for bigger barns and more goods, without any consideration for his mortality or spiritual responsibilities. This short-sightedness is what ultimately labels him a "fool" by God (Luke 12:20).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "bestow all my fruits and my goods" (Greek: aposynagō, meaning "to gather into store, to lay up") emphasizes the act of storing away. While not a complex linguistic nuance, it underscores the man's singular focus on accumulation and preservation of his earthly wealth for his own consumption, rather than distributing it or using it for God's purposes. The repetition of "I will" (used three times in this verse) further highlights his self-directed, autonomous decision-making, devoid of any reference to divine guidance or gratitude.

Practical Application

Luke 12:18 serves as a timeless warning for all generations. In a consumer-driven society, it challenges us to examine our relationship with material possessions and our priorities. Are we building bigger "barns" for ourselves, or are we investing in things of eternal value? This verse encourages believers to consider:

  • Stewardship: Recognizing that all we have is a gift from God, and we are called to be good stewards, not just accumulators.
  • Generosity: Instead of hoarding, are we looking for opportunities to share with others, especially those in need?
  • Eternal Perspective: True security and lasting peace are not found in earthly wealth but in a relationship with God and storing up treasures in heaven.

The rich man's story reminds us that life's true value is not measured by what we possess, but by our spiritual readiness and our relationship with our Creator.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • James 3:15

    This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish.

  • James 4:15

    For that ye [ought] to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

  • Luke 18:6

    And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

  • Luke 12:21

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

  • Luke 18:4

    And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

  • Psalms 17:14

    From men [which are] thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, [which have] their portion in [this] life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their babes.
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