Luke 12:20

But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

But {G1161} God {G2316} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Thou fool {G878}, this {G5026} night {G3571} thy {G4675} soul {G5590} shall be required {G523} of {G575} thee {G4675}: then {G1161} whose {G5101} shall those things be {G2071}, which {G3739} thou hast provided {G2090}?

But God said to him, β€˜You fool! This very night you will die! And the things you prepared β€” whose will they be?’

But God said to him, β€˜You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’

But God said unto him, Thou foolish one, this night is thy soul required of thee; and the things which thou hast prepared, whose shall they be?

Commentary

Context of Luke 12:20

Luke 12:20 is the climactic and sobering declaration within the Parable of the Rich Fool, a story told by Jesus to his disciples and the surrounding crowd. This parable immediately follows Jesus' warning against covetousness, as recorded in Luke 12:15: "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." The rich man in the parable had experienced an exceptionally bountiful harvest and, rather than considering others or God, decided to tear down his existing barns to build larger ones, planning to live a life of ease and indulgence. God's direct address in verse 20 shatters the man's self-centered illusion.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Folly of Materialism: The man's entire life was consumed by accumulating earthly possessions, mistaking material abundance for true security and happiness. God labels him a "fool" for this spiritual blindness, as his wealth offered no protection against death or divine judgment.
  • The Brevity and Uncertainty of Life: The rich man planned for "many years" (Luke 12:19), but his life was abruptly cut short. This verse powerfully underscores the truth that life is fragile and its duration is not in human hands, serving as a stark reminder of our mortality. James 4:14 similarly states that life is "even a vapour."
  • True Riches vs. Earthly Possessions: Upon his death, all the man's carefully accumulated wealth became meaningless. The verse prompts reflection on what truly holds value in eternity. It highlights the stark contrast between being rich toward oneself and being "rich toward God" (Luke 12:21).
  • God's Sovereignty and Judgment: God directly intervenes in the man's self-assured plans, asserting His ultimate authority over life and death. The question, "then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" emphasizes that earthly gains are temporary and cannot be taken beyond the grave.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as 'fool' is aphron (ἄφρων). This term is not merely an insult to intelligence; it denotes a person who lacks wisdom, especially spiritual wisdom, and acts without proper consideration for God or eternal consequences. An aphron is someone who is morally and spiritually senseless, disregarding divine truth and living an irrational life from God's perspective. The phrase "thy soul shall be required of thee" (Greek: aitousin, 'they demand' or 'they require') carries a powerful sense of an inescapable divine summons or an accounting. It implies that the soul is not owned by the individual but is a stewardship, given by God and subject to His recall at any moment.

Practical Application

Luke 12:20 offers a profound challenge to modern audiences. It compels us to examine our priorities and where we place our trust. Are we investing our lives primarily in accumulating material wealth that is temporary and fleeting, or are we seeking to store up treasures in heaven? This verse calls for a shift in perspective from self-centered consumption to God-centered stewardship and generosity. It reminds us to live each day with an awareness of eternity, making choices that reflect eternal values and prioritizing our relationship with God above all earthly gains. It encourages us to be wise stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, using them for His glory and the benefit of others, rather than hoarding them for selfish indulgence.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Job 27:8 (15 votes)

    For what [is] the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?

  • Jeremiah 17:11 (15 votes)

    [As] the partridge sitteth [on eggs], and hatcheth [them] not; [so] he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.

  • 1 Timothy 6:7 (12 votes)

    For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out.

  • Psalms 39:6 (11 votes)

    Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up [riches], and knoweth not who shall gather them.

  • James 4:14 (9 votes)

    Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

  • Job 27:16 (7 votes)

    Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;

  • Job 27:17 (7 votes)

    He may prepare [it], but the just shall put [it] on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.