Luke 16:19

KJV

¶ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} There was {G2258} a certain {G5100} rich {G4145} man {G444}, which {G2532} was clothed {G1737} in purple {G4209} and {G2532} fine linen {G1040}, and fared {G2165} sumptuously {G2988} every {G2596} day {G2250}:

Complete Jewish Bible

“Once there was a rich man who used to dress in the most expensive clothing and spent his days in magnificent luxury.

Berean Standard Bible

Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor.

American Standard Version

Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 16:19 serves as the introductory verse to one of Jesus' most poignant parables, often referred to as the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. This verse meticulously details the lavish, self-indulgent lifestyle of an unnamed wealthy individual, setting a stark contrast that is foundational to the parable's subsequent narrative and its profound theological implications regarding wealth, poverty, and eternal destiny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 16:19 immediately follows Jesus' teachings on the proper use of wealth and the impossibility of serving both God and money, as articulated in [Luke 16:13](/luke/16-13 "Luke 16:13 - Serving God or Money"). The preceding verses also include the Parable of the Shrewd Manager ([Luke 16:1-13](/luke/16-1-13 "Luke 16:1-13 - The Parable of the Shrewd Manager")), which challenges disciples to use earthly resources wisely with an eye toward eternal purposes. The Pharisees, described as "lovers of money," scoff at Jesus' words ([Luke 16:14](/luke/16-14 "Luke 16:14 - The Pharisees Scoff")), prompting Jesus to deliver a sharp rebuke about their self-justification and the enduring nature of God's law ([Luke 16:15-18](/luke/16-15-18 "Luke 16:15-18 - Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees")). Thus, the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, beginning with this verse, directly addresses the spiritual dangers of materialism and the failure to care for the poor, serving as a powerful illustration of the principles Jesus has just laid out.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, social status was visibly expressed through attire and daily living. Purple dye, derived from murex snails, was exceedingly rare and costly, making purple garments a symbol of immense wealth, royalty, or high religious office. Similarly, fine linen (býssos) was an imported, luxurious fabric, often associated with priestly garments or the clothing of the elite. To "fare sumptuously every day" indicates a life of continuous feasting and indulgence, a privilege reserved for the very rich who could afford elaborate meals and entertainment on a daily basis. This detailed description of the rich man's opulence immediately communicates his elevated social standing and material abundance to Jesus' original audience, highlighting the vast chasm between him and the poor, marginalized individuals of society.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several key themes that permeate the broader narrative of Luke's Gospel and this specific parable. One prominent theme is the **danger of materialism and misplaced priorities**, where earthly riches become an end in themselves rather than a means for glorifying God and serving others. The rich man's extravagant lifestyle sets the stage for the theme of **social injustice and the neglect of the poor**, as his daily feasting stands in stark contrast to the suffering of Lazarus, who will be introduced in the subsequent verse. Furthermore, the parable, initiated by this description, ultimately explores the theme of **eternal consequences** and the reversal of fortunes in the afterlife, underscoring the importance of compassion and stewardship in this life. Jesus frequently addresses the perils of wealth, as seen in His warning about the difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom of God ([Luke 18:24-25](/luke/18-24-25 "Luke 18:24-25 - The Rich Young Ruler")), and His call for disciples to use their possessions to gain eternal friends ([Luke 16:9](/luke/16-9 "Luke 16:9 - Make Friends with Worldly Wealth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rich (Greek, _ploúsios'_):** From G4145, meaning "wealthy; figuratively, abounding with." This word immediately establishes the man's primary characteristic and the source of his lavish lifestyle. It is not inherently negative, but in the context of Jesus' teachings, it often carries a warning about the spiritual dangers associated with great wealth, particularly when it leads to self-indulgence and neglect of others.
* **Purple (Greek, _porphýra'_):** From G4209, referring to "the 'purple' mussel, i.e. (by implication) the red-blue color itself, and finally a garment dyed with it." This color was extremely expensive and was reserved for royalty, high officials, and the exceedingly wealthy, signifying the man's elite status and immense privilege. It speaks to his outward display of power and luxury.
* **Fared (Greek, _euphraínō'_):** From G2165, meaning "to put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind, i.e. rejoice:--fare, make glad, be (make) merry, rejoice." While "fared" captures the sense of daily living, the root meaning emphasizes a continuous state of merriment, feasting, and enjoyment. This highlights the man's life of unceasing pleasure and self-gratification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There was a certain rich man":** This opening establishes the central character of the parable, identifying him primarily by his wealth. The use of "certain" (tìs) suggests a generic but representative figure, allowing the audience to focus on the man's characteristics rather than his specific identity.
* **"which was clothed in purple and fine linen":** This clause vividly describes the rich man's attire, which served as a clear indicator of his immense wealth and social standing. Purple and fine linen were the most luxurious and expensive fabrics available, signifying his elite status and extravagant taste.
* **"and fared sumptuously every day":** This final clause completes the picture of the rich man's opulent lifestyle, emphasizing his continuous indulgence. To "fare sumptuously" implies elaborate, costly meals and a life of constant pleasure and feasting, suggesting a complete immersion in earthly comforts without apparent concern for anything beyond his immediate gratification.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 16:19 employs several literary devices to set the scene for the parable. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "purple and fine linen" immediately symbolizing extreme wealth, social status, and worldly power. These luxurious garments are not merely descriptive but serve as potent visual cues for the audience. The phrase "fared sumptuously every day" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the unending nature of his indulgence, suggesting an almost unbelievable level of consistent luxury. This description also functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the rich man's self-centeredness and lack of compassion, which will become evident as the parable unfolds. The vivid details create a strong **Imagery** that contrasts sharply with the suffering of Lazarus, setting up the central **Antithesis** of the parable between earthly extravagance and spiritual poverty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse introduces the profound theological tension between earthly prosperity and spiritual well-being, a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings. The rich man's opulent lifestyle, devoid of any apparent concern for others, foreshadows the spiritual bankruptcy that can accompany unchecked material abundance. It challenges the common ancient (and modern) assumption that wealth is a sign of God's favor, suggesting instead that it can be a significant impediment to a right relationship with God and neighbor. The parable, beginning with this description, ultimately underscores the principle that true riches lie not in material possessions but in compassion, stewardship, and a heart aligned with God's kingdom values.

* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trusting in Riches")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Love of Money")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 16:19 compels us to examine our own relationship with material possessions and daily comforts. The rich man's sin was not merely his wealth, but his self-absorption and apparent indifference to the suffering at his gate. This verse challenges us to consider whether our pursuit of comfort and pleasure blinds us to the needs of those around us, and whether our daily lives reflect a stewardship of God's blessings or a relentless pursuit of personal gratification. It serves as a powerful reminder that earthly prosperity is fleeting and that true spiritual wealth is measured by our compassion, generosity, and obedience to God's call to love our neighbors. We are called to be vigilant against the deceitfulness of riches, which can lull us into a false sense of security and distract us from eternal realities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life reflect my priorities regarding material possessions and comfort?**
* **In what ways might my own "purple and fine linen" (i.e., comforts or luxuries) be blinding me to the needs of others?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart of generosity and compassion, rather than self-indulgence?**
* **How does this verse challenge my cultural assumptions about wealth and success?**

### FAQ

**What was the "sin" of the rich man in Luke 16:19?**

Answer: Luke 16:19 itself describes the rich man's lavish lifestyle, but his "sin" is not explicitly stated as simply being wealthy. Rather, the subsequent verses of the parable reveal his sin was one of omission and indifference. He lived in extreme luxury ("fared sumptuously every day") while a poor, suffering man named Lazarus lay at his gate, longing for scraps from his table ([Luke 16:20-21](/luke/16-20-21 "Luke 16:20-21 - Lazarus at the Gate")). The rich man's sin was his failure to use his abundant resources to show compassion and care for his neighbor in need, effectively ignoring the divine command to love God and neighbor. His wealth became a barrier to seeing and responding to human suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 16:19, by vividly portraying the self-centered opulence of the rich man, sets the stage for a profound Christ-centered message. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, consistently challenged the prevailing values that equated wealth with divine favor and often identified with the poor and marginalized. While the rich man lived in continuous luxury, Christ, though rich in divine glory, "became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty and Our Riches")). Jesus' life perfectly contrasted the rich man's self-indulgence; He had "nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")) and taught His disciples to lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). The parable ultimately underscores that true riches are found in a relationship with God and compassion for others, culminating in the eternal kingdom that Christ came to establish. His ultimate sacrifice on the cross demonstrates the ultimate act of self-giving, in stark opposition to the rich man's self-serving existence, offering eternal life to all who believe, regardless of their earthly status ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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

Ezekiel 16:49

Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

Amos 6:4

That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;

Amos 6:6

That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.

Luke 18:24

And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Luke 18:25

For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Ezekiel 27:7

Fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was that which thou spreadest forth to be thy sail; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was that which covered thee.

James 5:1

¶ Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].