Luke 18:23

KJV

And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when he heard {G191} this {G5023}, he was {G1096} very sorrowful {G4036}: for {G1063} he was {G2258} very {G4970} rich {G4145}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when the man heard this, he became very sad, because he was very rich.

Berean Standard Bible

But when the ruler heard this, he became very sad, because he was extremely wealthy.

American Standard Version

But when he heard these things, he became exceeding sorrowful; for he was very rich.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:23 presents a poignant moment in the encounter between Jesus and a wealthy young man, highlighting the profound spiritual conflict that arises when earthly possessions compete with divine calling. Upon hearing Jesus' radical command to divest himself of all his riches and follow Him, the man was overcome with deep sorrow, revealing the formidable grip his material wealth held over his heart and his inability to prioritize eternal treasure over temporal security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax of the narrative concerning the rich young ruler, which commences in [Luke 18:18](/luke/18-18 "Luke 18:18 - The Rich Young Ruler's Question"). A prominent and affluent young man approaches Jesus, earnestly inquiring about the path to inheriting eternal life. After affirming his adherence to the Mosaic Law, Jesus presents him with a singular, deeply personal, and radical test: "One thing thou lackest: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me" ([Luke 18:22](/luke/18-22 "Luke 18:22 - Jesus' Challenge to the Rich Young Ruler")). The man's subsequent reaction in verse 23 underscores the immense difficulty this command posed for him, starkly illustrating the tension between worldly security and the transformative demands of divine discipleship. This moment also sets the stage for Jesus' broader teaching on the kingdom of God and the challenges faced by the wealthy, found in [Luke 18:24-27](/luke/18-24-27 "Luke 18:24-27 - Jesus' Teaching on Wealth and Salvation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, wealth was often perceived as a sign of God's blessing and favor, a tangible reward for righteousness and obedience to the Law. This perception made Jesus' challenge particularly counter-cultural and shocking. For a man of significant means, selling all his possessions would not only entail financial ruin but also a dramatic loss of social status, security, and influence within his community. Discipleship in the first century often involved leaving behind one's previous life, family, and livelihood to follow a rabbi, but Jesus' call was uniquely radical in its demand for absolute divestment for the sake of the kingdom. The concept of "treasure in heaven" would have been understood as a spiritual reward and eternal inheritance, contrasting sharply with the earthly, perishable wealth the man possessed.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 18:23 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It vividly illustrates the **Idolatry of Wealth**, demonstrating how material possessions can become a spiritual impediment, preventing full devotion to God. The man's sorrow underscores the **Cost of Discipleship**, revealing that following Jesus often necessitates radical personal sacrifice and a willingness to surrender everything that competes for one's ultimate allegiance, echoing Jesus' call to "take up his cross daily" in [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Cost of Discipleship"). Furthermore, the passage highlights the **Sovereignty of God in Revealing the Heart**, as Jesus' command was a precise diagnosis for this individual, designed to expose where his true affections and priorities lay. The man's inability to obey unveiled a heart more tethered to worldly treasure than to the kingdom of God, setting up Jesus' subsequent teaching that "with God all things are possible" ([Luke 18:27](/luke/18-27 "Luke 18:27 - With God All Things Are Possible")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō_):** This verb signifies not merely the physical act of hearing, but also to perceive, understand, and give audience to. The rich young man fully comprehended the radical nature of Jesus' demand; his sorrow was a direct result of his intellectual and emotional processing of the command, not a misunderstanding.
* **sorrowful (Greek, _perílypos_):** Derived from a combination meaning "around" and "grief," this word denotes an intense, encompassing sadness or profound internal anguish. It's a sorrow that permeates one's entire being, indicating a deep distress over a perceived loss or an inability to reconcile conflicting desires. The man was not just disappointed; he was deeply grieved at the prospect of relinquishing his security.
* **rich (Greek, _ploúsios_):** This adjective describes someone possessing great material wealth, but can also figuratively mean "abounding with." The addition of the intensifying adverb _sphódra_ ("very," G4970) in the original text underscores the extreme extent of his riches, which directly correlates to the magnitude of the sacrifice requested and, consequently, the intensity of his sorrow. His wealth was not just substantial; it was immense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he heard this,"**: This opening clause establishes the direct causal link between Jesus' specific, challenging command to sell all possessions and the man's subsequent emotional reaction. The phrase "this" refers directly to the radical injunction given in [Luke 18:22](/luke/18-22 "Luke 18:22 - Jesus' Challenging Command"). The man did not dismiss or misunderstand the instruction; he absorbed its full implications.
* **"he was very sorrowful:"**: This is the immediate and profound emotional response. The Greek word _perílypos_ (G4036), intensified by _sphódra_ (G4970, "very"), conveys a deep, pervasive grief or distress. This was not a fleeting disappointment but a profound internal anguish, revealing the man's inner conflict and the deep attachment he had to his material possessions. His sorrow stemmed from the perceived impossibility or unwillingness to part with what he cherished most.
* **"for he was very rich."**: This final clause provides the explicit reason for the man's sorrow. His immense wealth, rather than being a source of blessing or freedom, had become a spiritual bondage. The very thing he possessed in abundance was precisely what prevented him from embracing the radical call of discipleship and securing true "treasure in heaven" ([Luke 18:22](/luke/18-22 "Luke 18:22 - Treasure in Heaven")). His riches were not merely a circumstance but the direct obstacle to his obedience and spiritual progress.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Irony** is prominent, as the man's great wealth, typically seen as a blessing and a sign of divine favor in that culture, becomes the very impediment to his spiritual growth and entry into the kingdom of God. What should have been a means to bless others or serve God became a spiritual curse, binding his heart. The verse also utilizes **Pathos**, evoking a sense of pity or sadness for the rich young ruler. His profound sorrow is palpable, allowing the reader to empathize with the agonizing choice he faces, even if his decision is ultimately regrettable. Furthermore, there is a stark **Contrast** presented between earthly treasure and heavenly treasure, and between worldly security and spiritual freedom. The man's sorrow highlights his inability to choose the latter, emphasizing the profound spiritual cost of clinging to the former.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:23 serves as a profound theological statement on the deceptive nature of wealth and its potential to hinder genuine spiritual commitment. It underscores the biblical principle that true security and fulfillment are found not in material possessions, but in an unreserved devotion to God and His kingdom. The rich young ruler's sorrowful departure illustrates the reality that while God's call is gracious, it often demands radical reorientation of priorities and a willingness to surrender anything that competes for ultimate allegiance. This moment reveals the heart's true affections, demonstrating that what we cling to most tightly can become an idol, preventing us from fully embracing the transformative life offered by Christ. It's a timeless warning against placing trust in riches rather than in the living God.

* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")
* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trusting in Riches")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Love of Money")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The sorrow of the rich young ruler in Luke 18:23 is a mirror for every believer, inviting us to honestly examine the idols of our own hearts. While Jesus' command to sell everything was specific to this individual's spiritual condition, the underlying principle is universal: anything that holds a greater sway over our affections than Christ becomes a barrier to true discipleship. This passage challenges us to consider what "one thing" we might be lacking or what "very rich" possession—be it wealth, reputation, comfort, relationships, or even our own plans—we are unwilling to surrender to God. True spiritual freedom comes not from accumulating more, but from releasing our grip on what is temporal and embracing the eternal treasure found in following Jesus wholeheartedly. Our sorrow should not be over what we might lose for Christ, but over what we lose by not fully committing to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "riches" in my life (material or otherwise) might be hindering my full devotion to Christ?**
* **Am I willing to surrender everything to follow Jesus, even if it means significant personal sacrifice?**
* **How does my attitude towards money and possessions reflect my true priorities?**
* **What steps can I take today to loosen the grip of worldly attachments on my heart?**

### FAQ
**Why was the rich young ruler so sorrowful?**

Answer: The rich young ruler was deeply sorrowful because Jesus' command to sell all his possessions and give to the poor directly confronted the primary source of his security, identity, and comfort. His immense wealth was not merely an asset but an idol that held his heart captive. He was faced with an agonizing choice between his earthly treasures and the radical call to follow Jesus, which promised "treasure in heaven" ([Luke 18:22](/luke/18-22 "Luke 18:22 - Treasure in Heaven")). His sorrow stemmed from his inability or unwillingness to relinquish what he cherished most, revealing that his attachment to wealth was stronger than his desire for complete obedience to Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:23, though a moment of human failure, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ. The rich young ruler's inability to give up his riches for the sake of eternal life stands in stark contrast to Jesus, who, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he 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 Example of Sacrifice")). While the young man clung to his earthly wealth, Jesus willingly surrendered His heavenly glory and earthly life, offering Himself as the supreme sacrifice to purchase true, eternal riches for humanity ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). The sorrow of the rich young ruler highlights the human impossibility of earning salvation through self-effort or material sacrifice, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching that "what is impossible with man is possible with God" ([Luke 18:27](/luke/18-27 "Luke 18:27 - God Makes All Things Possible")). Christ Himself is the true treasure, the ultimate inheritance, and the one who perfectly fulfilled the call to radical obedience, inviting all who would follow Him to find their true wealth not in what they possess, but in the boundless grace and kingdom He offers through His atoning work ([Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2-3 "Colossians 2:2-3 - Christ, in Whom Are All Treasures")).

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 33:31

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

1 John 2:15

Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Luke 8:14

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Mark 10:22

And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

Job 31:24

¶ If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, [Thou art] my confidence;

Job 31:25

If I rejoiced because my wealth [was] great, and because mine hand had gotten much;

Matthew 19:22

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.