Devine Scripture

Luke 12:15

What does Luke 12:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 12:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 12:15 means

Jesus warns everyone to be on guard against all forms of covetousness. The danger is not only in the amount possessed but in the heart’s grasping posture. He affirms that life’s essence is not found in abundance of possessions. Real life is not measured by barns, accounts, or acquisitions. Greed narrows the soul, confuses means with ends, and blinds people to God and neighbor. By warning broadly, Jesus reveals that this temptation touches all conditions and cultures. He invites His hearers to seek a richer life—one found in God’s kingdom—rather than the restless accumulation that never satisfies.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, Take care to keep yourselves free from the desire for property; for a man's life is not made up of the number of things which he has.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he said unto them, `Observe, and beware of the covetousness, because not in the abundance of one's goods is his life.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them: Take heed and beware of all covetousness: for a man's life doth not consist in the abundance of things which he possesseth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, Take heed and keep yourselves from all covetousness, for [it is] not because a man is in abundance [that] his life is in his possessions.

Context

Having declined to judge the inheritance dispute, Jesus addresses the underlying issue driving such conflicts: covetousness. His general warning prepares hearers to receive the parable of the rich fool, which vividly illustrates the truth that possessions cannot secure one’s life. The parable that follows will not condemn prudent stewardship but will unmask the folly of making wealth the heart’s refuge and goal.

v.14But he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

v.15This passage

v.16And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Peter 2:14

    having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; enticing unstedfast souls; having a heart exercised in covetousness; children of cursing;

  • Psalms 37:16

    Better is a little that the righteous hath Than the abundance of many wicked.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:10

    not at all meaning with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous and extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world:

  • Job 31:24

    If I have made gold my hope, And have said to the fine gold, Thou artmy confidence;

  • Psalms 119:36

    Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, And not to covetousness.

  • Psalms 10:3

    For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, And the covetous renounceth, yea, contemneth Jehovah.

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