Devine Scripture

Luke 18:23

What does Luke 18:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 18:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 18:23 means

Upon hearing Jesus's command, the rich ruler became deeply sorrowful. His great wealth was not merely an asset but clearly an idol and a barrier to his full commitment to God. His sadness revealed that he was unwilling to part with his earthly treasures, demonstrating that his desire for eternal life was not strong enough to overcome his love for riches. He chose his possessions over following Jesus and obtaining heavenly treasure.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But at these words he became very sad, for he had great wealth.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he, having heard these things, became very sorrowful, for he was exceeding rich.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He having heard these things, became sorrowful: for he was very rich.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when he heard this he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.

Context

This verse describes the rich ruler's immediate and sorrowful reaction to Jesus's direct challenge in verse 22. His profound sadness, explicitly linked to his wealth, reveals his spiritual bondage. This reaction triggers Jesus's subsequent discourse on the difficulty for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God, making this an emotional turning point in the chapter.

v.22And when Jesus heard it, he said unto him, One thing thou lackest yet: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

v.23This passage

v.24And Jesus seeing him said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Cross references

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

  • Colossians 3:5

    Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;

  • Luke 12:15

    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.

  • Luke 19:8

    And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have wrongfully exacted aught of any man, I restore fourfold.

  • Luke 21:34

    But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare:

  • Ephesians 5:5

    For this ye know of a surety, that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

  • Matthew 19:22

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

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