Devine Scripture

Luke 6:24

What does Luke 6:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 6:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 6:24 means

Jesus pronounced a "woe" upon the rich, stating they have already received their consolation. This is not a condemnation of wealth itself, but a warning against finding ultimate comfort and security in material possessions rather than in God. Those who are content with earthly riches risk missing the eternal blessings of God's Kingdom, as their present satisfaction blinds them to their spiritual need. Their worldly comfort is their only reward, leaving them devoid of divine consolation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But unhappy are you who have wealth: for you have been comforted now.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`But woe to you--the rich, because ye have got your comfort.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But woe to you that are rich: for you have your consolation.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But woe to you rich, for ye have received your consolation.

Context

This verse marks a sharp turn from the Beatitudes to a series of "woes," directly opposing the previously stated blessings. It immediately introduces a warning against the dangers of worldly prosperity, setting a stark contrast to the blessedness of the poor. This warning establishes the reversal of values central to Jesus' Kingdom ethics, preparing the listener for further pronouncements against misguided priorities.

v.23Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy: for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for in the same manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

v.24This passage

v.25Woe unto you, ye that are full now! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you, ye that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.

Cross references

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

  • Proverbs 1:32

    For the backsliding of the simple shall slay them, And the careless ease of fools shall destroy them.

  • Psalms 73:3

    For I was envious at the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

  • Matthew 6:5

    And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.

  • James 2:6

    But ye have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you, and themselves drag you before the judgment-seats?

  • Amos 4:1

    Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, that oppress the poor, that crush the needy, that say unto their lords, Bring, and let us drink.

  • Matthew 6:2

    When therefore thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.

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