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.

LUKE 12:15KJV
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Luke 12:15 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:15 mean?

Luke 12:15 warns that a person's life is not defined by how many possessions they have, and urges people to be on guard against greed. Jesus is teaching that true life and value are not found in material abundance.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd after someone asks Him to settle a family inheritance dispute. He uses the opportunity to caution everyone listening about the dangers of covetousness—wanting more than what one has. Jesus shifts the focus from material wealth to what truly matters in life, emphasizing that possessions do not determine a person's worth or the quality of their life.

The Greek behind Luke 12:15

  • πλεονεξία (pleonexia, "covetousness"): This word means an insatiable desire for more, often at the expense of others. Jesus is not just warning against wanting what others have, but against a restless craving for more in general.
  • περισσεύειν (perisseuein, "abundance"): The Greek here refers to having more than enough or an overflow. Jesus points out that even an overflow of possessions does not equate to real life.
  • ζωή (zōē, "life"): This word can mean physical life, but often in the New Testament, it points to a deeper sense of life—meaning, purpose, or fulfillment. Here, Jesus is saying that this deeper life is not tied to material things.

Why Luke 12:15 matters

  • Luke 12:15 clarifies that Jesus sees greed as a real spiritual danger, not just a minor flaw, and He addresses it directly in response to a practical, everyday concern.
  • The verse shifts the conversation from external circumstances (inheritance, wealth) to internal attitudes, showing that Jesus is more concerned with the heart than with outward possessions.
  • By warning that life does not consist in abundance, Jesus challenges a common human assumption that more possessions mean a better or fuller life, inviting listeners to rethink what truly gives life meaning.

Where else these words appear

“covetousness” Greek G4124 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
  • Ephesians 4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

“possesseth” Greek G5224 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
  • Luke 11:21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
  • Luke 16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

“beware” Greek G5442 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
  • Acts 7:53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

“abundance” Greek G4052 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • Acts 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.