And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

LUKE 12:17KJV
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Luke 12:17 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:17 mean?

Luke 12:17 describes a man thinking to himself about what to do because he has so many crops that he does not have enough space to store them. The verse shows his inner struggle as he tries to figure out a solution for his unexpected abundance.

In this part of Luke, Jesus is telling a parable to a crowd, using the story of a rich man whose land produced a large harvest. The man’s question is not about sharing or giving, but about how to manage his own wealth. This verse sets up the man’s mindset and priorities, highlighting his focus on personal gain and storage rather than on others.

The Greek behind Luke 12:17

  • The word "thought" (διελογίζετο, dielogizeto) often means to reason or debate within oneself, showing that the man is deeply considering his options rather than acting impulsively.
  • "Within himself" (ἐν ἑαυτῷ, en heautō) makes it clear that this is an internal conversation, emphasizing his self-focused thinking.
  • "Bestow" (συνάξω, synaxō) means to gather together or store, which highlights the man’s concern with collecting and keeping his produce rather than using or sharing it.

Why Luke 12:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the man’s problem is not lack, but abundance—he is worried about what to do with too much, not too little.
  • It reveals the man’s priorities: his first thought is about storage and keeping what he has, not about generosity or community.
  • Understanding this verse helps set up the point of Jesus’s parable, which contrasts earthly concerns about wealth with deeper spiritual values later in the passage.

Where else these words appear

“thought” Greek G1260 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 16:7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
  • Mark 2:8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
  • Luke 3:15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

“where” Greek G4226 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
  • John 16:5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

“fruits” Greek G2590 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Mark 12:2 And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
  • Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

“bestow” Greek G4863 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
  • John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.