And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

LUKE 12:19KJV
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Luke 12:19 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:19 mean?

Luke 12:19 describes a person telling himself that he has stored up plenty of goods for many years, so he can relax, eat, drink, and enjoy life. The verse shows someone feeling secure and content because of his material wealth and planning to live comfortably without worry.

In this part of Luke, Jesus is telling a parable about a rich man who has had a great harvest. The man is speaking to his own soul, reassuring himself that he has everything he needs for the future. The verse captures the man's attitude of self-sufficiency and focus on personal enjoyment, which is important for understanding the lesson Jesus is about to teach about true security and the dangers of trusting in wealth.

The Greek behind Luke 12:19

  • ψυχή (psychē, "soul"): This word means more than just "life"—it refers to the inner self or the whole person. The man is speaking to his deepest self, not just thinking about physical needs.
  • ἀναπαύου (anapauou, "take thine ease"): This Greek word carries the sense of resting or relaxing, as if the man believes he can now stop worrying or striving.
  • εὐφραίνου (euphrainou, "be merry"): This word means to rejoice or celebrate, suggesting not just happiness but a sense of carefree enjoyment and pleasure.

Why Luke 12:19 matters

  • Luke 12:19 helps clarify that the rich man's confidence is based entirely on his possessions, not on anything deeper or more lasting.
  • The verse sets up the contrast for Jesus’ warning that follows, showing how focusing on wealth can lead to a false sense of security.
  • Understanding the man's attitude here makes the message of the parable clearer: trusting in material things for ultimate peace and happiness is short-sighted.

Where else these words appear

“ease” Greek G373 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
  • Mark 14:41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
  • Philemon 1:20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

“merry” Greek G2165 · used in 14 verses

  • Luke 15:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
  • Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
  • 2 Corinthians 2:2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?

“up” Greek G2749 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
  • John 21:9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

“years” Greek G2094 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
  • Luke 13:16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
  • Romans 15:23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;