But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

LUKE 12:20KJV
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Luke 12:20 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:20 mean?

Luke 12:20 describes God telling a man who trusted in his wealth that he is a fool, because his life will end that very night and all his possessions will go to someone else. The verse warns that earthly riches cannot secure a person's life or future.

In this scene, Jesus is telling a parable to a crowd. God addresses a rich man who had been planning to enjoy his wealth, but God calls him "fool" (someone lacking sense) and announces that his "soul" (life) will be demanded that night. The point is that no matter how much someone prepares or stores up, life itself is not under human control.

The Greek behind Luke 12:20

  • "fool" (ἄφρων, aphron): This word means someone who is senseless or lacks understanding, not just someone who makes a mistake. In this context, it highlights the man's failure to recognize what truly matters.
  • "soul" (ψυχή, psychē): This word can mean "life" or "self," not just an immaterial soul. Here, it emphasizes that the man's very life—not just his possessions—is being taken.
  • "required" (ἀπαιτέω, apaiteō): This verb means "to demand back" or "to require." It suggests that life is something entrusted to a person, not owned, and can be called back at any moment.

Why Luke 12:20 matters

  • Luke 12:20 corrects the idea that security comes from wealth or careful planning, showing that life itself is not guaranteed by possessions.
  • The verse highlights the suddenness and certainty of God's authority over life, which is a key theme in the surrounding parable.
  • This verse connects to Jesus' broader teaching in Luke 12 about being "rich toward God" rather than only storing up treasures for oneself.

Where else these words appear

“required” Greek G523 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

“fool” Greek G878 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 11:40 Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?
  • 2 Corinthians 11:16 I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

“provided” Greek G2090 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Luke 1:76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
  • John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

“night” Greek G3571 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
  • John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
  • Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,