So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

LUKE 12:21KJV
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Luke 12:21 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:21 mean?

Luke 12:21 warns that someone who stores up wealth only for themselves, without being "rich toward God," is missing what truly matters. The verse highlights the emptiness of self-centered accumulation when a person neglects their relationship with God.

Jesus is speaking to a crowd, using a parable to address concerns about inheritance and greed. He has just told the story of a rich man who hoarded his harvest, only to die suddenly. Luke 12:21 sums up the lesson: focusing on earthly riches for oneself, without regard for God, leads to a life that ultimately lacks true value.

The Greek behind Luke 12:21

  • "Treasure" (θησαυρίζω, thēsaurizō): This word means to store up or accumulate wealth. Here, it emphasizes the act of gathering resources for personal security or pleasure, not for any higher purpose.
  • "Rich" (πλουτέω, plouteō): The Greek word for "rich" is used twice—once negatively (not rich toward God) and once in the positive sense of what is lacking. It suggests abundance, but the contrast is between material wealth and spiritual richness.
  • "Toward" (εἰς, eis): This preposition means "toward" or "in relation to." Being "rich toward God" points to a direction or orientation—living in a way that values what God values, not just accumulating for oneself.

Why Luke 12:21 matters

  • Luke 12:21 clarifies that Jesus is not condemning wealth itself, but the attitude of hoarding it solely for personal gain, ignoring God’s priorities.
  • The verse connects the parable to a broader teaching about life’s true security, showing that spiritual richness is what endures.
  • This verse helps the reader see that Jesus is addressing a heart issue—where a person’s trust and focus lie—rather than simply giving financial advice.

Where else these words appear

“treasure” Greek G2343 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
  • 2 Corinthians 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

“is” Greek G4147 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
  • Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.