Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

LUKE 18:22KJV
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Luke 18:22 (KJV)

What does Luke 18:22 mean?

Luke 18:22 records Jesus telling a man that, although he has kept many commandments, he still lacks one crucial thing: he must sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and then follow Jesus to have treasure in heaven. This verse highlights that following Jesus may require giving up what is most valuable to us in order to gain something greater.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a wealthy ruler who has just affirmed that he has kept the commandments since his youth. Jesus responds by identifying the one thing the man still lacks, making it clear that true discipleship involves more than outward obedience—it calls for a willingness to let go of earthly security. The instruction to "follow me" shows that Jesus is inviting the man into a closer relationship, but it comes with a cost.

The Greek behind Luke 18:22

  • The word "lackest" (λείπεις, leipeis) means "to be lacking" or "to fall short." Here, Jesus pinpoints that despite the man's good behavior, something essential is still missing.
  • "Sell" (πώλησον, pōlēson) is a direct command to give up ownership of possessions, emphasizing a radical step rather than a general attitude.
  • "Distribute" (διάδος, diados) means "to give out" or "to distribute," highlighting that the wealth is to be actively shared with the poor, not just given up or abandoned.
  • "Treasure" (θησαυρός, thēsauros) refers to valuable things stored up, and Jesus contrasts earthly wealth with a lasting reward in heaven.

Why Luke 18:22 matters

  • Luke 18:22 clarifies that Jesus is not just interested in rule-keeping but in the heart’s attachment to wealth and security.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Luke’s Gospel about the dangers of riches and the call to generosity and dependence on God.
  • The conversation sets up the following verses, where the man’s reaction and Jesus’ teaching about wealth and the kingdom of God are explored, showing the challenge and cost of true discipleship.

Where else these words appear

“distribute” Greek G1239 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 11:22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
  • John 6:11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
  • Acts 4:35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

“lackest” Greek G3007 · used in 6 verses

  • Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
  • Titus 3:13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
  • James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

“come” Greek G1204 · used in 9 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.
  • John 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
  • Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you,(but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

“treasure” Greek G2344 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
  • Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.