Luke 18:23 (KJV)

What does Luke 18:23 mean?

Luke 18:23 describes how the rich man became deeply saddened when he heard Jesus’ instruction, because he was extremely wealthy. The verse highlights the man’s emotional response—sorrow—directly tied to his great riches.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a wealthy ruler who had asked about inheriting eternal life. When Jesus told him to sell all he owned and give to the poor, the man’s reaction was not just disappointment but a strong sorrow, showing the real difficulty he felt at the thought of giving up his possessions.

The Greek behind Luke 18:23

• The word translated “was very sorrowful” is λυπήθη (lypēthē), which often means to be deeply grieved or distressed, not just mildly sad. This suggests the man’s reaction was intense and heartfelt.
• The word for “very” is σφόδρα (sphodra), meaning “exceedingly” or “greatly.” This emphasizes just how strong the man’s sorrow was—his wealth was not a small matter to him.
• The word for “rich” is πλούσιος (plousios), which refers to someone who has an abundance of material possessions. The verse stresses that it was his great wealth that made the command from Jesus so difficult for him.

Why Luke 18:23 matters

• Luke 18:23 clarifies that the man’s sadness was not a casual feeling but a deep, overwhelming sorrow, helping readers understand the seriousness of his attachment to wealth.
• The verse sets up the following teaching from Jesus about the challenges the rich face in entering God’s kingdom, making the man’s reaction a key turning point in the story.
• This moment reveals the personal cost and emotional struggle involved when someone is asked to give up what they value most, which is a recurring theme in Jesus’ conversations about discipleship.