King James Version

What Does Luke 12:17 Mean?

Luke 12:17 in the King James Version says “And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?”

Luke 12:17 · KJV

Context

15

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

16

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

17

And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

18

And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

19

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? The Greek dialogizomai (διελογίζετο, he thought within himself) suggests internal debate or reasoning—six times in this brief parable the man uses first-person pronouns ("I," "my"), revealing radical self-centeredness. The phrase within himself (en heauto, ἐν ἑαυτῷ) emphasizes solitary deliberation—no consultation with God, no consideration of community needs, no thought of covenant obligations to the poor.

His question, What shall I do? (Ti poieso, Τί ποιήσω) ironically echoes the rich young ruler's question (Luke 18:18), but with inverted priorities. Where the ruler sought eternal life, this man seeks only storage capacity. The phrase I have no room where to bestow my fruits reveals the problem: his existing infrastructure cannot contain God's blessing. Rather than seeing abundance as opportunity for generosity, he views it as a storage problem. The possessive my fruits (τοὺς καρποὺς μου) betrays his mindset—he claims ownership of what God gave (v. 16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Palestinian barns (ἀποθῆκαι, apothēkai) were typically underground pits or above-ground structures where grain was stored after threshing. Storage was crucial for surviving between harvests and maintaining wealth. However, the Torah commanded against hoarding: "At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release" (Deuteronomy 15:1), and gleaning laws required leaving portions for the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10). The rich man's obsession with expanding storage violates the spirit of generosity commanded in the Law. His failure to consult God contrasts with Solomon, who sought divine wisdom for leadership (1 Kings 3:5-14).

Reflection Questions

  1. How often do your internal deliberations include conversation with God rather than merely self-consultation?
  2. When God blesses you with abundance, is your first thought preservation or distribution?
  3. What does the frequency of first-person pronouns in this parable reveal about the relationship between selfishness and spiritual death?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διελογίζετο2 of 15

“he thought”

G1260

to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)

ἐν3 of 15

“within”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἑαυτῷ4 of 15

“himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

λέγων,5 of 15

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Τί6 of 15

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ποιήσω7 of 15

“shall I do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ὅτι8 of 15

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐκ9 of 15

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔχω10 of 15

“I have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ποῦ11 of 15

“room where”

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

συνάξω12 of 15

“to bestow”

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

τοὺς13 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καρπούς14 of 15

“fruits”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

μου15 of 15

“my”

G3450

of me

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 12:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 12:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 5:42Isaiah 58:7Romans 12:132 Corinthians 9:6-151 John 3:16Acts 16:30

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