King James Version

What Does Luke 12:19 Mean?

Luke 12:19 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Luke 12:19 · KJV

Context

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.

20

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? thy: Gr. do they require thy soul

21

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

Read Luke 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Rich Fool's Soliloquy: This verse records the climax of the rich man's internal dialogue, revealing his spiritual bankruptcy despite material wealth. The Greek ψυχή (psychē, "soul") appears three times in verses 19-20, but the man addresses his soul as if it were merely his physical appetite. Materialistic Theology: His statement "thou hast much goods laid up for many years" reflects the assumption that security comes from accumulation, and that abundant possessions guarantee long life.

The threefold imperative—"take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry" (Greek ἀναπαύου, φάγε, πίε, εὐφραίνου)—echoes the Epicurean philosophy prevalent in the Greco-Roman world: pleasure as life's chief end. Ironic Reversal: God's response in verse 20 ("this night thy soul shall be required of thee") shatters the illusion of security. The verb ἀπαιτέω (apaiteō, "require") has commercial overtones—demanding payment of a debt. Context: Jesus tells this parable to warn against covetousness (verse 15), showing that life's value is not in possessions.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-Century Economic Context: In Jesus' time, grain storage was a primary form of wealth preservation. Large landowners built storage facilities to stockpile grain during abundant harvests, enabling them to control prices and increase profits during scarcity. This practice, while economically savvy, often disadvantaged poor farmers and consumers.

Greco-Roman Philosophy: The phrase "eat, drink, and be merry" reflects hedonistic philosophy common in the Roman world, also quoted in 1 Corinthians 15:32 and echoing Isaiah 22:13. This worldview denied life after death and emphasized present pleasure. Jesus' parable directly challenges this philosophy by asserting that death brings divine judgment and that earthly accumulation provides no eternal security.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the rich man's conversation with his soul reveal about his understanding of life's meaning and purpose?
  2. How does Jesus' parable challenge the assumption that financial security equals life security?
  3. What is the difference between wise stewardship and the foolish hoarding depicted in this passage?
  4. Why does Jesus identify this man as a "fool" rather than simply misguided or short-sighted?
  5. How should believers balance planning for the future with trust in God's providence and awareness of life's brevity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

ἐρῶ2 of 17

“I will say”

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

τῇ3 of 17
G3588

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

Ψυχή4 of 17

“Soul”

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

μου5 of 17

“to my”

G3450

of me

Ψυχή6 of 17

“Soul”

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

ἔχεις7 of 17

“thou hast”

G2192

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

πολλά·8 of 17

“many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἀγαθὰ9 of 17

“goods”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

κείμενα10 of 17

“laid up”

G2749

to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively)

εἰς11 of 17

“for”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἔτη12 of 17

“years”

G2094

a year

πολλά·13 of 17

“many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἀναπαύου14 of 17

“take thine ease”

G373

(reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh

φάγε15 of 17

“eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

πίε16 of 17

“drink”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

εὐφραίνου17 of 17

“and be merry”

G2165

to put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind, i.e., rejoice

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 12:19 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 12:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 27:1James 4:13-15Matthew 6:19-211 Corinthians 15:32Philippians 3:19Isaiah 5:11

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