King James Version

What Does Luke 12:21 Mean?

Luke 12:21 in the King James Version says “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 12:21 · KJV

Context

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.

22

And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

23

The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

Read Luke 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Jesus concludes the parable with a universal principle: houtos (οὕτως, "So/Thus") applies this story to all who follow the same pattern. The present participle thesaurizon (θησαυρίζων, layeth up treasure) indicates continuous action—habitual accumulation. The phrase for himself (heauto, ἑαυτῷ) exposes the fundamental orientation: self-directed rather than God-directed living.

The contrast is stark: and is not rich toward God (kai me eis Theon ploutōn, καὶ μὴ εἰς Θεὸν πλουτῶν). The preposition eis (εἰς, toward) indicates direction or purpose. To be rich toward God means investing in eternal realities, using material resources for kingdom purposes, cultivating spiritual wealth through faith, obedience, and love. The rich man had abundance en tō kosmō (in the world) but poverty eis Theon (toward God). This echoes Jesus' teaching about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21) and anticipates the warning to Laodicea: "thou sayest, I am rich... and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor" (Revelation 3:17).

Paul later instructs the wealthy to "be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come" (1 Timothy 6:18-19). True wealth is measured by heavenly accounting, not earthly accumulation. The man was poor where it mattered eternally.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Judaism, wealth was often interpreted as a sign of divine blessing (Deuteronomy 28:1-14), creating theological confusion about the relationship between riches and righteousness. Jesus consistently challenged this assumption, warning that wealth poses unique spiritual dangers (Mark 10:23-25, Luke 16:19-31). The term "rich toward God" would evoke Torah teaching about almsgiving, justice, and using resources to honor God and bless others. Proverbs 11:4 declares, "Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death." Jesus' parable updates this wisdom for His disciples, emphasizing that earthly wealth is worthless in eternity unless transformed into heavenly treasure through godly stewardship.

Reflection Questions

  1. If God evaluated your 'richness toward Him' based on how you spend time, money, and energy, what would His assessment be?
  2. What specific practices help you invest in eternal rather than merely temporal treasures?
  3. How does this verse challenge cultural assumptions that equate financial success with divine approval?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
οὕτως1 of 9

“So”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ὁ2 of 9
G3588

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

θησαυρίζων3 of 9

“is he that layeth up treasure”

G2343

to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively)

ἑαυτῷ4 of 9

“for himself”

G1438

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

καὶ5 of 9

“and”

G2532

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

μὴ6 of 9

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εἰς7 of 9

“toward”

G1519

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

θεὸν8 of 9

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

πλουτῶν9 of 9

“is”

G4147

to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively)

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 12:21 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 12:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 6:19-20Luke 12:33James 2:5James 5:1-31 Timothy 6:18-19Revelation 2:9

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