King James Version

What Does Luke 18:22 Mean?

Luke 18:22 in the King James Version says “Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute... — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 18:22 · KJV


Context

20

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

21

And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

22

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.

23

And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

24

And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus tells the rich ruler: '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.' The ruler claimed to have kept all commandments (v. 21), but Jesus exposed the one thing missing—his wealth was his god. The command 'sell all' addresses this specific idol. 'Distribute unto the poor' demonstrates genuine concern for others versus hoarding. 'Treasure in heaven' contrasts earthly treasure—secure, eternal, far better. The climactic command 'come, follow me' reveals what Jesus truly desires—disciples, not merely moral people. The man 'was very sorrowful: for he was very rich' (v. 23), choosing wealth over Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Rich rulers rarely sought religious teachers, making this encounter unusual. His question 'what shall I do to inherit eternal life?' (v. 18) revealed works-based theology—'do' to 'inherit.' Jesus directed him to commandments, which he claimed to have kept. Yet something was missing—his wealth, which violated the first commandment (no gods before God) and tenth commandment (no coveting). Jesus' command to sell all was surgical strike at his specific idol. Not all believers must sell everything, but all must prioritize Christ above possessions. The man's sorrow showed he loved wealth more than eternal life—tragic choice revealing money's enslaving power.

Reflection Questions

  1. Was Jesus' command to sell all universal requirement or specific diagnosis of this man's particular idol?
  2. What does the ruler's sorrowful departure teach about the enslaving power of wealth and difficulty of entering God's kingdom when trusting in riches?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ἀκούσας1 of 27

heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

δὲ2 of 27

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

ταῦτα3 of 27

these things

G5023

these things

4 of 27
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς5 of 27

when Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἶπεν6 of 27

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ7 of 27

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ἔτι8 of 27

Yet

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

ἕν9 of 27

one

G1520

one

σοι10 of 27

thou

G4671

to thee

λείπει·11 of 27

lackest

G3007

to leave, i.e., (intransitively or passively) to fail or be absent

πάντα12 of 27

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὅσα13 of 27

that

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἕξεις14 of 27

thou hast

G2192

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

πώλησον15 of 27

thing sell

G4453

to barter (as a pedlar), i.e., to sell

καὶ16 of 27

and

G2532

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

διάδος17 of 27

distribute

G1239

to give throughout a crowd, i.e., deal out; also to deliver over (as to a successor)

πτωχοῖς18 of 27

unto the poor

G4434

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

καὶ19 of 27

and

G2532

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

ἕξεις20 of 27

thou hast

G2192

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

θησαυρὸν21 of 27

treasure

G2344

a deposit, i.e., wealth (literally or figuratively)

ἐν22 of 27

in

G1722

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

οὐρανῷ,23 of 27

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ24 of 27

and

G2532

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

δεῦρο25 of 27

come

G1204

here; used also imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto

ἀκολούθει26 of 27

follow

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

μοι27 of 27

me

G3427

to 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 18:22 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 18:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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