Courageous witness
Luke 12:1–12FocusHypocrisy and fear
Connection to the wholeJesus warns the disciples about hypocrisy and fear of people, directing their confidence toward God's knowledge and care.
interpretation Luke 12:15
KJVAnd 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.
Read it in context
Possessions and anxiety
Start reading at Luke 12:13 (Luke 12:13 to Luke 12:34).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The inheritance dispute and rich fool lead into teaching on trust, the kingdom, and treasure that reveals the heart's allegiance.
- 12:13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.
- 12:14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?
- 12:15 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.
- 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
- 12:17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
- 12:18 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.
- 12:19 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.
- 12:20 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?
- 12:21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
- 12:22 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.
- 12:23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
- 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
- 12:25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
- 12:26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
- 12:27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
- 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
- 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
- 12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
- 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
- 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
- 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
- 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 12:1–12:59): Jesus speaks first to His disciples amid a large crowd, answers a man's request concerning inheritance, and continues teaching about readiness and responsibility. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Possessions and anxiety. Read Luke 12:13 through Luke 12:34 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The inheritance dispute and rich fool lead into teaching on trust, the kingdom, and treasure that reveals the heart's allegiance. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Possessions and anxiety (Luke 12:13 to Luke 12:34). Start reading at Luke 12:13. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 12:13, Luke 12:34, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- Take Luke 8:14 Luke 16:14 Luke 21:34 Josh 7:21 Job 31:24-25 Ps 10:3 Ps 62:10 Ps 119:36-37
- for Job 2:4 Ps 37:16 Prov 15:16 Prov 16:16 Eccl 4:6-8 Eccl 5:10-16 Matt 6:25-26 1 Tim 6:6-8
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 12
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
FocusRich toward God
Connection to the wholeThe inheritance dispute and rich fool lead into teaching on trust, the kingdom, and treasure that reveals the heart's allegiance.
interpretation Ready and faithful servants
Luke 12:35–48FocusAccountability for entrusted responsibility
Connection to the wholeJesus connects watchfulness with faithful service, stressing that greater knowledge and responsibility bring greater accountability.
interpretation Recognizing the time
Luke 12:49–59FocusDivision and urgent response
Connection to the wholeThe closing warnings call hearers to discern the present situation and settle matters urgently rather than assuming delay is harmless.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation Passion, resurrection, and commission
Luke 22:1–24:53FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.