Luke 12:21
New International Version
“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

New Living Translation
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

English Standard Version
So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

Berean Standard Bible
This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”

Berean Literal Bible
So is the one treasuring up for himself, and not being rich toward God."

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

New King James Version
“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

New American Standard Bible
Such is the one who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich in relation to God.”

NASB 1995
“So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

NASB 1977
“So is the man who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So is the one who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

Amplified Bible
So it is for the one who continues to store up and hoard possessions for himself, and is not rich [in his relationship] toward God.”

Christian Standard Bible
“That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

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

Contemporary English Version
"This is what happens to people who store up everything for themselves, but are poor in the sight of God."

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
That's how it is when a person has material riches but is not rich in his relationship with God."

Good News Translation
And Jesus concluded, "This is how it is with those who pile up riches for themselves but are not rich in God's sight."

International Standard Version
That's how it is with the person who stores up treasures for himself rather than with God."

Majority Standard Bible
This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”

NET Bible
So it is with the one who stores up riches for himself, but is not rich toward God."

New Heart English Bible
So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Webster's Bible Translation
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God.

Weymouth New Testament
"So is it with him who amasses treasure for himself, but has no riches in God."

World English Bible
So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
So [is] he who is treasuring up to himself, and is not rich toward God.”

Berean Literal Bible
So is the one treasuring up for himself, and not being rich toward God."

Young's Literal Translation
so is he who is treasuring up to himself, and is not rich toward God.'

Smith's Literal Translation
So he treasuring up for himself, and not rich toward God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
So it is with him who stores up for himself, and is not wealthy with God.”

New American Bible
Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.”

New Revised Standard Version
So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Such is he who lays up treasures for himself, and is not rich in the things in God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Thus is whoever lays down a treasure for himself and is not rich in God.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
So is he that lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Godbey New Testament
So is every one laying up treasure for himself, and not rich toward God.

Haweis New Testament
Just such is every one who heapeth up treasure for self, and is not rich towards God.

Mace New Testament
such is he, who heaps up his treasure here, and makes no provision for another world.

Weymouth New Testament
"So is it with him who amasses treasure for himself, but has no riches in God."

Worrell New Testament
So is he who is laying up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Worsley New Testament
So is he that heapeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parable of the Rich Fool
20But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ 21This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.” 22Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear.…

Cross References
Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

James 5:1-3
Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days.

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Matthew 16:26
What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Proverbs 11:4
Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-15
He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. / When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes? / The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep. ...

Colossians 3:1-2
Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. / Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Matthew 19:21
Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

Psalm 49:16-20
Do not be afraid when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases. / For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down. / Though in his lifetime he blesses his soul—and men praise you when you prosper— ...

Mark 8:36-37
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? / Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Proverbs 23:4-5
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. / When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.

Revelation 3:17-18
You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. / I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

Philippians 3:7-8
But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. / More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Job 31:24-28
If I have put my trust in gold or called pure gold my security, / if I have rejoiced in my great wealth because my hand had gained so much, / if I have beheld the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, ...


Treasury of Scripture

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

he.

Luke 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.

Luke 6:24
But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

Hosea 10:1
Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images.

rich.

Luke 16:11
If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

2 Corinthians 6:10
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

1 Timothy 6:18,19
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; …

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Amasses Eyes Gets Lays Rich Riches Stores Towards Treasure Treasuring Wealth
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Luke 12
1. Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy
13. and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns.
22. We must not worry about earthly things,
31. but seek the kingdom of God;
33. give alms;
35. be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes.
41. Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges,
49. and look for persecution.
54. The people must take this time of grace;
57. because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation.














This is how it will be
This phrase serves as a conclusion to the parable of the rich fool, which Jesus tells in the preceding verses. The Greek word used here, "houtōs," indicates a definitive outcome or result. It emphasizes the certainty of the consequences for those who follow the path of the rich fool. In a broader scriptural context, it serves as a warning that earthly actions have spiritual consequences, aligning with the biblical principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7).

for anyone who
This phrase universalizes the message, indicating that the teaching applies to all people, regardless of status or background. The Greek word "hos" is inclusive, suggesting that no one is exempt from this spiritual truth. It underscores the impartiality of God's judgment and the universal need for spiritual awareness and responsibility.

stores up treasure for himself
The act of storing up treasure is depicted in the Greek as "thēsaurizōn," which means to amass or hoard wealth. This phrase critiques the self-centered accumulation of material wealth without regard for others or for God. Historically, this reflects the cultural practices of the time, where wealth was often seen as a sign of divine favor. However, Jesus challenges this notion by highlighting the spiritual poverty that can accompany material abundance.

but is not rich toward God
The contrast here is stark. The Greek word for "rich," "plouteō," implies abundance and prosperity. To be "rich toward God" suggests a life that prioritizes spiritual wealth over material gain. This phrase calls believers to invest in their relationship with God, emphasizing the eternal value of spiritual riches. Scripturally, it aligns with teachings on storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20) and the call to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).

(21) So is he that layeth up treasure for himself.--See Note on Matthew 6:19. To be "rich towards God" finds its explanation in the language, probably suggested by it, which bids us to be "rich in good works" (1Timothy 6:18).

Verse 21. - And is not rich toward God; better rendered, if he is not. And this slight change helps us, too, in drawing the right lesson. The being rich is never condemned by Jesus Christ; nor even the growing richer. Among the saints of God in both Testaments are many notable rich men, whose possessions seem to have helped rather than hindered their journey to the city of God. The lesson which lies on the forefront of this parable-story is the especial danger which riches ever bring of gradually deadening the heart and rendering it impervious to any feeling of love either for God or man. The directions which immediately followed upon this parable were addressed to the inner circle of disciples. The general instruction, it will be seen, belongs to all who in any age wish to be "of his Church;" but several of the particular charges cannot he pressed as general commands, being addressed to men whose work and office were unique.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
This is how [it will be for]
Οὕτως (Houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

anyone who
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

stores up treasure
θησαυρίζων (thēsaurizōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2343: To store up, treasure up, save, lay up. From thesauros; to amass or reserve.

for himself
ἑαυτῷ (heautō)
Reflexive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

but
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

is not rich
πλουτῶν (ploutōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4147: To become rich, be rich, abound in. From ploutizo; to be wealthy.

toward
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

God.”
Θεὸν (Theon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


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NT Gospels: Luke 12:21 So is he who lays up treasure (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 12:20
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