Luke 12:15 And He said to them, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

◄ Luke 12:15 ►

New International Version
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

New Living Translation
Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

English Standard Version
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Berean Standard Bible
And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Berean Literal Bible
And He said to them, "Beware, and keep yourselves from all covetousness; for not to anyone is his life in the abundance of that which he possesses."

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

New American Standard Bible
But He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one is affluent does his life consist of his possessions.”

NASB 1995
Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.”

NASB 1977
And He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then He said to them, “Watch out and be on your guard against every form of greed, for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.”

Amplified Bible
Then He said to them, “Watch out and guard yourselves against every form of greed; for not even when one has an overflowing abundance does his life consist of nor is it derived from his possessions.”

Christian Standard Bible
He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”

American Standard Version
And he said unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Contemporary English Version
Then he said to the crowd, "Don't be greedy! Owning a lot of things won't make your life safe."

English Revised Version
And he said unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He told the people, "Be careful to guard yourselves from every kind of greed. Life is not about having a lot of material possessions."

Good News Translation
And he went on to say to them all, "Watch out and guard yourselves from every kind of greed; because your true life is not made up of the things you own, no matter how rich you may be."

International Standard Version
Then he told them, "Be careful to guard yourselves against every kind of greed, because a person's life doesn't consist of the amount of possessions he has."

Majority Standard Bible
And He said to them, ?Watch out! Guard yourselves against greed, for one?s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.?

NET Bible
Then he said to them, "Watch out and guard yourself from all types of greed, because one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

New Heart English Bible
He said to them, "Beware. Keep yourselves from all covetousness, for a man's life does not consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses."

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said to them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Weymouth New Testament
And to the people He said, "Take care, be on your guard against all covetousness, for no one's life consists in the superabundance of his possessions."

World English Bible
He said to them, “Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And He said to them, “Observe, and beware of the covetousness, because his life is not in the abundance of one’s goods.”

Berean Literal Bible
And He said to them, "Beware, and keep yourselves from all covetousness; for not to anyone is his life in the abundance of that which he possesses."

Young's Literal Translation
And he said unto them, 'Observe, and beware of the covetousness, because not in the abundance of one's goods is his life.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he said to them, See, and watch yourselves from covetousness: for not in the abounding to any one of his possessions is his life.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said to them: Take heed and beware of all covetousness; for a man's life doth not consist in the abundance of things which he possesseth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
So he said to them: “Be cautious and wary of all avarice. For a person’s life is not found in the abundance of the things that he possesses.”

New American Bible
Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

New Revised Standard Version
And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And he said to his disciples, Beware of all covetousness, because life does not depend on abundance of wealth.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he said to his disciples, “Beware of all greed, because life is not in the abundance of riches.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And he said to them: Take heed and beware of covetousness; for a man's life depends not on the abundance of his possessions.

Godbey New Testament
And He said to them, See, and beware of all covetousness: because his life is not in that which aboundeth to any one, from those things belonging to him.

Haweis New Testament
Then said he to them, Beware, and be on your guard against covetousness; for a man?s life doth not depend on the abundance of his possessions.

Mace New Testament
then he said to them, take care to be clear of all avarice: for the enjoyment of life does not depend upon the having large possessions.

Weymouth New Testament
And to the people He said, "Take care, be on your guard against all covetousness, for no one's life consists in the superabundance of his possessions."

Worrell New Testament
And He said to them, "Take heed, and guard yourselves from all covetousness; because one's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses."

Worsley New Testament
And He said unto them, See to it that ye beware of covetousness; for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of his possessions.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Parable of the Rich Fool
…14But Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed Me judge or executor between you?” 15And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

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.

1 Timothy 6:9-10
Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Ecclesiastes 5:10
He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile.

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.

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.

Matthew 19:21-24
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.” / When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth. / Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. ...

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.

Colossians 3:5
Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”

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?

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— ...

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

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 13:22
The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Philippians 4:11-12
I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. / I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need.

Treasury of Scripture

And he said to them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.

Take.

Luke 8:14
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Luke 16:14
And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

Luke 21:34
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

for.

Job 2:4
And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

Psalm 37:16
A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

Proverbs 15:16
Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Jump to Previous

Abundance Beware Care Consist Consists Covetousness Form Greed Guard Heed Kinds Life One's Possesses Possesseth Possessions Superabundance Watch Yourselves

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Abundance Beware Care Consist Consists Covetousness Form Greed Guard Heed Kinds Life One's Possesses Possesseth Possessions Superabundance Watch Yourselves

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.

Berean Study Bible

Then He said to them
In this opening phrase, Jesus is addressing His disciples and the crowd gathered around Him. The context is crucial as it sets the stage for a teaching moment. The Greek word for "said" is "εἶπεν" (eipen), which is often used in the New Testament to denote authoritative teaching. Jesus, as the ultimate teacher, is about to impart wisdom that transcends time and culture.

Watch out!
The phrase "Watch out!" is translated from the Greek word "Ὁρᾶτε" (Horate), which is an imperative verb meaning to see or to be aware. This is a call to vigilance and alertness. Jesus is urging His listeners to be on guard, indicating the importance and urgency of the message that follows. In a spiritual sense, it is a call to be discerning and cautious about the influences and temptations of the world.

Guard yourselves
The Greek word "φυλάσσετε" (phylassete) is used here, which means to protect or to keep watch over. This is a proactive command, suggesting that believers must take an active role in safeguarding their hearts and minds. The use of this word implies that there is a real and present danger that requires constant vigilance.

against every form of greed
The term "πλεονεξίας" (pleonexias) is translated as "greed" and refers to an insatiable desire for more, often at the expense of others. In the historical context, greed was a common vice, as it is today, leading to social and economic injustices. Jesus warns against "every form" of it, indicating that greed can manifest in various ways, not just in the accumulation of wealth but also in power, status, and even relationships.

for one’s life does not consist
The Greek word "ὅτι" (hoti) introduces the reason for the warning. The phrase "does not consist" is translated from "οὐκ ἐστιν" (ouk estin), emphasizing the negative. Jesus is making a definitive statement about the nature of life. The essence of life, according to Jesus, is not found in material possessions or external achievements.

in the abundance of his possessions
The word "περισσεύειν" (perisseuein) means to abound or to overflow, and "ὑπαρχόντων" (hyparchontōn) refers to possessions or wealth. Jesus is teaching that true life, in its fullest sense, is not measured by the quantity of one's material goods. This is a counter-cultural message, both in the ancient world and today, where success is often equated with wealth. Jesus redirects the focus from earthly treasures to spiritual richness, encouraging believers to seek fulfillment in their relationship with God and in the eternal values of His kingdom.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(15) Take heed, and beware of covetousness.--The better MSS. give, "of all (i.e., every form of) -covetousness." Our Lord's words show that He had read the secret of the man's heart. Greed was there, with all its subtle temptations, leading the man to think that "life" was not worth living unless he had a superfluity of goods. The general truth is illustrated by a parable, obviously selected by St. Luke, as specially enforcing the truth which he held to be of primary importance. (See Introduction.)

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 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. The older authorities read, "beware of every kind of covetousness." No vice is more terribly illustrated in the Old Testament story than this. Prominent illustrations of ruin overtaking the covetous man, even in this life, are Balaam, Achan, and Gehazi. Has not this ever been one of the besetting sins of the chosen race, then as now, now as then? Jesus, as the Reader of hearts, saw what was at the bottom of the question: greed, rather than a fiery indignation at a wrong endured. "A man's life." His true life, would be a fair paraphrase of the Greek word used here. The Master's own life, landless, homeless, penniless, illustrated nobly these words. That life, as far as earth was concerned, was his deliberate choice. The world, Christian as well as pagan, in each succeeding age, with a remarkable agreement, utterly declines to recognize the great Teacher's view of life here. To make his meaning perfectly clear, the Lord told them the following parable-story, which reads like an experience or memory of something which had actually happened.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

And
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

He said
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

them,
αὐτούς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

“Watch out!
Ὁρᾶτε (Horate)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

Guard yourselves
φυλάσσεσθε (phylassesthe)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5442: Probably from phule through the idea of isolation; to watch, i.e. Be on guard; by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid.

against
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

every [form of]
πάσης (pasēs)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

greed,
πλεονεξίας (pleonexias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4124: Covetousness, avarice, aggression, desire for advantage. From pleonektes; avarice, i.e. fraudulency, extortion.

for
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

a man’s
τινὶ (tini)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

life
ζωὴ (zōē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2222: Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.

does not consist
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

abundance
περισσεύειν (perisseuein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 4052: From perissos; to superabound, be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel.

of
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

his
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

possessions.”
ὑπαρχόντων (hyparchontōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 5225: To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb).

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NT Gospels: Luke 12:15 He said to them Beware! (Luke Lu Lk)