New Testament
Luke 12:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he said, 'Here's what I'll do — I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and I'll store all my grain and goods there.
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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.
What Luke 12:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a wealthy man contemplates his future after accumulating a large harvest. Instead of sharing his abundance or considering the needs of others, he decides to tear down his existing barns and build larger ones to store all his grain and goods. This reflects a mindset focused on personal gain and security rather than generosity or community. The man's plan reveals a common human tendency to prioritize material wealth and comfort over spiritual or relational values. His decision to hoard resources illustrates a lack of awareness about the transient nature of life and the importance of using one's blessings to help others. Ultimately, this verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and self-centeredness, reminding us that true fulfillment comes from sharing and serving rather than accumulating wealth for oneself.
How to apply Luke 12:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own priorities. Are we focused solely on accumulating wealth and possessions? Instead, we should consider how we can use our resources to help others and contribute to our communities. Sharing our blessings can lead to greater fulfillment.
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Keep studying Luke 12:18
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 12:18 mean?
Luke 12:18 describes a wealthy man who decides to tear down his barns to build larger ones for storing his surplus grain. This reflects a focus on personal wealth and security rather than considering the needs of others.
What is the meaning of 'I will pull down my barns' in Luke 12:18?
The phrase 'I will pull down my barns' signifies the man's intention to prioritize his own material wealth by creating more space for his possessions, illustrating a mindset of greed and self-interest.
How does Luke 12:18 relate to greed?
Luke 12:18 highlights greed by showing how the man focuses solely on accumulating more wealth for himself, ignoring the value of sharing and helping others.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 12:18?
The lesson from Luke 12:18 is to reflect on our priorities regarding wealth. It encourages us to consider how we can use our resources to benefit others rather than just accumulating for ourselves.
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