New Testament
Luke 12:19
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Then I'll say to my soul, "Soul, you've got plenty stored up for years to come. Relax! Eat, drink, and enjoy yourself."'
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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.
What Luke 12:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a wealthy man reflects on his abundant possessions and decides to take a break from life's worries. He believes he has enough resources to last for many years, so he plans to relax and enjoy life. This mindset reveals a common human tendency to find security in material wealth and to prioritize personal pleasure over spiritual or communal responsibilities. However, the context of this verse warns against complacency and the false sense of security that riches can provide. The man’s focus on self-indulgence highlights a lack of awareness about the unpredictability of life and the importance of being prepared for the future, both materially and spiritually. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder that life is fleeting and that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God rather than from earthly possessions.
How to apply Luke 12:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our priorities. While it's okay to enjoy life, we should not let material wealth dictate our happiness or security. Instead, we should focus on building relationships and investing in our spiritual lives, recognizing that true contentment comes from God.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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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 12:19 mean?
Luke 12:19 depicts a wealthy man who feels secure in his abundance and plans to relax and enjoy life. This reflects a common tendency to rely on material wealth for security, but the verse warns against complacency and the unpredictability of life.
What is the meaning of 'take thine ease' in Luke 12:19?
The phrase 'take thine ease' in Luke 12:19 means to relax and enjoy life without worries. It highlights the man's focus on self-indulgence and comfort, which can lead to a false sense of security.
How does Luke 12:19 relate to materialism?
Luke 12:19 illustrates the dangers of materialism by showing how the man's confidence in his wealth leads to complacency. It highlights the risk of prioritizing personal pleasure over deeper, more meaningful pursuits.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 12:19?
The lesson from Luke 12:19 is to be mindful of our priorities and not let material wealth dictate our happiness. True fulfillment comes from relationships and spiritual growth, rather than from earthly possessions.
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