New Testament
Luke 12:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Life is about more than food, and the body is about more than clothing.
Compare translations
The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
What Luke 12:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that life is not solely about physical needs like food and clothing. He encourages us to look beyond material possessions and consider the deeper aspects of existence, such as spiritual well-being and relationships. The message is that while we need to care for our bodies and provide for our basic needs, these should not be our primary focus. Instead, we should seek a more meaningful life that includes spiritual growth and connection with God. This perspective helps us prioritize what truly matters and reminds us that our worth is not defined by what we own or consume. By understanding that life encompasses more than just physical sustenance, we can cultivate a richer, more fulfilling existence that aligns with our spiritual values and purpose.
How to apply Luke 12:23 to your life
To apply this teaching, reflect on your priorities. Are you overly focused on material possessions or daily needs? Shift your focus to spiritual growth, relationships, and helping others. This can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life, aligning with deeper values.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 12:23
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 12:23
Related Bible verses
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 12:23 mean?
Luke 12:23 means that life is more than just meeting physical needs like food and clothing. Jesus teaches that we should focus on deeper aspects of life, such as spiritual growth and relationships, rather than solely on material possessions.
What is the meaning of 'life is more than food' in Luke 12:23?
The phrase 'life is more than food' in Luke 12:23 highlights that our existence is not defined by our physical needs. It encourages us to seek fulfillment beyond material sustenance, emphasizing the importance of spiritual and relational aspects of life.
How can I apply Luke 12:23 in my life?
To apply Luke 12:23, evaluate your priorities and consider if you are too focused on material things. Shift your attention towards spiritual growth, nurturing relationships, and contributing to the well-being of others for a more fulfilling life.
What themes are present in Luke 12:23?
The themes in Luke 12:23 include the purpose of life, the importance of spiritual over material concerns, prioritizing values, and seeking a meaningful existence beyond physical needs.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.