New Testament
Luke 18:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When the man heard this, he became deeply sad, because he was extremely wealthy.
Compare translations
And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
What Luke 18:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a wealthy man is confronted with the cost of following Jesus. When Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, the man becomes very sad. His wealth is a significant barrier to his willingness to follow Jesus. This moment highlights the struggle between material wealth and spiritual commitment. The man's sorrow reflects the difficulty many face when asked to prioritize faith over financial security. Jesus uses this encounter to teach that attachment to wealth can hinder one's relationship with God. The man's reaction serves as a reminder that true discipleship may require sacrifices that challenge our comfort and security. Ultimately, it illustrates the broader theme of the dangers of wealth and the call to trust in God above all else.
How to apply Luke 18:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own attachments to material possessions. Are we willing to let go of what we hold dear for the sake of following Christ? It challenges us to prioritize our spiritual lives over our financial security and to consider how we can use our resources to serve others.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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: The Rich Young Ruler (Luke 18:18–30)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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 18:23
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 18:23
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 18:23 mean?
Luke 18:23 describes a wealthy man who becomes sad when Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor. This illustrates the struggle between material wealth and the commitment to follow Jesus.
What is the meaning of wealth in Luke 18:23?
In Luke 18:23, wealth represents a significant barrier to spiritual commitment. The verse highlights how attachment to material possessions can hinder one's ability to fully follow Jesus.
Why did the man in Luke 18:23 become sad?
The man became sad because Jesus asked him to sell all his possessions, which he was unwilling to do due to his great wealth. This moment reveals the conflict between his material attachments and his desire to follow Jesus.
How does Luke 18:23 relate to discipleship?
Luke 18:23 relates to discipleship by illustrating that true commitment to following Jesus may require significant sacrifices, particularly regarding material wealth and personal comfort.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.