New Testament

Luke 18:23

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, a wealthy man is confronted with the cost of following Jesus.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

When the man heard this, he became deeply sad, because he was extremely wealthy.

KJVKing James Version

And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

Verse Analysis

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

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.

The Book of Luke
Book Summary

The Book of Luke

Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold

In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.

Premium

Unlock the full Luke summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.