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)
When the man heard this, he became deeply sad, because he was extremely wealthy.
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.
Related Bible verses
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.