And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just warning against wanting more; he's highlighting that a person's actual life—their true well-being and purpose—isn't found in having a lot, but in something far deeper. He’s directly challenging the common idea that more stuff equals a better or more secure existence.
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is teaching his disciples about spiritual matters, but one man interrupts, demanding Jesus settle a dispute over an inheritance with his brother. Jesus, seeing the greed at the heart of this intrusion, uses it as a springboard to warn everyone present to guard themselves against the desire for more, because true life isn't found in accumulating possessions. This teaching then flows into a parable illustrating precisely why wealth is an unreliable foundation for life.
Ever felt like you needed that new gadget or a bigger house to be truly happy? Jesus knew that feeling all too well.
Jesus confronts a deep-seated human tendency: covetousness. It's not just about wanting something someone else has; it's a relentless desire for more, regardless of what you already possess. The original Greek word points to the grasping desire to have more and more. This isn't limited to just money or possessions; it can creep into our ambitions, our relationships, even our spiritual lives if we're not careful. Jesus warns us to actively guard ourselves ('beware' literally means to stand guard) against this insatiable appetite. It’s a spiritual battle that requires constant vigilance.
We often measure a person's success by their bank account. Jesus offers a radical redefinition of what truly constitutes a 'life'.
Jesus cuts through the noise of material wealth with a profound statement: 'a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.' This isn't just a suggestion; it's a fundamental truth about human existence. Our true life, our 'being,' is not defined or sustained by the quantity of things we own. Possessions can't prolong our days, provide genuine peace, or give us ultimate purpose. Jesus is pointing us toward a different kind of wealth – one that isn't measured in dollars and cents but in our relationship with God and the eternal life He offers.
Understand the original words
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pleonexias · Greek Noun
A strong, often selfish desire to possess what belongs to others or an excessive preoccupation with material wealth. It is categorized in Scripture as a form of idolatry that displaces trust in God.
hyparchontōn · Greek Noun
Physical or material assets, holdings, or property owned by a person. The Bible warns against making these the source of one's security or identity.
This verse arises directly from a specific interaction where a man's focus on an inheritance dispute reveals a broader societal concern with material wealth, prompting Jesus' timeless warning about the dangers of covetousness.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus teaches and gathers disciples
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching about the Kingdom of God and performing miracles. He calls twelve apostles and a larger group of disciples to follow him.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
A man requests division of inheritance
During Jesus' teaching, a man from the crowd interrupts, asking Jesus to intervene in a dispute with his brother over their inheritance. This highlights a common societal issue and a desire for material wealth.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus warns against covetousness
In response to the man's request, Jesus delivers a strong warning against covetousness, emphasizing that true life is not found in possessions but in a right relationship with God.
Early 1st century AD
Parable of the Rich Fool
Jesus illustrates his warning with the parable of a rich man whose abundant harvests lead him to plan for more possessions, only to die that night, leaving his wealth behind.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus teaches about anxiety and trust
Following the parable, Jesus instructs his disciples not to worry about food or clothing, but to seek God's kingdom, trusting in His provision.
This passage directly states that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, reinforcing Jesus' warning against covetousness by showing its pervasive and destructive nature.
Matthew 6:24Jesus explicitly teaches that you cannot serve both God and money, highlighting the inherent conflict between a life focused on possessions and devotion to God, a core idea in Luke 12:15.
Philippians 4:11-12Paul's testimony about being content in all circumstances, whether in plenty or in want, powerfully illustrates the truth that a person's true 'life' or well-being does not depend on the abundance of possessions.
Ecclesiastes 5:10This Old Testament passage echoes Jesus' point by stating that the lover of money will never be satisfied with riches, and that their abundance brings no real enjoyment, underscoring that possessions don't define life's value.
Colossians 3:5Paul calls greed 'idolatry,' directly linking an inordinate desire for possessions to worshipping things rather than God, which strongly parallels Jesus' warning against covetousness and the idea that life's substance isn't found in earthly things.
vincentLuke 12:15: "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
Beware of (φυλάσσεσθε ἀπὸ)Lit., guard yourselves from.
jfbLuke 12:13-53: "And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me."
Lu 12:13-53. Covetousness—Watchfulness—Superiority to Earthly Ties.13. Master, &c.—that is, "Great Preacher of righteousness, help; there is need of Thee in this rapacious world; here am I the victim of injustice, and that from my own brother, who withholds from me my rightful share of the inheritance that has fallen to us." In this most inopportune intrusion upon the sole…
Jesus isn't just warning against wanting more; he's highlighting that a person's actual life—their true well-being and purpose—isn't found in having a lot, but in something far deeper. He’s directly challenging the common idea that more stuff equals a better or more secure existence.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about spiritual matters, but one man interrupts, demanding Jesus settle a dispute over an inheritance with his brother. Jesus, seeing the greed at the heart of this intrusion, uses it as a springboard to warn everyone present to guard themselves against the desire for more, because true life isn't found in accumulating possessions. This teaching then flows into a parable illustrating precisely why wealth is an unreliable foundation for life.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about spiritual matters, but one man interrupts, demanding Jesus settle a dispute over an inheritance with his brother. Jesus, seeing the greed at the heart of this intrusion, uses it as a springboard to warn everyone present to guard themselves against the desire for more, because true life isn't found in accumulating possessions. This teaching then flows into a parable illustrating precisely why wealth is an unreliable foundation for life.
"And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”" — Jesus isn't just warning against wanting more; he's highlighting that a person's actual life—their true well-being and purpose—isn't found in having a lot, but in something far deeper. He’s directl…
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Last reviewed October 2026