“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The word "consolation" here doesn't just mean comfort; it implies receiving all you're going to get, leaving you with nothing deeper to seek. It suggests that those who find their satisfaction in earthly wealth have already received their entire reward, and it will ultimately prove insufficient.
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just chosen his twelve apostles and delivered a sermon, mirroring the Beatitudes from Matthew with a series of "woes" that directly contrast them. These pronouncements are aimed at those who are spiritually bankrupt, emphasizing that their earthly comforts come at the expense of eternal well-being.
When Jesus says 'woe,' is He just angry? Or is there more to His warning?
Jesus' pronouncement of 'woe' here isn't just an angry curse; it's a profound lament, a deep sigh over souls heading down a dangerous path. Think of it like a doctor sadly telling a patient they have a serious, life-threatening condition. It's not primarily about fury, but about the tragic consequences of a chosen way of life. These woes stand in stark contrast to the 'blessed' statements, highlighting the two distinct realities of following God and chasing worldly security.
What does it mean for the rich to have 'received their consolation'?
The Greek word translated 'consolation' here implies having everything you could possibly want or need, leaving nothing left to desire. For the rich Jesus addresses, their 'consolation' – their comfort, their satisfaction, their ultimate reward – is found entirely in their earthly wealth and status. They've already received it, meaning they've gotten their fill of what this world offers. This isn't a future hope for them; it's their present reality. This starkly contrasts with the 'blessed' poor, who have a future hope and a heavenly reward.
Understand the original words
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ouai · Greek Interjection
A declaration of intense grief, distress, or impending judgment. It is the prophetic opposite of a 'blessing,' signaling the misery that follows spiritual self-sufficiency or disobedience.
plousioi · Greek Adjective
Possessing material wealth or earthly abundance; biblically, it often carries a warning regarding the temptation to trust in riches rather than God, potentially hindering one's entrance into the kingdom.
paraklēsin · Greek Noun
Comfort, relief, or encouragement. In a theological sense, it refers to the sense of satisfaction or peace one receives; those who rely on earthly comforts have already 'received' their final portion.
The 'woes' Jesus pronounces against the rich aren't just angry curses; they are profound laments, like a doctor mourning a patient's self-inflicted illness. They highlight how wealth, when clung to and trusted in, can become a 'consolation' that blinds people to their spiritual poverty and the true riches found in God's kingdom.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching and healing throughout Galilee and surrounding regions. His message often challenged the established social and religious norms of the day.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Sermon on the Plain
Jesus delivers a significant sermon to his disciples and a large crowd, contrasting the poor and persecuted with the rich and comfortable. This sermon includes the famous Beatitudes and their corresponding woes.
Early 1st century AD
Woe to the Rich Declared
Jesus explicitly pronounces 'woes' upon those who are currently rich, stating they have received their consolation, implying their focus on earthly wealth precludes them from heavenly rewards.
Early 1st century AD
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
Later in his ministry, Jesus tells a parable that further illustrates the spiritual danger of wealth and the consequences of neglecting the poor, reinforcing the message delivered in the Sermon on the Plain.
This parable directly parallels Luke 6:24 by illustrating the eternal consequences for the rich man who lived for earthly pleasure and the poor man (Lazarus) who suffered. It shows how earthly 'consolation' for the rich can lead to eternal torment, while earthly suffering can lead to eternal comfort.
James 5:1-6The Epistle of James echoes Jesus' condemnation of the rich in Luke 6:24, directly addressing the wealthy who have 'received your consolation' in earthly goods. James warns that their riches will 'rust away' and condemn them, emphasizing that they have lived in luxury and self-indulgence.
Amos 6:1-7The prophet Amos pronounces a 'woe' on the complacent and self-indulgent rich in Israel, similar to Jesus' warning in Luke 6:24. Amos condemns their feasting, their 'consolation' in luxury, and their disregard for the suffering of others, predicting their eventual downfall.
Matthew 6:19-21Jesus contrasts storing up treasures on earth with storing up treasures in heaven. This passage sheds light on Luke 6:24 by implying that the 'consolation' the rich have received is temporary and ultimately worthless, as their focus is on earthly wealth rather than eternal riches.
clarkeLuke 6:24: "But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation."
But wo unto you that are rich! - The Pharisees, who were laden with the spoils of the people which they received in gifts, etc. These three verses are not found in the sermon, as recorded by Matthew. They seem to be spoken chiefly to the scribes and Pharisees, who, in order to be pleasing to all, spoke to every one what he liked best; and by finesse, flattery, and lies, found out the method of gaining and keepin…
jfbLuke 6:12-49: "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
Lu 6:12-49. The Twelve Apostles Chosen—Gathering Multitudes—Glorious Healing.12, 13. went out—probably from Capernaum.all night in prayer … and when … day, he called, &c.—The work with which the next day began shows what had been the burden of this night's devotions. As He directed His disciples to pray for "laborers" just before sending themselves forth (see on…
The word "consolation" here doesn't just mean comfort; it implies receiving all you're going to get, leaving you with nothing deeper to seek. It suggests that those who find their satisfaction in earthly wealth have already received their entire reward, and it will ultimately prove insufficient.
Jesus has just chosen his twelve apostles and delivered a sermon, mirroring the Beatitudes from Matthew with a series of "woes" that directly contrast them. These pronouncements are aimed at those who are spiritually bankrupt, emphasizing that their earthly comforts come at the expense of eternal well-being.
Jesus has just chosen his twelve apostles and delivered a sermon, mirroring the Beatitudes from Matthew with a series of "woes" that directly contrast them. These pronouncements are aimed at those who are spiritually bankrupt, emphasizing that their earthly comforts come at the expense of eternal well-being.
"“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation." — The word "consolation" here doesn't just mean comfort; it implies receiving all you're going to get, leaving you with nothing deeper to seek. It suggests that those who find their satisfaction in e…
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Last reviewed October 2026