“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just condemning the rich; he's highlighting that "consolation" here means they've already received all the satisfaction they're going to get. Their earthly comforts have completely filled them up, leaving no room for the deeper, eternal joy God offers.
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just appointed his twelve apostles and is now addressing the crowds gathered, presenting a stark contrast between the blessings promised to the poor and suffering and the woes awaiting the rich and comfortable. This passage, unique to Luke's Gospel, serves as a serious warning, directly challenging those who find their security and happiness in material wealth.
When Jesus says 'woe,' it might not be what you think. It’s often a cry of lament, not just anger.
Jesus' pronouncement of 'woe' here isn't solely about condemning the rich. Think of it more like a deep sigh of sorrow for their perilous situation. It's a compassionate warning about the dangers their wealth poses to their spiritual lives. The rich, in this context, are those who are 'poor in spirit,' who trust in their riches, or who aren't 'rich towards God.' Their current comfort is actually a sign of danger because it satisfies them, making them less likely to seek true, eternal riches.
What does it mean to 'have received your consolation'? It’s about where you find your ultimate satisfaction.
The Greek word translated here as 'consolation' means something like 'having nothing left to desire.' For the rich Jesus addresses, their earthly wealth and the comfort it brings is their consolation. They've received their reward, their full portion of satisfaction, right here and now. This means they aren't looking for, and often won't accept, the deeper, more lasting consolation that comes from God and His kingdom. It's like getting your paycheck early and spending it all – there's nothing left for when you truly need it.
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.
penthēsete · Greek Verb
To experience deep sorrow, lamentation, or regret, especially in the context of judgment or separation from the presence and favor of God.
Jesus' 'woes' to the rich are not simply angry curses, but profound warnings, often delivered with a compassionate tone, highlighting the spiritual dangers of wealth and the temptation to find ultimate satisfaction in material possessions rather than in God. This context helps explain why Jesus specifically addressed the rich, as their worldly abundance often blinded them to their spiritual poverty and need for God's grace.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins teaching, healing, and calling disciples throughout Galilee, challenging religious and social norms. His message often contrasts the values of the poor and humble with those of the wealthy and powerful.
c. AD 28— this verse
Sermon on the Plain
Jesus delivers a significant teaching to His disciples and a large crowd, recorded in Luke's Gospel. This sermon includes a series of blessings (Beatitudes) for the humble and woes for the proud and wealthy.
c. AD 30
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
Jesus tells a parable illustrating the eternal consequences of a wealthy life lived in disregard for the poor, echoing the themes of the woes pronounced earlier.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry Intensifies
As Jesus' popularity grows, so does opposition from religious leaders. His teachings on wealth and materialism continue to be a point of contention and warning.
This parable directly illustrates the 'woe' pronounced on the rich, showing a rich man who lived in luxury but ended up in torment, while Lazarus, who suffered, was comforted, highlighting how earthly consolation can lead to eternal sorrow.
Amos 6:1-7The prophet Amos denounces the complacent rich who 'take their ease' and are 'without pain' in Zion, mirroring Luke's warning that their comfort and luxury come at the cost of true spiritual well-being and will ultimately lead to judgment.
James 5:1-6The Letter of James echoes Jesus' words, directly condemning the rich who hoard wealth, exploit workers, and live in luxury, stating that their riches have 'rotted' and their 'groans' will testify against them, similar to receiving their consolation now.
Matthew 6:24While Luke focuses on the rich, Matthew presents the impossibility of serving both God and wealth, implying that those who have 'received their consolation' in riches have chosen a master that ultimately enslaves them and excludes them from God's kingdom.
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…
Jesus isn't just condemning the rich; he's highlighting that "consolation" here means they've already received all the satisfaction they're going to get. Their earthly comforts have completely filled them up, leaving no room for the deeper, eternal joy God offers.
Jesus has just appointed his twelve apostles and is now addressing the crowds gathered, presenting a stark contrast between the blessings promised to the poor and suffering and the woes awaiting the rich and comfortable. This passage, unique to Luke's Gospel, serves as a serious warning, directly challenging those who find their security and happiness in material wealth.
Jesus has just appointed his twelve apostles and is now addressing the crowds gathered, presenting a stark contrast between the blessings promised to the poor and suffering and the woes awaiting the rich and comfortable. This passage, unique to Luke's Gospel, serves as a serious warning, directly challenging those who find their security and happiness in material wealth.
"“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry.
“Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep." — Jesus isn't just condemning the rich; he's highlighting that "consolation" here means they've already received all the satisfaction they're going to get. Their earthly comforts have completely fill…
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Last reviewed October 2026