Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Luke - Chapter 18 - Verse 23

18:23
And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

Meaning

When interpreting the verse "And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich," it is important to understand the context in which it appears in the Bible. This verse refers to a story in the Gospel of Luke where Jesus tells a wealthy man to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor in order to inherit eternal life. The man's reaction of deep sorrow at this request highlights the spiritual struggle that can accompany great material wealth. It suggests that wealth can be a barrier to true spiritual fulfillment, as it can lead to attachment to material possessions and a lack of willingness to part with them for the greater good. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, generosity, and detachment from worldly wealth in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

Theological Overview

Upon a theological interpretation of the verse, "And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich," it is essential to understand the context in which this statement was made. This verse refers to the encounter between Jesus and a rich young ruler who asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. The sorrow expressed by the young man upon hearing Jesus's response reveals the challenge of putting material wealth above spiritual salvation. This verse highlights the difficulty some may face in letting go of worldly possessions in pursuit of a deeper relationship with God. Additionally, a word study on the term "sorrowful" could provide insight into the depth of the rich young ruler's emotional state, emphasizing the internal struggle he faced in reconciling his wealth with the teachings of Jesus. Ultimately, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing spiritual values over material possessions in one's journey towards eternal life.

American Standard Version

But when he heard these things, he became exceeding sorrowful; for he was very rich.
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