Luke 18:23

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

But when the ruler heard this, he became very sad, because he was extremely wealthy.

American Standard Version (1901)

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

Bible in Basic English

But at these words he became very sad, for he had great wealth.

Douay-Rheims 1899

He having heard these things, became sorrowful; for he was very rich.

Free Bible Version

But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very wealthy.

Geneva Bible 1599

But when he heard those things, he was very heauie: for he was marueilous riche.

King James (Authorized) Version

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

One Unity Resource Bible

But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was very rich.

Translation for Translators

The man became sad when he heard that, because he was very rich and he did not want to give everything away.

Unlocked Literal Bible

But when the ruler heard these things, he became extremely sad, for he was very rich.

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was very rich.

Young's Literal Translation

and he, having heard these things, became very sorrowful, for he was exceeding rich.

Context

The Rich Young Ruler

²²On hearing this, Jesus told him, “You still lack one thing: Sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”²³But when the ruler heard this, he became very sad, because he was extremely wealthy.

Summary

In Luke 18:23, Jesus instructs a rich ruler to sell all his possessions and give to the poor in order to inherit eternal life. This verse highlights the challenge of surrendering earthly wealth and attachments to follow Christ wholeheartedly. It underscores the importance of prioritizing spiritual treasures over material possessions, emphasizing the radical commitment required to be a disciple of Jesus. The encounter serves as a reminder that true wealth and fulfillment come from investing in the Kingdom of God rather than accumulating worldly riches. Ultimately, Luke 18:23 prompts reflection on the cost of discipleship and the blessings of selfless generosity.

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

was very sorrowful--Matthew (Mat 19:22) more fully, "went away sorrowful"; Mark still more, "was sad" or "sullen" at that saying, and "went away grieved." Sorry he was, very sorry, to part with Christ; but to part with his riches would have cost him a pang more. When Riches or Heaven, on Christ's terms, were the alternative, the result showed to which side the balance inclined. Thus was he shown to lack the one all-comprehensive requirement of the law--the absolute subjection of the heart to God, and this want vitiated all his other obediences.