New International VersionAnd I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."’
New Living TranslationAnd I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
English Standard VersionAnd I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’
Berean Standard BibleThen I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
Berean Literal BibleAnd I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many good things laid up for many years; take your rest; eat, drink, be merry."'
King James BibleAnd I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
New King James VersionAnd I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’
New American Standard BibleAnd I will say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years to come; relax, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!”’
NASB 1995And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."’
NASB 1977‘And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’
Legacy Standard BibleAnd I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’
Amplified BibleAnd I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many good things stored up, [enough] for many years; rest and relax, eat, drink and be merry (celebrate continually).”’
Christian Standard BibleThen I’ll say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.” ’
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen I’ll say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself."’
American Standard VersionAnd I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry.
Contemporary English VersionThen I'll say to myself, 'You have stored up enough good things to last for years to come. Live it up! Eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.'"
English Revised VersionAnd I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen I'll say to myself, "You've stored up a lot of good things for years to come. Take life easy, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself."'
Good News TranslationThen I will say to myself, Lucky man! You have all the good things you need for many years. Take life easy, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!'
International Standard VersionThen I'll say to myself, "You've stored up plenty of good things for many years. Take it easy, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself."'
NET BibleAnd I will say to myself, "You have plenty of goods stored up for many years; relax, eat, drink, celebrate!"'
New Heart English BibleI will tell my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, be merry."'
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast abundance of goods laid up for many years; take thy ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
Weymouth New Testamentand I will say to my life, "'Life, you have ample possessions laid up for many years to come: take your ease, eat, drink, enjoy yourself.' Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
World English BibleI will tell my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.”’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many good things laid up for many years, be resting, eat, drink, be merry.
Berean Literal BibleAnd I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many good things laid up for many years; take your rest; eat, drink, be merry."'
Young's Literal Translation and I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast many good things laid up for many years, be resting, eat, drink, be merry.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast many good things laid up for many years; rest, eat, drink, be gladdened. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I will say to my soul: Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years take thy rest; eat, drink, make good cheer.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd I will say to my soul: Soul, you have many goods, stored up for many years. Relax, eat, drink, and be cheerful.’
New American Bibleand I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!” ’
New Revised Standard VersionAnd I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd I will say to myself, Myself, you have many good things stored up for many years; rest, eat, drink, and be happy.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“And I shall say to my soul, 'My soul, you have many goods laid up for many years, be contented, eat, drink and be merry.' “ NT Translations Anderson New Testamentand I will say to my soul: Soul, you have many good things laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.
Godbey New TestamentAnd I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry.
Haweis New Testament
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast a multitude of good things in store for many years, be at ease, eat, drink, and be merry!
Mace New Testament
then I will say to my soul, soul, you have many enjoyments in reserve for a number of years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
Weymouth New Testament
and I will say to my life, "'Life, you have ample possessions laid up for many years to come: take your ease, eat, drink, enjoy yourself.'
Worrell New Testament
And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have much goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.'
Worsley New Testament
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast plenty of goods laid up for many years, takethine ease, eat, drink,and be merry.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Parable of the Rich Fool… 18Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and will build bigger ones, and there I will store up all my grain and my goods. 19ThenI will saytomyself,“Youhaveplenty ofgood thingslaid upformanyyears.Take it easy.Eat,drink,and be merry!”’20But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’…
Cross References Ecclesiastes 8:15So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry. For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 11:9Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.
James 5:5You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter.
1 Timothy 6:17Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.
Proverbs 27:1Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
1 Corinthians 15:32If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”
Isaiah 22:13But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”
Matthew 6:19-21Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Proverbs 23:4-5Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. / When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.
Philippians 3:19Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.
Psalm 49:18-19Though in his lifetime he blesses his soul—and men praise you when you prosper— / he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of day.
Revelation 3:17You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.
Jeremiah 22:21I warned you when you were secure. You said, ‘I will not listen.’ This has been your way from youth, that you have not obeyed My voice.
Amos 6:1-6Woe to those at ease in Zion and those secure on Mount Samaria, the distinguished ones of the foremost nation, to whom the house of Israel comes. / Cross over to Calneh and see; go from there to the great Hamath; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are you better than these kingdoms? Is their territory larger than yours? / You dismiss the day of calamity and bring near a reign of violence. ...
1 Thessalonians 5:3While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
Treasury of Scripture And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have much goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry. Soul. Deuteronomy 6:11,12 And houses full of all goodthings, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; … Deuteronomy 8:12-14 Lestwhen thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelttherein; … Job 31:24,25 If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold,Thou art my confidence; … for. Job 14:1 Manthat is born of a womanis of few days, and full of trouble. Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. James 4:13-15 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: … take. Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, andso that day come upon you unawares. Job 21:11-13 They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance… Jump to Previous AbundanceAmountAmpleDrinkEaseEatEnjoyEnoughFoodGoodGoodsGreatHappyI'llLaidMerryPlentyPossessionsReposeRestRestingSoulStoreThyselfWineJump to Next AbundanceAmountAmpleDrinkEaseEatEnjoyEnoughFoodGoodGoodsGreatHappyI'llLaidMerryPlentyPossessionsReposeRestRestingSoulStoreThyselfWineLuke 12 1.Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy13.and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns.22.We must not worry about earthly things,31.but seek the kingdom of God;33.give alms;35.be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes.41.Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges,49.and look for persecution.54.The people must take this time of grace;57.because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation.Then I will say to myselfThis phrase reflects a self-centered mindset, highlighting the internal dialogue of the rich man in Jesus' parable. It underscores the human tendency to rely on one's own understanding and plans, rather than seeking God's will. This introspective conversation reveals a heart focused on self-sufficiency, reminiscent of Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises trust in the Lord rather than one's own insight. You have plenty of good things laid up for many years
The rich man believes he has secured his future through material wealth. This reflects a common cultural belief in the security of wealth, which was prevalent in ancient times and remains so today. The phrase echoes the sentiment found inEcclesiastes 5:10-11, where the futility of wealth accumulation is discussed. It also contrasts with the biblical teaching of storing treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Take it easy
This expression of complacency reveals a false sense of security. The rich man assumes that his wealth guarantees a life of ease, ignoring the transient nature of life. This attitude is cautioned against inJames 4:13-14, where believers are reminded of the uncertainty of life and the importance of aligning plans with God's will. Eat, drink, and be merry!
This phrase captures the hedonistic pursuit of pleasure, often associated with a secular worldview. It reflects a lifestyle focused on immediate gratification, similar to the attitude criticized inIsaiah 22:13. The call to "eat, drink, and be merry" is juxtaposed with the biblical call to live with an eternal perspective, as seen in1 Corinthians 15:32, where Paul discusses the futility of such a mindset if there is no resurrection. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Rich FoolA parable character who represents those who place their trust in material wealth rather than in God. He is a wealthy man who plans to store up his goods for personal enjoyment. 2. JesusThe speaker of the parable, teaching His disciples and the crowd about the dangers of greed and the importance of being rich toward God. 3. The BarnsSymbolic of earthly wealth and security, representing the rich man's plan to store his surplus grain. 4. The SoulIn the parable, the rich man speaks to his own soul, indicating a focus on self-satisfaction and earthly pleasures. 5. GodThe ultimate judge who calls the rich fool to account, reminding him that life is not guaranteed and that earthly wealth is temporary. Teaching Points The Illusion of SecurityEarthly wealth can create a false sense of security. True security is found in a relationship with God. The Temporal Nature of LifeLife is uncertain and can end unexpectedly. We should live with an eternal perspective. The Danger of Self-IndulgenceFocusing on personal pleasure and comfort can lead to spiritual neglect. Being Rich Toward GodTrue wealth is measured by our relationship with God and our investment in His kingdom. The Call to GenerosityInstead of hoarding wealth, believers are called to be generous and to use their resources for God's purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 12:19?
2.How does Luke 12:19 challenge our views on material wealth and security?
3.What does "take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry" reveal about priorities?
4.How can we align our lives with God's will instead of worldly comforts?
5.What other scriptures warn against placing trust in earthly possessions?
6.How can we cultivate a mindset focused on eternal treasures over temporary pleasures?
7.What does Luke 12:19 reveal about materialism and spiritual complacency?
8.How does Luke 12:19 challenge the pursuit of earthly wealth?
9.What is the historical context of Luke 12:19?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 12?
11.What is the Acceptable Year of the Lord?
12.What are the key teachings and events in Luke?
13.What does "Eat, Drink, and Be Merry" mean?
14.In what year did Jesus die?What Does Luke 12:19 Mean Then I will say to myselfThe man in Jesus’ parable turns inward, speaking only to his own soul. •He never seeks God’s counsel, forgettingProverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight”. •His “I…my…myself” language mirrorsLuke 18:11, where the self-righteous Pharisee prays to himself. •James 4:13-16 exposes this presumption: “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow.” The rich fool assumes control of a life he cannot guarantee. The verse begins by spotlighting the heart issue: self-reliance that edges God out of the conversation.
You have plenty of good things laid up for many yearsHe takes inventory and pronounces himself secure. •Proverbs 18:11 warns, “The rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; in his imagination it is a high wall.” His stockpiles feel unassailable, but the wall is imaginary. •Psalm 39:6 reminds us that people “heap up riches without knowing who will gather them.” •1 Timothy 6:17 commands the wealthy “not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is uncertain.” The phrase tips us off that the problem is not the harvest but the misplaced confidence. God gave the increase, yet the man credits the barns.
Take it easyWith possessions comes the temptation to retire from responsibility. •Proverbs 1:32 notes that “the complacency of fools destroys them.” •Instead of seeing abundance as a call to greater stewardship (Luke 12:48), he opts for leisure. •Luke 12:20 follows immediately: “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you.’” His planned ease evaporates under divine verdict. The command to “take it easy” is not sinful in itself; Sabbath rest is God-given. Yet rest divorced from God’s purposes morphs into complacency.
Eat, drink, and be merry!The slogan of worldly hedonism surfaces here. •Isaiah 22:13 portrays Jerusalem saying the same words under impending judgment: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” •Paul cites the motto in1 Corinthians 15:32 to show the emptiness of life without resurrection hope. •Galatians 6:7-8 warns, “God is not mocked… the one who sows to please his flesh… will reap destruction.” Rather than thanksgiving, generosity, or worship, his riches fuel self-indulgence. He overlooksEcclesiastes 2:24, where enjoyment is legitimate only when “from the hand of God.”
summaryLuke 12:19 captures the inner monologue of a man who trusts his wealth, plans his future, and pursues pleasure—while leaving God out. Jesus exposes the folly of self-sufficiency: life is fragile, wealth is temporary, and joy detached from the Creator collapses. True security rests in God’s provision, faithful stewardship, and eternal priorities, not in overflowing barns or carefree revelry. (19) Eat, drink, and be merry.--The words remind us of St. Paul's "Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die" ( 1Corinthians 15:32), and may possibly have suggested them. There is, however, a suggestive difference in the context. Extremes meet, and the life of self-indulgence may spring either from an undue expectation of a lengthened life, or from unduly dwelling on the fact of its shortness, without taking into account the judgment that comes after it. The latter, as in the "carpe diem" of Horace ( Odes, i. 11, 8), was the current language of popular Epicureanism; the former seems to have been more characteristic of a corrupt Judaism. (Comp. James 4:13.) In acting on it the Jew with his far outlook, as he dreamt, into the future, was sinking to the level of the dissolute heathen, who was content to live in and for the present only. Verse 19. - And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years. "What folly!" writes St. Basil. "Had thy soul been a sty, what else couldst thou have promised to it? Art thou so ignorant of what really belongs to the soul, that thou offerest to it the foods of the body? And givest thou to thy soul the things which the draught receives?" Many years. How little did that poor fool, so wise in all matters of earthly business, suspect the awful doom was so close to him! He forgot Solomon's words, "Boast not thyself of to-morrow" ( Proverbs 27:1). Takethine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. "Extremes meet," suggests Dean Plumptre; "and the life of self-indulgence may spring either from an undue expectation of a lengthened life" (as was the case here), "or from unduly dwelling on its shortness, without taking into account the judgment that comes after it. The latter, as in the 'carpe diem' of Horace ('Odes,' 1:11. 8), was the current language of popular epicureanism" (see St. Paul's reproduction of this thought, 1 Corinthians 15:32); "the former seems to have been more characteristic of a corrupt Judaism."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Thenκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.I will sayἐρῶ(erō)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2046:Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.toτῇ(tē)Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.myself,μου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.“YouΨυχή(Psychē)Noun - Vocative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5590:From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.haveἔχεις(echeis)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.plenty ofπολλὰ(polla)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.good thingsἀγαθὰ(agatha)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 18:A primary word; 'good'.laid upκείμενα(keimena)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2749:To lie, recline, be placed, be laid, set, specially appointed, destined. Middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched.forεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.manyπολλά(polla)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.years.ἔτη(etē)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2094:A year. Apparently a primary word; a year.Take it easy.ἀναπαύου(anapauou)Verb - Present Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 373:From ana and pauo; to repose (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh.Eat,φάγε(phage)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 5315:A primary verb; to eat.drink,πίε(pie)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4095:To drink, imbibe. A prolonged form of pio, which poo occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses; to imbibe.[and] be merry!”’εὐφραίνου(euphrainou)Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2165:From eu and phren; to put in a good frame of mind, i.e. Rejoice.
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NT Gospels: Luke 12:19 I will tell my soul Soul you (Luke Lu Lk) |
