But woe to you who are richThis phrase begins with a pronouncement of "woe," a term often used by prophets in the Old Testament to signal impending judgment or misfortune. In the context of Jesus' teachings, it serves as a warning to those who place their trust in material wealth rather than in God. The rich, in this context, are those who prioritize earthly possessions over spiritual riches. This echoes the teachings found in the parable of the rich fool (
Luke 12:16-21) and the story of the rich young ruler (
Luke 18:18-23), where wealth becomes a barrier to entering the kingdom of God. The cultural context of the time saw wealth as a sign of God's favor, but Jesus challenges this notion by highlighting the spiritual dangers of riches.
for you have already received your comfort
This phrase suggests that the rich have found their consolation in their wealth, leaving no room for the deeper, eternal comfort that comes from God. The use of "already" implies a temporal satisfaction that is fleeting compared to the eternal rewards promised to those who seek God's kingdom first. This idea is reinforced in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31), where the rich man experiences comfort in life but faces torment after death, while Lazarus, who suffered in life, is comforted in Abraham's bosom. The historical context of first-century Palestine was marked by significant economic disparity, and Jesus' message would have resonated with those who were oppressed by the wealthy elite. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme that true comfort and security are found in God alone, as seen in passages likeMatthew 6:19-21, where believers are encouraged to store up treasures in heaven.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, delivering a sermon often referred to as the "Sermon on the Plain," which parallels the "Sermon on the Mount" found in Matthew.
2.
The RichThe audience being addressed in this specific verse, representing those who have wealth and material comfort in this life.
3.
The Disciples and the MultitudeThe broader audience of Jesus' teachings, including His disciples and a large crowd gathered to hear Him.
Teaching Points
The Temporary Nature of Earthly WealthEarthly riches are fleeting and can lead to a false sense of security. Jesus warns that those who find their comfort in wealth have already received their reward, which is temporary and ultimately unsatisfying.
The Danger of Self-SufficiencyWealth can lead to a sense of self-sufficiency and independence from God. This verse challenges believers to examine where they place their trust and to seek dependence on God rather than material possessions.
The Call to GenerosityJesus' warning to the rich serves as a call to use wealth for the benefit of others. Believers are encouraged to be generous and to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
Eternal PerspectiveThis verse encourages believers to maintain an eternal perspective, valuing spiritual riches over material wealth. It serves as a reminder that true comfort and security are found in a relationship with God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 6:24?
2.How does Luke 6:24 challenge our view of wealth and comfort today?
3.What warnings does Luke 6:24 provide for those who are "rich"?
4.How can we align our lives with Jesus' teachings in Luke 6:24?
5.Which other scriptures warn against the dangers of material wealth?
6.How should Luke 6:24 influence our priorities and lifestyle choices?
7.What does "woe to you who are rich" in Luke 6:24 mean for wealthy Christians today?
8.How does Luke 6:24 challenge the prosperity gospel?
9.Why does Jesus warn the rich in Luke 6:24?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 6?
11.What does the Bible say about earthly treasures?
12.Who or what is Mammon?
13.What is the Sermon on the Plain about?
14.(Luke 6:20-26) Why believe promises of future blessings for the poor and warnings for the rich when many see no real-world proof of such reversals?What Does Luke 6:24 Mean
But woe to youLuke 6:24 opens with Jesus saying, “But woe to you ….” A “woe” is a solemn warning of coming sorrow or judgment.
• Jesus often contrasts blessings (“Blessed are you,”Luke 6:20) with woes to highlight two divergent life paths (see alsoMatthew 23:13–36).
• The warning is not vindictive; it is compassionate, alerting listeners that continuing on a certain course will bring God’s displeasure (Ezekiel 33:11).
• Christ’s authority gives weight to the warning—He alone knows the eternal consequences awaiting unrepentant hearts (John 5:22).
who are richThe focus is on people whose wealth shapes their values and security.
• Scripture never condemns wealth in itself—Abraham (Genesis 13:2) and Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57) were rich yet faithful.
• The danger lies in allowing riches to replace God as our trust and treasure (1 Timothy 6:9–10, 17).
• Riches can insulate the heart from sensing need for God, leading to spiritual complacency (Revelation 3:17).
• When possessions control priorities, generosity diminishes and self‐reliance grows (Luke 12:16–21).
for you have already received your comfortJesus declares that earthly wealth can become the full extent of a person’s consolation.
• Those satisfied by material abundance may forfeit eternal joys promised to humble disciples (Luke 16:19–25).
• Present comfort can dull awareness of future accountability (James 5:1–5).
• God offers true, lasting comfort through Christ (2 Corinthians 1:3–5). Rejecting that gift for temporary ease leaves nothing for eternity.
• The verse invites self-examination: Where is my ultimate comfort—bank accounts or the Lord who “richly provides all things for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17)?
summaryLuke 6:24 warns that relying on material wealth brings a perilous contentment that ends with earthly life. Jesus’ “woe” urges the affluent to shift hope from possessions to Him, using resources for kingdom purposes and finding eternal comfort in God rather than transient riches.
(24)
But woe unto you that are rich!--Better,
woe for you, the tone being, as sometimes (though, as Matthew 23 shows, not uniformly) with this expression, one of pity rather than denunciation. (Comp.
Matthew 23:13;
Mark 13:17;
Luke 21:23.) We enter here on what is a distinct feature of the Sermon on the Plain--the woes that, as it were, balance the beatitudes. It obviously lay in St. Luke's purpose, as a physician of the soul, to treasure up and record all our Lord's warnings against the perilous temptations that wealth brings with it. The truth thus stated in its naked awfulness is reproduced afterwards in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (
Luke 16:19).
Ye have received your consolation.--Better, simply,ye have your consolation--i.e., all that you understand or care for, all, therefore, that you can have. The thought appears again in the words of Abraham, "Thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things" (Luke 16:25). The verb is the same as in "they have their reward," inMatthew 6:2;Matthew 6:5. . . .
Verse 24. -
But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. These "rich" referred to here signify men of good social position. These, as a class, opposed Jesus with a bitter and unreasoning opposition. Again the same warning cry to the so-called fortunate ones of this world is re-echoed with greater force in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. "Thou in thy lifetime," said Abraham, speaking from Paradise to the poor lost Dives, "receivedst thy good things;" and yet the very characters represented in that most awful of the parable-stories of the pitiful Lord correct any false notion which, from words like these, men may entertain respecting the condemnation of the rich and great because they are rich and great. Abraham, who speaks the grave stern words, was himself a sheik of great power and consideration, and at the same time very rich. Prophets and apostles, as well as the Son of God, never ceased to warn men of the danger of misusing wealth and power; but at the same time they always represented these dangerous gifts as gifts from God, capable of a noble use, and, if nobly used, these teachers sent by God pointed out, these gifts would bring to the men who so used them a proportional reward.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
ButΠλὴν(Plēn)Conjunction
Strong's 4133:However, nevertheless, but, except that, yet. From pleion; moreover, i.e. Albeit, save that, rather, yet.woeοὐαὶ(ouai)Interjection
Strong's 3759:Woe!, alas!, uttered in grief or denunciation. A primary exclamation of grief; 'woe'.to youὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.who areτοῖς(tois)Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.rich,πλουσίοις(plousiois)Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4145:Rich, abounding in, wealthy; subst: a rich man. From ploutos; wealthy; figuratively, abounding with.forὍτι(Hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.you have already receivedἀπέχετε(apechete)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 568:To have in full, be far, it is enough. From apo and echo; to have out, i.e. Receive in full; to keep away, i.e. Be distant.yourὑμῶν(hymōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.comfort.παράκλησιν(paraklēsin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3874:From parakaleo; imploration, hortation, solace.
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NT Gospels: Luke 6:24 But woe to you who are rich! (Luke Lu Lk) 
