Luke 12:20

12:20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded back from you, but who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

Luke 24:25

24:25 So he said to them, “You foolish people – how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!

Romans 1:22

1:22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools

Ephesians 5:15

Live Wisely

5:15 Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise,


tn Grk “your soul,” but ψυχή (yuch) is frequently used of one’s physical life. It clearly has that meaning in this context.

tn Or “required back.” This term, ἀπαιτέω (apaitew), has an economic feel to it and is often used of a debt being called in for repayment (BDAG 96 s.v. 1).

tn Grk “the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” The words “for yourself” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.

tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the disciples’ inability to believe in Jesus’ resurrection.

tn Grk “O,” an interjection used both in address and emotion (BDAG 1101 s.v. 1).

tn The word “people” is not in the Greek text, but is supplied to complete the interjection.

sn The rebuke is for failure to believe the promise of scripture, a theme that will appear in vv. 43-47 as well.

tn On the syntax of this infinitival construction, see BDAG 364-65 s.v. ἐπί 6.b.

tn The participle φάσκοντες (faskonte") is used concessively here.