Luke 12:21

12:21 So it is with the one who stores up riches for himself, ¹  but is not rich toward God.”

Luke 12:32-34

12:32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is well pleased ²  to give you the kingdom. 12:33 Sell your possessions ³  and give to the poor. ⁴  Provide yourselves purses that do not wear out – a treasure in heaven ⁵  that never decreases, ⁶  where no thief approaches and no moth ⁷  destroys. 12:34 For where your treasure ⁸  is, there your heart will be also.

[12:21]  ¹ sn It is selfishness that is rebuked here, in the accumulation of riches for himself. Recall the emphasis on the first person pronouns throughout the parable.

[12:32]  ² tn Or perhaps, “your Father chooses.”

[12:33]  ³ sn The call to sell your possessions is a call to a lack of attachment to the earth and a generosity as a result.

[12:33]  ⁴ tn Grk “give alms,” but this term is not in common use today.

[12:33]  ⁵ tn Grk “in the heavens.”

[12:33]  ⁶ tn Or “an unfailing treasure in heaven,” or “an inexhaustible treasure in heaven.”

[12:33]  ⁷ tn The term σής (shs) refers to moths in general. It is specifically the larvae of moths that destroy clothing by eating holes in it (L&N 4.49; BDAG 922 s.v.). See Jas 5:2, which mentions “moth-eaten” clothing.

[12:34]  ⁸ sn Seeking heavenly treasure means serving others and honoring God by doing so; see Luke 6:35-36.