What is the context?
A man in the crowd asks Jesus to tell his brother to divide an inheritance. Jesus declines to act as their judge or executor and turns to a warning about greed: a person’s life is more than the amount he possesses.
The Greek word for greed is πλεονεξία, pleonexia (pleh-oh-nek-SEE-ah). Thayer describes a greedy desire to have more. The warning concerns the desire that governs a person, rather than simply the size of an estate. (Thayer, Greek 4124)
Jesus tells of a rich man whose land produces abundantly. The man plans larger barns and imagines many years of ease from what he has stored. But God tells him that his life is required that very night. The goods he has accumulated cannot keep him alive or guarantee who will own them afterward.
The story ends by contrasting storing treasure for oneself with being rich toward God. The man has counted his crops and future comforts while leaving the most important part of his future out of account.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christian readings commonly understand the parable as a warning against treating wealth as lasting security and neglecting God. Wesley explains being rich toward God through faith, love and good works, while the Catholic bishops’ notes contrast self-reliance in possessions with dependence on God. (Wesley on Luke 12:20–21; USCCB notes on Luke 12:13–34)
Where does this fit in God's plan?
James gives a related warning to people announcing their future business profits as if they controlled tomorrow. Life is brief, and their plans depend on the Lord’s will. This is a parallel to the farmer’s confidence in years he cannot secure. (James 4:13–17)
First Timothy directs wealthy believers toward a different use of what they have: hope in God, generosity and readiness to share, with treasure that reaches beyond the present age. God’s purpose redirects wealth toward good for others and a life whose future rests with Him. (1 Timothy 6:17–19)
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.