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Luke 18:23

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 18:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But when he heard these things, he became exceeding sorrowful; for he was very rich.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But when he heard these things, he became exceeding sorrowful; for he was very rich.
Luke 18:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor thy father and mother.
21And he said, All these things have I observed from my youth up.
22And when Jesus heard it, he said unto him, One thing thou lackest yet: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
23But when he heard these things, he became exceeding sorrowful; for he was very rich.
24And Jesus seeing him said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
25For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle`s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26And they that heard it said, Then who can be saved?
← Luke 18:22Luke 18:24 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when he heard this, etc.] That one thing was wanting, and what that was, which was to part with all his worldly substance, and follow Christ; he was very sorrowful, for he was very rich; (see Gill on “<401922>Matthew 19:22”).”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“was very sorrowful--Matthew (Mat 19:22) more fully, "went away sorrowful"; Mark still more, "was sad" or "sullen" at that saying, and "went away grieved." Sorry he was, very sorry, to part with Christ; but to part with his riches would have cost him a pang more. When Riches or Heaven, on Christ's terms, were the alternative, the result showed to which side the balance inclined. Thus was he shown to lack the one all-comprehensive requirement of the law--the absolute subjection of the heart to God, and this want vitiated all his other obediences.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 19:13-30. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he was very sorrowful: Luk 8:14, Luk 12:15, Luk 19:8, Luk 21:34; Jdg 18:23, Jdg 18:24; Job 31:24, Job 31:25; Eze 33:31; Mat 19:22; Mar 10:22; Eph 5:5; Phi 3:8; Col 3:5; Jo1 2:15 Luke 18:24”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification