CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 18:23 But when the ruler heard this, he became very sad, because he was extremely wealthy.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/18-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/42_Luk_18_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 18:23 - The Rich Young Ruler" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But when the ruler heard this, he became very sad, because he was extremely wealthy." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/18-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/18-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/18-22.htm" title="Luke 18:22">◄</a> Luke 18:23 <a href="/luke/18-24.htm" title="Luke 18:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/luke/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/luke/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/luke/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/luke/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/luke/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when the ruler heard this, he became very sad, because he was extremely wealthy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And having heard these things, he became very sorrowful; for he was extremely rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/luke/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/luke/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/luke/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely wealthy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/luke/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/luke/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But when he had heard these things, he became very sad; for he was extremely rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/luke/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/luke/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/luke/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />After he heard this, he became extremely sad, because he was very rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/luke/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />After he heard this, he became extremely sad, because he was very rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/luke/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But when he heard these things, he became exceeding sorrowful; for he was very rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/luke/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When the man heard this, he was sad, because he was very rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/luke/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But when he heard these things, he became exceeding sorrowful; for he was very rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/luke/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the official heard this, he became sad, because he was very rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/luke/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But when the man heard this, he became very sad, because he was very rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/luke/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But when the official heard this he became sad, because he was very rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/luke/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when the ruler heard this, he became very sad, because he was extremely wealthy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/luke/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was extremely wealthy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/luke/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was very rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/luke/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But on hearing these words he was deeply sorrowful, for he was exceedingly rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/luke/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was very rich. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/luke/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and he, having heard these things, became very sorrowful, for he was exceedingly rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And having heard these things, he became very sorrowful; for he was extremely rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/luke/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he, having heard these things, became very sorrowful, for he was exceeding rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/luke/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he having heard these things, was sorely grieved: for he was very rich.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/luke/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He having heard these things, became sorrowful; for he was very rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/luke/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />When he heard this, he became very sorrowful. For he was very rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/luke/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But when he heard this he became quite sad, for he was very rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/luke/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/luke/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But when he heard these things, he felt sad, because he was very rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But when he heard these things, it grieved him, for he was very rich.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/luke/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And when he heard this, he was very sad, for he was very rich.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/luke/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And hearing these things, he went away very sorrowful; for he was exceedingly rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/luke/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But he, on hearing these things, was exceeding sorrowful: for he was very rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/luke/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />upon hearing this he was very sad: for he had a large estate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But on hearing these words he was deeply sorrowful, for he was exceedingly rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/luke/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And, when he heard these things, he became very sorrowful; for he was exceedingly rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/luke/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />But when he heard this, he was very sorrowful; for he was very rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/luke/18-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=7256" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/luke/18.htm">The Rich Young Ruler</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>On hearing this, Jesus told him, “You still lack one thing: Sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akousas (V-APA-NMS) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">when the ruler heard</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tauta (DPro-ANP) -- This; he, she, it. ">this,</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: egenēthē (V-AIP-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">he became</a> <a href="/greek/4036.htm" title="4036: perilypos (Adj-NMS) -- Very sorrowful, greatly grieved. From peri and lupe; grieved all around, i.e. Intensely sad.">very sad,</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">because</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">he was</a> <a href="/greek/4970.htm" title="4970: sphodra (Adv) -- Exceedingly, greatly, very much. Neuter plural of sphodros as adverb; vehemently, i.e. In a high degree, much.">extremely</a> <a href="/greek/4145.htm" title="4145: plousios (Adj-NMS) -- Rich, abounding in, wealthy; subst: a rich man. From ploutos; wealthy; figuratively, abounding with.">wealthy.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">24</span>Seeing the man’s sadness, Jesus said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-22.htm">Matthew 19:22</a></span><br />When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/10-22.htm">Mark 10:22</a></span><br />But the man was saddened by these words and went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Matthew 6:24</a></span><br />No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a></span><br />Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-22.htm">Matthew 13:22</a></span><br />The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1-3</a></span><br />Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-28.htm">Proverbs 11:28</a></span><br />He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:10</a></span><br />He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-26.htm">Matthew 16:26</a></span><br />What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a></span><br />Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4-5</a></span><br />Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. / When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/49-6.htm">Psalm 49:6-7</a></span><br />They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. / No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a></span><br />Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-17.htm">Revelation 3:17</a></span><br />You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.</p><p class="hdg">he was very sorrowful.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/8-14.htm">Luke 8:14</a></b></br> And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of <i>this</i> life, and bring no fruit to perfection.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15</a></b></br> And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/19-8.htm">Luke 19:8</a></b></br> And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore <i>him</i> fourfold.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/14-34.htm">Deeply</a> <a href="/mark/16-4.htm">Exceeding</a> <a href="/mark/15-14.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/mark/16-4.htm">Extremely</a> <a href="/luke/17-22.htm">Great</a> <a href="/luke/18-22.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/luke/18-22.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/luke/16-22.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/luke/8-52.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/mark/14-34.htm">Sorrowful</a> <a href="/luke/18-22.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/luke/18-11.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/11-33.htm">Deeply</a> <a href="/luke/23-8.htm">Exceeding</a> <a href="/luke/23-8.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Extremely</a> <a href="/luke/18-36.htm">Great</a> <a href="/luke/18-26.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/luke/18-36.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/luke/18-24.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/luke/18-24.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/luke/18-24.htm">Sorrowful</a> <a href="/luke/18-24.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/luke/18-34.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Of the importunate widow.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/18-9.htm">Of the Pharisee and the tax collector.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/18-15.htm">Of Children brought to Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/18-18.htm">A ruler would follow Jesus, but is hindered by his riches.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/18-28.htm">The reward of those who leave all for his sake.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/18-31.htm">He foretells his death;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/18-35.htm">and restores a blind man to sight.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/luke/18.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>But when the ruler heard this</b><br />The term "ruler" here refers to a person of significant social and political standing, likely a leader in the synagogue or a local magistrate. The Greek word used is "ἄρχων" (archon), which denotes authority and governance. This ruler's encounter with Jesus is pivotal, as it highlights the tension between earthly authority and spiritual submission. Historically, rulers were often seen as blessed by God, yet Jesus challenges this notion by emphasizing spiritual wealth over material wealth.<p><b>he became very sad</b><br />The Greek word for "sad" is "περίλυπος" (perilypos), which conveys a deep, encompassing sorrow. This sadness is not merely emotional but reflects a profound spiritual conflict. The ruler's sadness is a result of the realization that his wealth, which he likely viewed as a sign of God's favor, is actually a hindrance to eternal life. This moment of sadness is a turning point, illustrating the cost of discipleship and the challenge of prioritizing spiritual over material wealth.<p><b>because he was extremely wealthy</b><br />The phrase "extremely wealthy" uses the Greek word "πλούσιος" (plousios), indicating not just wealth, but an abundance of possessions. In the cultural and historical context of the time, wealth was often equated with divine blessing and social status. However, Jesus' teaching subverts this understanding, suggesting that wealth can be a spiritual obstacle. The ruler's wealth is portrayed as a barrier to entering the Kingdom of God, emphasizing the radical call of Jesus to forsake all for the sake of following Him. This serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of earthly riches compared to the eternal value of spiritual riches.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">He was very sorrowful.</span>--St. Luke's word stands half-way between St. Matthew's "sorrowing" and St. Mark's vivid "lowering" or "frowning." (See Note on <a href="/mark/10-22.htm" title="And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.">Mark 10:22</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">He was very rich.</span>--St. Luke's equivalent for <span class= "ital">he had great possessions.</span> There is, perhaps, something suggestive, especially on the view which has been taken as to the identity of the young ruler, and the purport of the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, in the use of the very same adjective as had been employed in that parable.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And when he heard this, he was</span> <span class="cmt_word">very sorrowful: for he was very rich.</span> St. Mark adds (a memory of Peter's) that when he heard this the ruler went away frowning, with a lowering look. <span class="accented">This</span> was too much. He could not, even at the bidding of that loved Teacher, give up the pleasant life he loved so well, the things he prized so highly; so silently and sadly he turned away. The 'Gospel of the Hebrews,' a very ancient document, dating from the first days of the faith, a few fragments only of which have come down to us in quotations in the Fathers, thus describes the scene: "Then the rich man began to scratch his head, for that was not to his mind. And the Lord said to him, How then canst thou say, I have kept the Law; for it is written in the Law, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself; and, lo! many of thy brethren, children of Abraham, live in the gutter, and die of hunger, while thy table is loaded with good things, and nothing is sent out to them?" (quoted by Origen, in <a href="/matthew/19.htm">Matthew 19</a>.). Dante calls this "The Great Refusal," and represents the shade of the young ruler among the throng of the useless, of those who faced both ways (' Inferno,' 10:27). It is worthy of notice that there was no angry retort from the wealthy ruler, no scornful, cynical smile of derision, as we read of among the covetous, wealthy Pharisees (<a href="/luke/16-14.htm">Luke 16:14</a>). Still, in the heart of this seeker after the true wisdom there was a sore conflict. Grieving, sorrow-stricken, with gloomy looks, he turned away in silence. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/luke/18-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when [the ruler] heard</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀκούσας</span> <span class="translit">(akousas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this,</span><br /><span class="grk">ταῦτα</span> <span class="translit">(tauta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">he became</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐγενήθη</span> <span class="translit">(egenēthē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">very sad,</span><br /><span class="grk">περίλυπος</span> <span class="translit">(perilypos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4036.htm">Strong's 4036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Very sorrowful, greatly grieved. From peri and lupe; grieved all around, i.e. Intensely sad.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he was</span><br /><span class="grk">ἦν</span> <span class="translit">(ēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">extremely</span><br /><span class="grk">σφόδρα</span> <span class="translit">(sphodra)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4970.htm">Strong's 4970: </a> </span><span class="str2">Exceedingly, greatly, very much. Neuter plural of sphodros as adverb; vehemently, i.e. In a high degree, much.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wealthy.</span><br /><span class="grk">πλούσιος</span> <span class="translit">(plousios)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4145.htm">Strong's 4145: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rich, abounding in, wealthy; subst: a rich man. From ploutos; wealthy; figuratively, abounding with.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/18-23.htm">Luke 18:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/luke/18-23.htm">Luke 18:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/luke/18-23.htm">Luke 18:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/luke/18-23.htm">Luke 18:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/luke/18-23.htm">Luke 18:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/18-23.htm">Luke 18:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/18-23.htm">Luke 18:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/18-23.htm">Luke 18:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/luke/18-23.htm">Luke 18:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/luke/18-23.htm">Luke 18:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/luke/18-23.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 18:23 But when he heard these things he (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/18-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 18:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 18:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/18-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 18:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 18:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>