32"Do not fear, little flock — your Father took delight in giving you the kingdom. [12:33] Sell your possessions and give as acts of mercy. Make for yourselves money pouches that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in the heavens, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. [12:34] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
LUK 12:32-34
Treasures in Heaven
In the world it was spoken into
In 1st-century Judea, wealth and possessions were deeply tied to social status and security. The 'little flock' would have evoked images of vulnerable sheep, dependent on their shepherd for protection—a metaphor Jesus often used for his followers. The phrase 'took delight' reflects the Jewish understanding of God’s benevolent will, emphasizing His pleasure in granting the kingdom to His people. Selling possessions and giving alms would have resonated with Jewish practices of charity, which were seen as acts of righteousness and mercy, not merely financial transactions. The idea of 'treasure in heaven' contrasts sharply with the Roman and Jewish focus on earthly wealth and security. In a culture where thieves and moths threatened material possessions, the promise of an unfailing heavenly treasure would have offered profound reassurance. The connection between treasure and heart reflects the Jewish belief that one’s true allegiance is revealed by what they value most.
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How other translations render this
LUK 12:32
- KJV
- Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
- BSB
- Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
- Koinōnos
- Do not fear, little flock — your Father took delight in giving you the kingdom.
LUK 12:33
- KJV
- Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
- BSB
- Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
- Koinōnos
- Sell your possessions and give as acts of mercy. Make for yourselves money pouches that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in the heavens, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.
LUK 12:34
- KJV
- For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
- BSB
- For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
- Koinōnos
- For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
LUK 12:32
- flock,:The word translated 'flock' here specifically refers to a flock of sheep, emphasizing the protective and nurturing relationship of a shepherd to his vulnerable sheep.
- took delight:The term translated 'took delight' implies a strong sense of being well-pleased or content, suggesting a deliberate and joyful decision rather than a passive feeling.
LUK 12:33
- possessions:The word translated 'possessions' refers to one's existing property or resources, highlighting what one already has on hand rather than newly acquired goods.
- alms;:The word translated 'alms' originally meant pity or mercy, and then came to refer to the charitable acts or gifts given out of that compassion.