Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 12:17

"and he reasoned within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have not where to bestow my fruits?" — Luke 12:17 (ASV)

Since this is a parable, Jesus can heighten certain elements that illustrate his point, even to the point of having God speak directly to the rich man. The man expresses in his words (vv.17–19) the attitude Jesus discerns not only in the inquirer but in others (cf. v.21). The word “fool” is used in the OT sense of one who rejects the knowledge and precepts of God as a basis for life. God addresses the man on his own pragmatic terms, dealing not with matters of the kingdom or of life beyond death but with the question of the disposition of his possessions. This underscores the fact that he will have to “leave it all” (cf. Ecclesiastes 2:18–19).

Verse 21, using the contrasting words “for himself” and “toward God,” ends powerfully with the participle “rich” as the final word .