Luke 12:33
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.
Luke 12:33 (KJV)
Context
Jesus speaks these words to His disciples in the larger setting of Luke 12, where He warns against greed and materialism. In the preceding verses, He teaches them not to worry about their lives and to seek God’s kingdom first. Verse 33 gives a concrete instruction that flows from the promise in Luke 12:32 that the Father has chosen to give them the kingdom. Because they have a secure inheritance in God’s kingdom, they need not cling to earthly possessions.
Meaning
Jesus begins with a direct command: “Sell that ye have, and give alms.” This calls believers to a radical reorientation toward possessions, viewing them as tools for eternal investment rather than ultimate security. Giving alms—charitable giving to the poor—reflects a heart focused on God’s kingdom rather than on earthly wealth. The phrase “bags which wax not old” pictures a heavenly resource that never diminishes, unlike earthly purses that wear out or lose value. The “treasure in the heavens that faileth not” is eternal and secure, contrasting with earthly treasures that are vulnerable to thieves and moths. The verse assures that what is stored in heaven cannot be stolen or corrupted, offering both a command and a promise.
Biblical connections
This teaching echoes the broader biblical theme of treasure in heaven, as seen in Matthew 6:19-21, where Jesus similarly contrasts earthly and heavenly treasures. The practice of almsgiving is rooted in the Old Testament tradition of caring for the poor as an act of righteousness. The security of heavenly treasure is grounded in the character of God, who keeps what is entrusted to Him.
Application
Believers today can apply this verse by examining their relationship with possessions. It challenges us to be generous and willing to let go of material goods to help others. It also invites us to invest in what has eternal value—acts of love, charity, and service—rather than storing up wealth that can be lost. The promise of a secure, unfailing treasure gives confidence and freedom from anxiety about earthly needs.
Reflection
This verse calls for a heart that trusts God’s provision and finds security in His kingdom. It asks whether our lives reflect a willingness to give, and whether our hopes are set on treasures that cannot fail. As we consider the Father’s good gift of the kingdom, we are freed to hold earthly things loosely and to store up what truly lasts.
