12:21a

In 12:21a Jesus gave his conclusion to the parable. In some languages it may be necessary to indicate that 12:21a is Jesus’ conclusion. It is not a continuation of God’s words to the rich man. Some English versions indicate this by starting a new paragraph. Another way to make this clear is to introduce the conclusion explicitly. For example:

⌊Then Jesus concluded⌋ ⌊the parable/story⌋ ⌊by saying⌋

This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself: This statement indicates that anyone who stores up riches for his own use is in the same situation as the rich man. God considers all such people to be foolish (12:20). Like the man in the parable, they must all die and leave their earthly riches to others.

Other ways to translate this statement are:

This is how it is with those who pile up riches for themselves (Good News Translation)
-or-
That’s how it is when a person treasures material possessions (God’s Word)

Notice that the Good News Translation uses plural forms. The God’s Word uses a singular form. You may use whatever is natural in your language.

stores up treasure for himself: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as stores up treasure means “to store up or accumulate wealth/treasure.” This verb differs from the verb that was translated as “store” in 12:17–18 because it refers particularly to storing wealth. The context implies that the type of wealth is earthly riches. It may be helpful to make this information explicit. For example:

store up earthly wealth (New Living Translation (2004))

12:21b

but is not rich toward God: Here the phrase is not rich toward God describes a person who has not done the things that God considers valuable. He does not trust God and he does not use his possessions to serve God and others. Since there are different ways to be “rich toward God,” you should try to translate this expression in a general way that contrasts with 12:21a. For example:

not rich from God’s perspective/viewpoint
-or-
poor in the sight of God (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
does not use his abilities and possessions/wealth to serve God (Translator’s Reference Translation)

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