Many religious fanatics say that wealth is against God’s will and if believers want to go to heaven, they must shun wealth. They say that the only path to heavenly graces is to not yearn for material possessions, especially money, and live a simple life.
And yet, the Holy Bible is full of examples of people who were blessed by God with wealth—not just spiritual wealth but material wealth as well. So before you start doubting your ability to get rich or feel guilty about your material possessions, let us look back at the Scriptures and see examples of people who were blessed with riches.
Top 10 Richest And Wealthiest People In The Bible
Here’s a summary of the Top 10 Richest People in the Bible (based on biblical accounts of material wealth and possessions):
1. King Solomon
Wealth: Unmatched in gold, silver, and luxury.
Verse: 2 Chronicles 9:20 – Silver was considered worthless in his days.
Summary: Solomon is widely regarded as the richest man in the Bible. His wisdom brought nations to his doorstep, bearing treasures and gifts.
2. Abraham
Wealth: Gold, silver, livestock, and land.
Verse: Genesis 13:2 – “Very rich in cattle, silver, and gold.”
Summary: Known as the friend of God, Abraham’s covenant with God brought him generational wealth.
READ MORE: List Of Kings In The Bible In Order
3. King David
Wealth: Vast resources as king, including gold and silver stored for the temple.
Verse: 1 Chronicles 29:28 – Died “full of riches and honour.”
Summary: As a warrior and king, David accumulated massive wealth, which he dedicated to God’s house.
4. Job
Wealth: Livestock, land, and later, double his original fortune.
Verse: Job 42:10 – “The Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.”
Summary: Job’s story of loss and restoration highlights his great wealth and loyalty to God.
5. Joseph (Son of Jacob)
Wealth: Authority in Egypt, accumulated wealth through grain trade.
Verse: Genesis 47:14 – Gathered money by selling grain.
Summary: Rose from slavery to become Egypt’s second-in-command, managing the nation’s economy.
6. Isaac
Wealth: Prosperous harvests, livestock, and wells.
Verse: Genesis 26:12-14 – “He became very wealthy.”
Summary: Amid famine, Isaac thrived so much the Philistines envied him.
7. Jacob
Wealth: Flocks, herds, servants, camels, and donkeys.
Verse: Genesis 30:43 – “He became exceedingly prosperous.”
Summary: Amassed wealth through clever livestock breeding and divine favor.
READ MORE: List of 80 Blessings From God In The Bible
8. Joseph of Arimathea
Wealth: A wealthy man and secret disciple of Jesus.
Verse: Matthew 27:57 – “A rich man…who had himself become a disciple of Jesus.”
Summary: Donated his own new tomb for Jesus’ burial – a symbol of status and wealth.
9. Hezekiah
Wealth: Treasuries filled with silver, gold, spices, and armory.
Verse: 2 Kings 20:13 – Showed off his treasures to envoys.
Summary: His kingdom’s prosperity was recognized far and wide.
10. Laban
Wealth: Large household and livestock.
Verse: Genesis 30:30 – His wealth grew while Jacob worked for him.
Summary: Benefited from Jacob’s labor and was known as a rich patriarch.
A look at 16 Richest Men and Women In The Bible
1. Abraham
Abraham is considered the patriarch of the church and is known as the friend of God (James 2:23). In Genesis 13:2, Abraham is described as rich in gold, silver, and cattle. His wealth grew so much that in Genesis 13:6, he had to separate from Lot because their land could no longer contain their possessions. Genesis 24:1 also confirms that God blessed Abraham in every way.
2. Isaac
Isaac, Abraham’s son, was also blessed with immense wealth. During a time of famine, Isaac planted and reaped a hundredfold (Genesis 26:12). His wealth grew so vast that the Philistines envied him and asked him to leave (Genesis 26:14-16). Yet wherever he went, God’s blessing followed.
3. Jacob (Israel)
Jacob started with nothing but was blessed with great possessions. By the time he returned to his homeland, he had large flocks, servants, and children (Genesis 30:43). He acknowledged God’s favor in Genesis 32:10, saying he was unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness shown to him.
4. Joseph (Son of Jacob)
Joseph rose from being a slave to becoming the second most powerful man in Egypt. He used wisdom and foresight to store grain and sell it, amassing great wealth for Pharaoh and his household (Genesis 41:41-57; Genesis 47:14).
5. Job
Job was described as the greatest man in the East (Job 1:3). Despite losing everything, Job remained faithful. In Job 42:10, God restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.
6. David
David, the shepherd boy who became king, lived a life of prosperity. 1 Chronicles 29:28 says he died at a good old age, full of riches, honor, and days. His Psalms also reflect God’s provision and faithfulness (Psalm 37:19).
7. Solomon
Solomon, David’s son, was not only the wisest man but also one of the richest. 2 Chronicles 9:20 says silver was considered of little value in his days. His wealth and wisdom drew global attention, including that of the Queen of Sheba.
8. Hezekiah
King Hezekiah had immense riches and honor. 2 Kings 20:13 lists his treasures of silver, gold, spices, and precious items. He was faithful, and God made him successful in all he did (2 Chronicles 32:27-30).
9. Jehoshaphat
King Jehoshaphat of Judah was blessed abundantly because he walked in the ways of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 17:5 says the Lord established his kingdom, and he had great riches and honor.
10. Joseph of Arimathea
A rich man and secret disciple of Jesus, Joseph offered his personal tomb for Jesus’ burial (Matthew 27:57-60). His status allowed him to approach Pilate for Jesus’ body.
11. Lydia
A seller of purple cloth in Thyatira, Lydia was a successful businesswoman and the first European convert (Acts 16:14-15). She supported Paul and opened her home for ministry.
12. The Proverbs 31 Woman
While not a specific person, this woman is a representation of a wealthy, godly, and industrious woman. She buys fields, runs businesses, and provides for her household (Proverbs 31:16-24).
13. Boaz
Boaz was a wealthy and honorable man who owned fields in Bethlehem. He later married Ruth and became an ancestor of Jesus (Ruth 2:1, Ruth 4:13-17).
14. The Magi (Wise Men)
These wealthy travelers brought expensive gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—to honor the birth of Jesus (Matthew 2:11). Their wealth and status enabled their long journey and generous giving.
15. Zacchaeus
Though a tax collector and once dishonest, Zacchaeus was a wealthy man who repented and chose to give back generously after meeting Jesus (Luke 19:1-10).
16. Cornelius
A centurion known for his generosity, Cornelius gave to the poor and feared God. His prayers and gifts were acknowledged by God (Acts 10:1-4).
