And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
After the rich young ruler departed, Jesus looked at His disciples and said: 'How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!' (Πῶς δυσκόλως οἱ τὰ χρήματα ἔχοντες εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ εἰσελεύσονται). The adverb 'hardly' (dyskolōs, δυσκόλως) means with difficulty. Wealth doesn't disqualify from salvation, but it creates obstacles: self-reliance replacing dependence on God, material comfort dulling spiritual hunger, possessions competing with Christ for supreme affection. The young man's wealth prevented him from following Jesus (vv. 21-22). Jesus generalizes from this example—wealth often hinders salvation. This isn't prosperity gospel (wealth as blessing) but warning that riches tempt toward self-sufficiency, the opposite of childlike dependence (v. 15). Paul warned that 'love of money is the root of all evil' (1 Timothy 6:10). Riches aren't evil, but trust in riches is deadly.
Historical Context
First-century Jewish theology often equated wealth with divine blessing (Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Proverbs 10:22). The rich were considered righteous; poverty suggested divine disfavor. Jesus inverted this, warning that wealth hinders salvation. The disciples' astonishment (v. 24, 26) reveals how radical this teaching was. Wealthy Jews could afford temple sacrifices, synagogue donations, and almsgiving—external religiosity that seemed meritorious. Yet Jesus taught that wealth often blinds to spiritual need. Early church practiced radical generosity (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37), with wealthy members supporting poor. James condemned favoritism toward rich (James 2:1-7) and pronounced woe on wealthy oppressors (James 5:1-6). Church history shows ongoing tension: medieval asceticism versus modern prosperity gospel. Jesus' teaching remains clear: wealth tempts self-reliance, making kingdom entrance difficult.
Questions for Reflection
How does wealth create obstacles to salvation by fostering self-reliance, material comfort, and divided affections?
What does Jesus' warning about riches teach about the dangers of prosperity gospel theology?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
After the rich young ruler departed, Jesus looked at His disciples and said: 'How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!' (Πῶς δυσκόλως οἱ τὰ χρήματα ἔχοντες εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ εἰσελεύσονται). The adverb 'hardly' (dyskolōs, δυσκόλως) means with difficulty. Wealth doesn't disqualify from salvation, but it creates obstacles: self-reliance replacing dependence on God, material comfort dulling spiritual hunger, possessions competing with Christ for supreme affection. The young man's wealth prevented him from following Jesus (vv. 21-22). Jesus generalizes from this example—wealth often hinders salvation. This isn't prosperity gospel (wealth as blessing) but warning that riches tempt toward self-sufficiency, the opposite of childlike dependence (v. 15). Paul warned that 'love of money is the root of all evil' (1 Timothy 6:10). Riches aren't evil, but trust in riches is deadly.