Mark 10:25

Authorized King James Version

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It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Original Language Analysis

εὐκοπώτερόν easier G2123
εὐκοπώτερόν easier
Strong's: G2123
Word #: 1 of 17
better for toil, i.e., more facile
ἐστιν It is G2076
ἐστιν It is
Strong's: G2076
Word #: 2 of 17
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
κάμηλον for a camel G2574
κάμηλον for a camel
Strong's: G2574
Word #: 3 of 17
a "camel"
διὰ through G1223
διὰ through
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 4 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς G3588
τῆς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τρυμαλιᾶς the eye G5168
τρυμαλιᾶς the eye
Strong's: G5168
Word #: 6 of 17
an orifice, i.e., needle's eye
τῆς G3588
τῆς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥαφίδος of a needle G4476
ῥαφίδος of a needle
Strong's: G4476
Word #: 8 of 17
a needle
εἰσελθεῖν to enter G1525
εἰσελθεῖν to enter
Strong's: G1525
Word #: 9 of 17
to enter (literally or figuratively)
than G2228
than
Strong's: G2228
Word #: 10 of 17
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
πλούσιον for a rich man G4145
πλούσιον for a rich man
Strong's: G4145
Word #: 11 of 17
wealthy; figuratively, abounding with
εἰς into G1519
εἰς into
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 12 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν the kingdom G932
βασιλείαν the kingdom
Strong's: G932
Word #: 14 of 17
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ of God G2316
θεοῦ of God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 16 of 17
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
εἰσελθεῖν to enter G1525
εἰσελθεῖν to enter
Strong's: G1525
Word #: 17 of 17
to enter (literally or figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

Easier for camel go through eye of needle than rich man enter kingdom. Easier eukopōteron less difficult. Camel kamēlon largest animal Palestine. Go through dielthein pass. Eye trēmatos opening. Needle raphidos sewing needle. Impossible image. Some suggest camel wrong translation should be rope kamēlos versus kamilos. Others suggest needle small gate requiring camel unload kneel. But likely hyperbole impossible. Rich entering kingdom humanly impossible. Only God can save rich. Salvation wholly grace. Reformed theology emphasizes divine necessity regeneration.

Historical Context

Disciples response (v. 26) who then can be saved shows they understood Jesus meant impossible. Peter declares we left all (v. 28). Disciples gave up modest means recognized impossibility. God makes impossible possible (v. 27). Abraham justified by faith wealthy. Zacchaeus tax collector rich converted. Joseph Arimathea rich disciple. Not impossible but requires divine grace overcome temptation trust wealth. Early church had wealthy members warned about dangers. Modern church needs balance not demonize wealth but recognize spiritual danger. Faithful stewardship whether much little.

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