Matthew 19:21
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 25
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
θέλεις
thou wilt
G2309
θέλεις
thou wilt
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
6 of 25
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
τέλειος
perfect
G5046
τέλειος
perfect
Strong's:
G5046
Word #:
7 of 25
complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness
ὕπαγε
go
G5217
ὕπαγε
go
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
9 of 25
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπάρχοντα
hast
G5224
ὑπάρχοντα
hast
Strong's:
G5224
Word #:
13 of 25
things extant or in hand, i.e., property or possessions
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δὸς
give
G1325
δὸς
give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
15 of 25
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
πτωχοῖς
to the poor
G4434
πτωχοῖς
to the poor
Strong's:
G4434
Word #:
16 of 25
akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἕξεις
thou shalt have
G2192
ἕξεις
thou shalt have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
18 of 25
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
θησαυρὸν
treasure
G2344
θησαυρὸν
treasure
Strong's:
G2344
Word #:
19 of 25
a deposit, i.e., wealth (literally or figuratively)
οὐρανῷ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανῷ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
21 of 25
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δεῦρο
come
G1204
δεῦρο
come
Strong's:
G1204
Word #:
23 of 25
here; used also imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto
Cross References
Mark 10:21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.Luke 12:33Sell 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 18:22Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.Acts 2:45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.Luke 14:33So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.John 12:26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.Luke 9:23And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.Matthew 5:48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.John 10:27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:Matthew 19:28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Historical Context
The rich young ruler claimed to have kept all commandments (v. 20), revealing spiritual blindness—no one keeps the law perfectly. Jesus' command exposed his idolatry—wealth was his functional god. His sorrowful departure (v. 22) showed he loved money more than eternal life. The issue wasn't wealth itself but divided loyalty.
Questions for Reflection
- What possession or pursuit competes with wholehearted following of Jesus?
- How does Jesus' call to 'follow me' require relinquishing lesser treasures?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' command 'If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me' exposes the man's true master—wealth. 'Perfect' means complete or mature, not sinless. The call to sell everything revealed whether he loved God supremely or trusted in riches. 'Treasure in heaven' contrasts with earthly wealth. 'Follow me' is the ultimate call—discipleship requires forsaking all competitors to Christ.