Matthew 19:23
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 19
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
Ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
Ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
That
G3754
ὅτι
That
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 19
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 #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Matthew 13:22He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.Mark 10:23And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!Luke 18:24And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!Proverbs 11:28He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.1 Corinthians 1:26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:John 3:3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.Matthew 5:20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 18:3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.John 3:5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism often viewed wealth as God's blessing for righteousness (Deuteronomy 28). Jesus' teaching shocked this assumption. Rich people struggle to recognize need for God because resources create illusion of self-sufficiency. The kingdom requires poverty of spirit (5:3)—hard when earthly riches provide false security.
Questions for Reflection
- How does wealth (or pursuit of it) create spiritual obstacles in your life?
- What false securities do you trust instead of complete dependence on God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' statement 'a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven' challenges assumptions about wealth indicating divine favor. 'Hardly' means with difficulty—not impossible but extremely challenging. Wealth creates false security, self-sufficiency, and distraction from God. The disciples' astonishment (v. 25) reveals they assumed prosperity meant blessing. Jesus teaches that wealth often hinders rather than helps spiritual life.