Matthew 19:24
And again I say unto you, 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
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
1 of 19
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 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
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
8 of 19
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 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 #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 5:44How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?Matthew 19:26But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.Luke 18:25For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.Jeremiah 13:23Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.Matthew 23:24Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
Historical Context
This statement shocked the disciples who asked 'Who then can be saved?' (v. 25). If the wealthy (apparently blessed) can't be saved, no one can by human effort. Jesus' answer: 'With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible' (v. 26). Salvation is God's work, not human achievement—encouraging for all, rich or poor.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is the rich man's difficulty entering the kingdom actually everyone's difficulty?
- How does recognizing salvation's impossibility drive you to depend on God's grace?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' vivid metaphor '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' emphasizes impossibility from human perspective. The camel was the largest common Palestinian animal; the needle's eye was the smallest opening—hyperbolic impossibility. Some suggest the 'needle's eye' was a small gate, but this misses Jesus' point: human effort can't achieve salvation, whether rich or poor. Only divine grace (v. 26) saves.