Luke 18:24
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 18:24
24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Chapter Context
Luke 18 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, prayer, wisdom. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-43: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 18:24
24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Analysis
And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!—Idōn auton perilypon genomenon (ἰδὼν αὐτὸν περίλυπον γενόμενον)—'seeing him become very sorrowful,' Jesus responds with sober warning. Pōs dyskolōs hoi ta chrēmata echontes eisporeuontai eis tēn basileian tou theou (πῶς δυσκόλως οἱ τὰ χρήματα ἔχοντες εἰσπορεύονται εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ)—'how difficult for those having riches to enter God's kingdom.'
Dyskolōs (δυσκόλως) means 'with difficulty,' 'hardly,' 'painfully.' Not impossible, but extremely difficult. Wealth creates false security, making humble dependence (childlike reception, tax collector's cry for mercy) psychologically difficult. The rich feel self-sufficient, able to solve problems with money, less aware of desperate need for grace. Wealth becomes functional savior, competing with Christ.
Historical Context
Jesus's statement shocked His disciples (v. 26) because conventional Judaism taught that wealth evidenced God's favor. The Abrahamic covenant promised material blessing (Genesis 12:2); Deuteronomy linked obedience to prosperity (28:1-14). But Jesus reveals wealth's spiritual danger: it deceives people into trusting themselves rather than God. The rich possess resources that seemingly eliminate dependence on divine provision, making childlike reception of the kingdom psychologically difficult.
Reflection
- Why does wealth make humble, dependent reception of God's kingdom psychologically difficult?
- How does Jesus's teaching reverse conventional assumptions about riches indicating divine favor?
- What forms of 'wealth'—resources, abilities, achievements—might create false self-sufficiency in your life?
Word Studies
- Kingdom: βασιλεία (Basileia) G932 - Kingdom, reign
Cross-References
- References God: Proverbs 30:9
- Parallel theme: Psalms 10:3, Proverbs 11:28