Matthew 19:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."

NIV: Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."

NASB: And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.'

CSB: Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."

NLT: I’ll say it again — it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!'

KJV: 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.

NKJV: And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Scholars sometimes disagree on whether Jesus meant this as a hyperbole—an exaggeration for effect—or a reference to something more common. The less-poetic explanation suggests that "the eye of a needle" refers to a smaller gate within the city walls, used at night to prevent invasion. For a camel to pass through this, the animal would have to be stripped of its load, and even then, it might not fit. The more reasonable and context-supported explanation is that Jesus means this as a dramatic metaphor, with all the implications that it carries.

This refers to the largest animal most people in that era would know, contrasted with the smallest opening most people would think of. Jesus means it is impossible for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God, not just tricky. That truth is tied to what Scripture teaches about salvation, as well as the idea of spiritual poverty.

Jesus is emphasizing a few things. As the disciples' reaction to this statement will show, a common misunderstanding of the times was that wealthy people were more favored by God. Jesus insists that is not true. He is also doubling down on what He has said to the disciples about little children (Matthew 19:13–15). Unless someone turns and becomes humble and trusting like a child, that person cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Humility and trust are not the natural traits of those with great wealth and security. Spiritually, as well, those who think themselves "rich" are wrong about their relationship to God (Matthew 5:3).

This also establishes that it is impossible for anyone, rich or poor, to enter the kingdom of heaven based on their own merit, their own goodness, their own worthiness (Titus 3:5). He is establishing the truth that Paul will state so clearly in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." The solution to this problem is given immediately (Matthew 19:25–26).

Matthew 19:16–30 describes Jesus' conversation with a wealthy young man who asks how to attain eternal life. Jesus begins by establishing a standard of goodness, suggesting the man keep all the commandments. When the man says he has done this, Jesus suggests he give up his wealth to follow Him. The man's sad reaction proves he's unwilling to make God the real priority of his life. Using this as an example, Jesus warns that wealth can make it difficult for someone to accept salvation.

Pharisees ask Jesus if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause. Jesus reminds them marriage was designed by God at creation. Divorce, then, is lawful only in the case of sexual immorality. A rich young man asks Jesus what good thing he must do to have eternal life. Jesus insists only God is good. He challenges the man's sincerity by asking him to give all his wealth to the poor and follow Him. The man's refusal demonstrates how easy it is to prefer wealth to dependence on God. In response to the disciples' question, Jesus says salvation is impossible with men but not with God.

Matthew 19 follows Jesus' teachings about temptation and forgiveness in chapter 18. This passage begins with Jesus leaving behind Galilee and heading toward Jerusalem the long way around. Jesus tells the Pharisees that divorce is legal only in cases of sexual immorality. Jesus blesses little children and then answers a rich young man who asks how to have eternal life. The man leaves sad after Jesus challenges him to give his money to the poor and follow Him. Jesus says salvation is impossible with men, but not with God. Chapter 20 contains additional parables and examples, and is the last before Jesus arrives in Jerusalem in the days just prior to His crucifixion.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.