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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 19:21 Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/19-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/40_Mat_19_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 19:21 - The Rich Young Man" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Jesus told him, If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. 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Then come, follow me.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/matthew/19.htm">New Living Translation</a> Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” <a href="/esv/matthew/19.htm">English Standard Version</a> Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” <a href="/bsb/matthew/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” <a href="/blb/matthew/19.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Jesus was saying to him, "If you desire to be perfect, go, sell what you are possessing, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in the heavens; and come, follow Me." <a href="/kjv/matthew/19.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/19.htm">New King James Version</a> Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Jesus said to him, “If you want to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” <a href="/nasb/matthew/19.htm">NASB 1995</a> Jesus said to him, &#8220If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” <a href="/lsb/matthew/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” <a href="/amp/matthew/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Jesus answered him, “If you wish to be perfect [that is, have the spiritual maturity that accompanies godly character with no moral or ethical deficiencies], go and sell what you have and give [the money] to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me [becoming My disciple, believing and trusting in Me and walking the same path of life that I walk].” <a href="/csb/matthew/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “If you want to be perfect,” Jesus said to him, “go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220If you want to be perfect,&#8221 Jesus said to him, &#8220go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/19.htm">American Standard Version</a> Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. <a href="/cev/matthew/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jesus replied, "If you want to be perfect, go sell everything you own! Give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and be my follower." <a href="/erv/matthew/19.htm">English Revised Version</a> Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. <a href="/gwt/matthew/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, sell what you own. Give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then follow me!" <a href="/gnt/matthew/19.htm">Good News Translation</a> Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me." <a href="/isv/matthew/19.htm">International Standard Version</a> Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell what you own and give the money to the destitute, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come back and follow me." <a href="/msb/matthew/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Jesus told him, ?If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.? <a href="/net/matthew/19.htm">NET Bible</a> Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." <a href="/nheb/matthew/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." <a href="/wbt/matthew/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Jesus said to him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. <a href="/wey/matthew/19.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "If you desire to be perfect," replied Jesus, "go and sell all that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have wealth in Heaven; and come, follow me." <a href="/web/matthew/19.htm">World English Bible</a> Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Jesus said to him, “If you will to be perfect, go away, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven, and come, follow Me.” <a href="/blb/matthew/19.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Jesus was saying to him, "If you desire to be perfect, go, sell what you are possessing, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in the heavens; and come, follow Me." <a href="/ylt/matthew/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Jesus said to him, 'If thou dost will to be perfect, go away, sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come, follow me.' <a href="/slt/matthew/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Jesus said to him, If thou wished to be perfected, retire, sell thy possessions, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Jesus saith to him: If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come follow me. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Jesus said to him: “If you are willing to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and then you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.” <a href="/nabre/matthew/19.htm">New American Bible</a> Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Jesus said to him. If you wish to be perfect, go and sell your possessions and give them to the poor, and you will have a treasure in heaven; then follow me. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/19.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Yeshua said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give to the poor and you will have treasure in Heaven, and come after me.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/19.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Jesus said to him: If you would be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. <a href="/godbey/matthew/19.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Jesus said to him, <FR>If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/19.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Jesus said to him, If thou art desirous to be perfect, go, sell all thy substance, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. <a href="/mace/matthew/19.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Jesus said, if thou wilt be perfect, go sell your estate, give the value to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: then come and follow me. <a href="/wey/matthew/19.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "If you desire to be perfect," replied Jesus, "go and sell all that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have wealth in Heaven; and come, follow me." <a href="/worrell/matthew/19.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Jesus said to him, <FR>"If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in Heaven; and come, follow Me."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/19.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Jesus replied, <FR>If thou wouldst be perfect, go, sell thy estate, and give <Fr>it<FR> to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come <Fr>and<FR> follow me.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/19-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=5537" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/19.htm">The Rich Young Man</a> …20“All these I have kept,” said the young man. “What do I still lack?” 21<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsous (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/5346.htm" title="5346: Ephē (V-IIA-3S) -- To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.">told</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him,</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: Ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">“If</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: theleis (V-PIA-2S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">you want</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">to be</a> <a href="/greek/5046.htm" title="5046: teleios (Adj-NMS) -- From telos; complete; neuter completeness.">perfect,</a> <a href="/greek/5217.htm" title="5217: hypage (V-PMA-2S) -- To go away, depart, begone, die. From hupo and ago; to lead under, i.e. Withdraw or retire, literally or figuratively.">go,</a> <a href="/greek/4453.htm" title="4453: pōlēson (V-AMA-2S) -- To sell, exchange, barter. Probably ultimately from pelomai; to barter, i.e. To sell.">sell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5225.htm" title="5225: hyparchonta (V-PPA-ANP) -- To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb).">possessions</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: dos (V-AMA-2S) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">give</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/4434.htm" title="4434: ptōchois (Adj-DMP) -- Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad. ">poor,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: hexeis (V-FIA-2S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">you will have</a> <a href="/greek/2344.htm" title="2344: thēsauron (N-AMS) -- A store-house for precious things; hence: a treasure, a store. From tithemi; a deposit, i.e. Wealth.">treasure</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranois (N-DMP) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Then</a> <a href="/greek/1204.htm" title="1204: deuro (V-M-2S) -- Here; used also imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto.">come,</a> <a href="/greek/190.htm" title="190: akolouthei (V-PMA-2S) -- To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.">follow</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: moi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me.” </a> 22When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/mark/10-21.htm">Mark 10:21</a> Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said to him, “There is one thing you lack: Go, sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” <a href="/luke/18-22.htm">Luke 18:22</a> On hearing this, Jesus told him, “You still lack one thing: Sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” <a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-45</a> All the believers were together and had everything in common. / Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need. <a href="/acts/4-34.htm">Acts 4:34-35</a> There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, / and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need. <a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17-19</a> Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. <a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-17</a> What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? ... <a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17-18</a> If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. <a href="/luke/12-33.htm">Luke 12:33-34</a> Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a> Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. <a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a> Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender. <a href="/proverbs/28-27.htm">Proverbs 28:27</a> Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses. <a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6-7</a> Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? <a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">Deuteronomy 15:7-11</a> If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ... <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a> Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. <a href="/2_corinthians/8-9.htm">2 Corinthians 8:9</a> For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Jesus said to him, If you will be perfect, go and sell that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.If.<a href="/matthew/5-19.htm">Matthew 5:19,20,48</a> Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven… <a href="/genesis/6-9.htm">Genesis 6:9</a> These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.<a href="/genesis/17-1.htm">Genesis 17:1</a> And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.go.<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19,20</a> Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: … <a href="/mark/10-21.htm">Mark 10:21</a> Then 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.<a href="/luke/12-33.htm">Luke 12:33</a> Sell 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.come.<a href="/matthew/19-28.htm">Matthew 19:28</a> And 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.<a href="/matthew/4-19.htm">Matthew 4:19</a> And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.<a href="/matthew/8-22.htm">Matthew 8:22</a> But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/matthew/19-17.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/matthew/19-14.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/19-18.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/18-25.htm">Money</a> <a href="/matthew/15-31.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/matthew/11-5.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-12.htm">Possess</a> <a href="/matthew/12-29.htm">Possessions</a> <a href="/matthew/15-19.htm">Property</a> <a href="/matthew/10-29.htm">Sell</a> <a href="/matthew/13-52.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/matthew/19-17.htm">Want</a> <a href="/matthew/13-44.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/matthew/19-17.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/matthew/19-17.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/matthew/19-17.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/21-16.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/matthew/20-14.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/matthew/19-27.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">Money</a> <a href="/matthew/21-16.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/matthew/26-9.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/matthew/21-38.htm">Possess</a> <a href="/matthew/19-22.htm">Possessions</a> <a href="/matthew/19-22.htm">Property</a> <a href="/matthew/25-9.htm">Sell</a> <a href="/mark/10-21.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/matthew/20-14.htm">Want</a> <a href="/matthew/19-22.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/matthew/20-21.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/matthew/20-14.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/luke/16-27.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 19</div>1. <a href="/matthew/19-1.htm">Jesus heals the sick;</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/19-3.htm">answers the Pharisees concerning divorce;</a> 10. <a href="/matthew/19-10.htm">shows when marriage is necessary;</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/19-13.htm">receives the little children;</a> 16. <a href="/matthew/19-16.htm">instructs the young man how to attain eternal life;</a> 20. <a href="/matthew/19-20.htm">and how to be perfect;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">tells his disciples how hard it is for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God;</a> 27. <a href="/matthew/19-27.htm">and promises reward to those who forsake all to follow him.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the context of <a href="/matthew/19.htm">Matthew 19</a>, Jesus is addressing a rich young ruler who is seeking eternal life. This encounter highlights Jesus' role as a teacher and His ability to discern the heart's true intentions.If you want to be perfect The term "perfect" here refers to spiritual maturity and completeness, not flawlessness. In Jewish thought, perfection often meant fulfilling God's commandments fully. Jesus is challenging the young man to go beyond mere legalistic adherence to the law and to seek a deeper, wholehearted devotion to God.go, sell your possessions and give to the poor This command addresses the young man's attachment to wealth, which is a barrier to his spiritual growth. In first-century Jewish culture, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's blessing, yet Jesus challenges this notion by prioritizing generosity and care for the poor. This echoes the teachings of the prophets, such as Isaiah and Amos, who emphasized justice and mercy.and you will have treasure in heaven Jesus contrasts earthly wealth with heavenly treasure, urging a focus on eternal values. This concept is consistent with other teachings of Jesus, such as in <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>, where He advises storing up treasures in heaven. The idea of heavenly rewards is a recurring theme in the New Testament, encouraging believers to live with an eternal perspective.Then come, follow Me This invitation to follow Jesus is central to discipleship. It implies a total commitment and willingness to prioritize Jesus above all else. The call to follow is not just physical but involves a transformation of life and priorities. This echoes Jesus' earlier calls to His disciples and highlights the cost of true discipleship, as seen in passages like <a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Matthew 16:24-26</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching about the kingdom of heaven and the requirements for eternal life. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_rich_young_man.htm">The Rich Young Man</a> A wealthy individual who approaches Jesus seeking guidance on how to obtain eternal life. 3. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> Followers of Jesus who are present during this interaction and later question Jesus about the implications of His teaching.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_radical_discipleship.htm">The Call to Radical Discipleship</a> Jesus' instruction to the rich young man to "sell your possessions and give to the poor" (<a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21</a>) is a call to radical discipleship. It challenges believers to examine what they value most and to prioritize their relationship with God above all else. <a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_the_matter.htm">The Heart of the Matter</a> The Greek word for "perfect" (teleios) in this context implies completeness or maturity. Jesus is inviting the young man to a mature faith that is not hindered by material wealth. Believers are encouraged to seek spiritual maturity by aligning their hearts with God's will. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_investments.htm">Eternal Investments</a> The promise of "treasure in heaven" (<a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21</a>) serves as a reminder that earthly possessions are temporary. Christians are called to invest in eternal values, such as generosity, compassion, and service to others. <a href="/topical/t/the_challenge_of_wealth.htm">The Challenge of Wealth</a> Wealth can be a significant barrier to spiritual growth if it becomes an idol. Jesus' teaching encourages believers to assess their relationship with money and to use their resources for God's kingdom. <a href="/topical/f/following_jesus.htm">Following Jesus</a> The invitation to "come, follow Me" (<a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21</a>) is central to Christian discipleship. It involves a willingness to surrender personal ambitions and comforts for the sake of following Christ wholeheartedly.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 19</a> <a href="/q/who_was_saint_francis_of_assisi.htm">Who was Saint Francis of Assisi?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_materialism.htm">What does the Bible say about materialism?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_c.t._studd's_missionary_impact.htm">Who was C.T. Studd and his missionary impact?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_consumerism.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on consumerism?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) Jesus said unto him . . .--St. Mark (<a href="/mark/10-21.htm" title="Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said to him, One thing you lack: go your way, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.">Mark 10:21</a>) adds the striking and interesting words, "Jesus beholding him" (better, perhaps, gazing on him), "loved him." There was something in the young seeker after holiness which drew to him, in a measure altogether exceptional, the affection of the Great Teacher. The same word is used in regard to him which is used in relation to the "disciple whom Jesus loved," and (here the coincidence takes its place in the chain of evidence for the view above suggested) to Lazarus, and Martha, and Mary (<a href="/john/11-5.htm" title="Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.">John 11:5</a>). There was the fervour, the longing after a higher life, the personal trust, which made him a not unworthy object of the love of Jesus, and therefore He would not spare the discipline which the questioner needed, the test which, being such as he was, was required for the completeness of his life.If thou wilt be perfect.--Better, if thou wishest. St. Mark and St. Luke report the words, "One thing thou lackest," reminding us forcibly of the "One thing is needful" of <a href="/luke/10-42.htm" title="But one thing is needful: and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.">Luke 10:42</a>. (See Note on <a href="/matthew/19-16.htm" title="And, behold, one came and said to him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?">Matthew 19:16</a>.)Go and sell that thou hast.--It would be altogether a mistake to see in this either an obligation binding on all seekers after eternal life, or even what has been called a "counsel of perfection," a precept laying down an indispensable condition for all who aim at its higher forms and powers. It was strictly a remedy for the special evil which hindered the young ruler's progress to perfection, applicable to others so far only as their cases are analogous. It would be idle to deny that there have been and are many such analogous types of character, and so far as any one is conscious of being under the power of wealth and its temptations, so far there is a call to some act asserting his victory over those temptations, in the spirit, if not in the letter, of the command thus given. But it is, we must remember, the spirit, and not the letter, which is binding. Distribution to the poor was then almost the only form of charity. A wider range of action is presented by the organisation of modern Christian societies, and the same sacrifice may be made in ways more productive of true and permanent good; in the foundation, e.g., of schools or hospitals, in the erection of churches, in the maintenance of home or foreign missions.Treasure in heaven.--The parallelism with the Sermon on the Mount should not be forgotten (5:20). The "treasure" is the "eternal life" which the young ruler was seeking, the memory of good deeds, the character formed and perfected, the vision of the presence of God. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - If thou wilt (θέλεις) be perfect. I believe what you tell me. You have led a religious life in the ordinary way; now yon aspire to higher things; you have a noble ambition to serve God more completely; yon have the power, if you have the will, to do so; I will tell you how. To be "perfect" is to be lacking in nothing that is required for life eternal. It is spoken of Noah and Job; it is required of Christ's disciples (<a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Matthew 5:48</a>). Christ is here giving a counsel of perfection, as it is called, not of obligation on all men, but suited to the idiosyncrasy of this particular inquirer, and of others who are capable of such absolute self-surrender and trustfulness. Go and sell that thou hast. Go back to thy home, and sell all thy substance, all thy possessions. This was the counsel which Jesus gave, denoting the stumbling block which lay in the way of the ruler's endeavours after perfection. He was voluntarily to deprive himself of the earthly thing to which he fondly clung, his wealth, and to embrace a life of poverty and hardship. Give to the poor. The money obtained by the sale of his possessions he was to distribute, not to relations and friends, who might make some return, but to the poor, from whom he could expect no recompense. And thou shalt have treasure in heaven (<a href="/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12</a>; <a href="/matthew/6-20.htm">Matthew 6:20</a>). Thou shalt obtain that which thou desirest, eternal life. Not that stripping one's self of goods and giving to the poor does necessarily ensure the great reward, but, in this youth's case, such a sacrifice, such a victory over the besetting sin, would be the turning point in his character, and enable him to conquer all lesser temptations, and win the prize of his high calling. Here was to be proved love of man. But there was one more element in the required perfection, viz. love of God. Come and follow me. St Mark adds, "take up the cross." If he would have apostolic perfection, he must embrace the apostolic life. He must give up wealth, position, earthly ties, earthly occupations, must cast in his lot with the despised Jesus, suffer with him, and, if necessary, die with him. The twelve apostles had accepted Christ's call on these terms; from him was demanded the same sacrifice the same test of sincerity. He had wished to be exceptionally good; exceptional conduct was required from him in order to reach this high standard. The condition imposed, severe as it undoubtedly was, exactly suited the case, showed the weak spot in the ruler's character, and, if accepted fully and heartily, would have led him to perfection. Reading these words of our Lord, St. Anthony was so stricken in heart and conscience that he obeyed them literally, stripped himself of everything that he had, distributed to the needy, and went forth poor and naked, trusting to God to provide for him. Many in all ages, inspired by ardent love of life eternal, have done the same. We shall do well to recognize that there are two ways of serving God acceptably - there is the good life required from all religious Christians, and there is the life of perfection to which some, by God's special grace, are called, and which they embrace and fulfil. It was the latter life that Christ put before this young man. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/19-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. told Ἔφη (Ephē) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5346.htm">Strong's 5346: </a> To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say. him, αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “If Εἰ (Ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. you want θέλεις (theleis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. to be εἶναι (einai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. perfect, τέλειος (teleios) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> From telos; complete; neuter completeness. go, ὕπαγε (hypage) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5217.htm">Strong's 5217: </a> To go away, depart, begone, die. From hupo and ago; to lead under, i.e. Withdraw or retire, literally or figuratively. sell πώλησόν (pōlēson) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4453.htm">Strong's 4453: </a> To sell, exchange, barter. Probably ultimately from pelomai; to barter, i.e. To sell. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. possessions ὑπάρχοντα (hyparchonta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5225.htm">Strong's 5225: </a> To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb). and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. give δὸς (dos) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. to the τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. poor, πτωχοῖς (ptōchois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4434.htm">Strong's 4434: </a> Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. you will have ἕξεις (hexeis) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. treasure θησαυρὸν (thēsauron) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2344.htm">Strong's 2344: </a> A store-house for precious things; hence: a treasure, a store. From tithemi; a deposit, i.e. Wealth. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. heaven. οὐρανοῖς (ouranois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. Then καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. come, δεῦρο (deuro) Verb - Imperative - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1204.htm">Strong's 1204: </a> Here; used also imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto. follow ἀκολούθει (akolouthei) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_190.htm">Strong's 190: </a> To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany. Me.? μοι (moi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 19:21 Jesus said to him If you want (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/19-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 19:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 19:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/19-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 19:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 19:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>