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border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/19-23.htm" title="Matthew 19:23">◄</a> Matthew 19:24 <a href="/matthew/19-25.htm" title="Matthew 19:25">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/19.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/19.htm">New International Version</a> 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.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/matthew/19.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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!” <a href="/esv/matthew/19.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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.” <a href="/bsb/matthew/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” <a href="/blb/matthew/19.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." <a href="/kjv/matthew/19.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/19.htm">New King James Version</a> 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.” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/nasb/matthew/19.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Again 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.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “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.” <a href="/lsb/matthew/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> 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.” <a href="/amp/matthew/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man [who places his faith in wealth and status] to enter the kingdom of God.” <a href="/csb/matthew/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> 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.&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/19.htm">American Standard Version</a> And again I say unto you, 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. <a href="/cev/matthew/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> In fact, it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into God's kingdom." <a href="/erv/matthew/19.htm">English Revised Version</a> And again I say unto you, 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. <a href="/gwt/matthew/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I can guarantee again that 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." <a href="/gnt/matthew/19.htm">Good News Translation</a> I repeat: it is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle." <a href="/isv/matthew/19.htm">International Standard Version</a> Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into the kingdom of God." <a href="/msb/matthew/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.? <a href="/net/matthew/19.htm">NET Bible</a> Again I say, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of God." <a href="/nheb/matthew/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich person to enter into the Kingdom of God." <a href="/wbt/matthew/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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 into the kingdom of God. <a href="/wey/matthew/19.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Yes, I tell 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." <a href="/web/matthew/19.htm">World English Bible</a> Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> 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 into the Kingdom of God.” <a href="/blb/matthew/19.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." <a href="/ylt/matthew/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and again I say to you, it is easier for a camel through the eye of a needle to go, than for a rich man to enter into the reign of God.' <a href="/slt/matthew/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And again I say to you, It is of easier labor for a camel to pass through the hole of a needle, than for a rich one to come into the kingdom of God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And again I say to you: It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for the wealthy to enter into the kingdom of heaven.” <a href="/nabre/matthew/19.htm">New American Bible</a> Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Again I say to you, It is easier for a rope to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/19.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “And again I say to you that it is easier for a camel to enter the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/19.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> 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 into the kingdom of God. <a href="/godbey/matthew/19.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>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 go into the kingdom of God.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/19.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And again I repeat it to you, It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. <a href="/mace/matthew/19.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I tell you again, it is easier for a cable to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the divine kingdom. <a href="/wey/matthew/19.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Yes, I tell 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." <a href="/worrell/matthew/19.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>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 into the Kingdom of God."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/19.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>and again I tell you, It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/19-24.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=5566" 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> …23Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3825.htm" title="3825: palin (Adv) -- Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.">Again</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">it is</a> <a href="/greek/2123.htm" title="2123: eukopōteron (Adj-NNS-C) -- Easier. Comparative of a compound of eu and kopos; better for toil, i.e. More facile.">easier for</a> <a href="/greek/2574.htm" title="2574: kamēlon (N-AFS) -- A camel or dromedary. Of Hebrew origin; a camel.">a camel</a> <a href="/greek/1525.htm" title="1525: eiselthein (V-ANA) -- To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.">to pass</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">through</a> <a href="/greek/5169.htm" title="5169: trypēmatos (N-GNS) -- A hole; the eye of a needle. From a derivative of the base of trumalia; an aperture, i.e. A needle's eye.">the eye</a> <a href="/greek/4476.htm" title="4476: rhaphidos (N-GFS) -- A needle. From a primary rhapto; a needle.">of a needle</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">than for</a> <a href="/greek/4145.htm" title="4145: plousion (Adj-AMS) -- Rich, abounding in, wealthy; subst: a rich man. From ploutos; wealthy; figuratively, abounding with.">a rich man</a> <a href="/greek/1525.htm" title="1525: eiselthein (V-ANA) -- To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.">to enter</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/932.htm" title="932: basileian (N-AFS) -- From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.">kingdom</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God.” </a> 25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”…<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/10-25.htm">Mark 10:25</a> It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” <a href="/luke/18-25.htm">Luke 18:25</a> Indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” <a href="/proverbs/11-28.htm">Proverbs 11:28</a> He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage. <a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a> Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. <a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1-3</a> Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. <a href="/luke/6-24.htm">Luke 6:24</a> But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. <a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm">Proverbs 28:20</a> A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished. <a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a> Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever. <a href="/revelation/3-17.htm">Revelation 3:17-18</a> You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. / I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. <a href="/psalms/49-6.htm">Psalm 49:6-7</a> They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. / No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God. <a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15-21</a> And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ... <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:10-11</a> He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. / When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes? <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="/mark/4-19.htm">Mark 4:19</a> but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. <a href="/luke/16-13.htm">Luke 16:13</a> No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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 into the kingdom of God.It.<a href="/matthew/19-26.htm">Matthew 19:26</a> But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.<a href="/matthew/23-24.htm">Matthew 23:24</a> Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.<a href="/jeremiah/13-23.htm">Jeremiah 13:23</a> Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/zechariah/14-15.htm">Camel</a> <a href="/matthew/9-5.htm">Easier</a> <a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/matthew/18-9.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-9.htm">Go</a> <a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">Money</a> <a href="/exodus/26-36.htm">Needle</a> <a href="/luke/18-25.htm">Needle's</a> <a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/matthew/9-5.htm">Simpler</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/23-24.htm">Camel</a> <a href="/mark/2-9.htm">Easier</a> <a href="/matthew/21-2.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/matthew/20-15.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/matthew/20-4.htm">Go</a> <a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/20-14.htm">Money</a> <a href="/mark/10-25.htm">Needle</a> <a href="/mark/10-25.htm">Needle's</a> <a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/27-57.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/mark/2-9.htm">Simpler</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Again I tell you, This phrase emphasizes the importance of the statement, indicating that Jesus is reiterating a crucial teaching. In the context of <a href="/matthew/19.htm">Matthew 19</a>, Jesus is addressing His disciples after the encounter with the rich young ruler. The repetition underscores the difficulty of the lesson and the need for the disciples to grasp its significance.it is easier for a camel The camel was the largest animal commonly seen in Palestine, making it a fitting metaphor for something large and cumbersome. This imagery would have been familiar to Jesus' audience, highlighting the impossibility of the task being described. The camel is often used in biblical literature to represent wealth and burden, as seen in <a href="/genesis/24-10.htm">Genesis 24:10</a> where camels carry the wealth of Abraham.to pass through the eye of a needle The "eye of a needle" is a metaphor for something exceedingly small and narrow. Some interpretations suggest this refers to a small gate in Jerusalem, but there is no strong historical evidence for such a gate. The phrase is likely a hyperbolic expression to illustrate the impossibility of the task. This hyperbole is consistent with other teachings of Jesus, such as straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel (<a href="/matthew/23-24.htm">Matthew 23:24</a>).than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” This statement challenges the common Jewish belief that wealth was a sign of God's favor. Jesus turns this notion on its head, suggesting that reliance on wealth can be a spiritual hindrance. The kingdom of God is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing God's sovereign rule and the fulfillment of His promises. The difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a>, which warns of the dangers of wealth leading to spiritual ruin. This teaching calls for a heart posture of humility and dependence on God rather than material riches.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the challenges of wealth in relation to entering the kingdom of God. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a> The audience of Jesus' teaching, who are often depicted as struggling to understand the radical nature of Jesus' message. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_rich_young_ruler.htm">The Rich Young Ruler</a> The preceding event involves a wealthy young man who asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, leading to this teaching moment. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_kingdom_of_god.htm">The Kingdom of God</a> A central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing the reign and rule of God, both in the present and future. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_eye_of_a_needle.htm">The Eye of a Needle</a> A metaphor used by Jesus to illustrate the difficulty of a rich person entering the kingdom of God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_challenge_of_wealth.htm">The Challenge of Wealth</a> Wealth can create a false sense of security and self-sufficiency, making it difficult to rely on God. Jesus' metaphor underscores the spiritual hindrance that wealth can pose. <a href="/topical/h/humility_and_dependence.htm">Humility and Dependence</a> Entering the kingdom of God requires humility and a recognition of one's need for God's grace, rather than reliance on material wealth. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a> Believers are encouraged to focus on eternal treasures rather than earthly wealth, aligning their priorities with God's kingdom values. <a href="/topical/g/generosity_and_stewardship.htm">Generosity and Stewardship</a> Wealth should be viewed as a tool for serving others and advancing God's kingdom, rather than a means of personal gain. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a> Jesus' teaching invites believers to trust in God's provision, rather than accumulating wealth as a source of security.<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/is_every_statement_true_or_false.htm">What do camels symbolize in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/play_drum_for_newborn_king.htm">Is being wealthy considered sinful?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_hyperbole_in_the_bible.htm">What is hyperbole in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/is_god_humorous.htm">Is God humorous?</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>(24) It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.--Two explanations have been given of the apparent hyperbole of the words. (1.) It has been conjectured that the Evangelists wrote not ??????? (a camel), but ??????? (a cable). Not a single MS., however, gives that reading, and the latter word, which is not found in any classical Greek author, is supposed by the best scholars (e.g., Liddell and Scott) to have been invented for the sake of explaining this passage. (2.) The fact that in some modern Syrian cities the narrow gate for foot-passengers, at the side of the larger gate, by which wagons, camels, and other beasts of burden enter the city, is known as the "needle's eye," has been assumed to have come down from a remote antiquity, and our Lord's words are explained as alluding to it. The fact--to which attention was first called in Lord Nugent's Lands, Classical and Sacred--is certainly interesting, and could the earlier use of the term in this sense be proved, would give a certain vividness to our Lord's imagery. It is not, however, necessary. The Talmud gives the parallel phrase of an elephant passing through a needle's eye. The Koran reproduces the very words of the Gospel. There is no reason to think that the comparison, even if it was not already proverbial, would present the slightest difficulty to the minds of the disciples. Like all such comparisons, it states a general fact, the hindrance which wealth presents to the higher growths of holiness, in the boldest possible form, in order to emphasise its force, and leaves out of sight the limits and modifications with which it has to be received, and which in this instance (according to the text on which the English version is based) were supplied immediately by our Lord Himself (<a href="/mark/10-24.htm" title="And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answers again, and said to them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!">Mark 10:24</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 24. - Again I say unto you. The disciples, St. Mark notes, "were astonished at his words," so he proceeds to state the startling proposition more unreservedly and energetically. It is easier for a camel, etc. This is a proverbial expression for an impossibility. A similar proverb is found in many countries, only substituting another great animal instead of the camel, e.g., the elephant. From taking a too literal view of the passage, some commentators have invented a gate at Jerusalem, low and narrow, designed only for foot passengers, which was called "the needle's eye." Others have remedied the supposed absurdity by reading κάμιλος (if, indeed, there is such a word) "rope," for κάμηλος, as if we were to say cable instead of camel. But there is no difficulty in the expression. Such hyperboles and paradoxes are common in all languages (comp. <a href="/matthew/23-24.htm">Matthew 23:24</a>). The impossibility, indeed (as ver. 26 shows), is relative, but the warning is none the less real and terrible. The Lord says that the possession of riches prevents the owner from following him, and endangers his eternal salvation; for that is what it comes to. In St. Mark (whether the words are genuine or not is uncertain) we find a limitation introduced: "How hard it is for them that trust in riches!" Now, this is the effect of riches; men learn to trust in them, to deem that their earthly state is secure, that change and chance will not affect them, that they are, so to speak, independent of Providence; they love the world which is so good to them and so pleasant in their eyes, and they have no earnest longing for a better home. Such is the natural consequence of the possession of wealth, and that which makes the impossibility of entrance into the kingdom. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/19-24.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Again πάλιν (palin) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3825.htm">Strong's 3825: </a> Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand. I tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you, ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. [it] is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <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. easier for εὐκοπώτερόν (eukopōteron) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_2123.htm">Strong's 2123: </a> Easier. Comparative of a compound of eu and kopos; better for toil, i.e. More facile. a camel κάμηλον (kamēlon) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2574.htm">Strong's 2574: </a> A camel or dromedary. Of Hebrew origin; a 'camel'. to pass εἰσελθεῖν (eiselthein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1525.htm">Strong's 1525: </a> To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. through διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. [the] eye τρυπήματος (trypēmatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5169.htm">Strong's 5169: </a> A hole; the eye of a needle. From a derivative of the base of trumalia; an aperture, i.e. A needle's eye. of a needle ῥαφίδος (rhaphidos) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4476.htm">Strong's 4476: </a> A needle. From a primary rhapto; a needle. than for ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. a rich man πλούσιον (plousion) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4145.htm">Strong's 4145: </a> Rich, abounding in, wealthy; subst: a rich man. From ploutos; wealthy; figuratively, abounding with. to enter εἰσελθεῖν (eiselthein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1525.htm">Strong's 1525: </a> To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <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. kingdom βασιλείαν (basileian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_932.htm">Strong's 932: </a> From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm. of τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <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. God.” Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/19-24.htm">Matthew 19:24 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/19-24.htm">Matthew 19:24 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/19-24.htm">Matthew 19:24 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/19-24.htm">Matthew 19:24 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/19-24.htm">Matthew 19:24 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/19-24.htm">Matthew 19:24 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/19-24.htm">Matthew 19:24 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/19-24.htm">Matthew 19:24 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/19-24.htm">Matthew 19:24 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/19-24.htm">Matthew 19:24 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/19-24.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 19:24 Again I tell you it is easier (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/19-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 19:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 19:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/19-25.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 19:25"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 19:25" /></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>