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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>Luke 18:25 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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/18-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/42_Luk_18_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 18:25 - The Rich Young Ruler" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.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="/luke/18-24.htm" title="Luke 18:24">◄</a> Luke 18:25 <a href="/luke/18-26.htm" title="Luke 18:26">►</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/luke/18.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/luke/18.htm">New International Version</a> Indeed, 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/luke/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> In fact, 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/luke/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> For 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/luke/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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="/blb/luke/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For it is easier for a camel to go through an eye of a needle, than a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." <a href="/kjv/luke/18.htm">King James Bible</a> For 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="/nkjv/luke/18.htm">New King James Version</a> For 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_/luke/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For 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/luke/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For 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/luke/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For 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/luke/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For 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/luke/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For 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 or status] to enter the kingdom of God.” <a href="/csb/luke/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For 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/luke/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For 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/luke/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. <a href="/cev/luke/18.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/luke/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. <a href="/gwt/luke/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Indeed, 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/luke/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> 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/luke/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> Indeed, it's 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/luke/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="/net/luke/18.htm">NET Bible</a> In fact, 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="/nheb/luke/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle's eye, than for a rich person to enter into the Kingdom of God." <a href="/wbt/luke/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For 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="/wey/luke/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Why, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God." <a href="/web/luke/18.htm">World English Bible</a> For it is easier for a camel to enter in 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/luke/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For it is easier for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.” <a href="/blb/luke/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For it is easier for a camel to go through an eye of a needle, than a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." <a href="/ylt/luke/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for it is easier for a camel through the eye of a needle to enter, than for a rich man into the reign of God to enter.' <a href="/slt/luke/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For it is easier for a camel to come 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/luke/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For 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="/cpdv/luke/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a wealthy man to enter into the kingdom of God.” <a href="/nabre/luke/18.htm">New American Bible</a> For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” <a href="/nrsvce/luke/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Indeed, 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/luke/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> 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/luke/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “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/luke/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For 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/luke/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>For 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/luke/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> 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="/mace/luke/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a> it is easier for a cable to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. <a href="/wey/luke/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Why, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God." <a href="/worrell/luke/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>for it is easier for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>For 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="/parallel/luke/18-25.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/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=7271" 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/luke/18.htm">The Rich Young Ruler</a> …24Seeing the man’s sadness, Jesus said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">Indeed,</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: trēmatos (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/956.htm" title="956: belonēs (N-GFS) -- A missile, dart, javelin, arrow. From ballo; a missile, i.e. Spear or arrow.">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."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God.” </a> 26Those who heard this 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="/matthew/19-24.htm">Matthew 19:24</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="/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="/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="/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/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4-5</a> Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. / When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky. <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="/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="/matthew/13-22.htm">Matthew 13:22</a> The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. <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/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="/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="/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="/job/31-24.htm">Job 31:24-28</a> If I have put my trust in gold or called pure gold my security, / if I have rejoiced in my great wealth because my hand had gained so much, / if I have beheld the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For 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 camel.<a href="/matthew/23-24.htm">Matthew 23:24</a> Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/10-25.htm">Camel</a> <a href="/luke/16-17.htm">Easier</a> <a href="/luke/18-24.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/luke/11-34.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/luke/18-8.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/luke/18-24.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/luke/18-22.htm">Money</a> <a href="/mark/10-25.htm">Needle</a> <a href="/mark/10-25.htm">Needle's</a> <a href="/luke/18-24.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/luke/18-24.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/luke/5-23.htm">Simpler</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/24-64.htm">Camel</a> <a href="/exodus/18-22.htm">Easier</a> <a href="/luke/19-30.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/john/1-18.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/luke/20-36.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/luke/18-29.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/luke/18-35.htm">Money</a> <a href="/exodus/26-36.htm">Needle</a> <a href="/matthew/19-24.htm">Needle's</a> <a href="/luke/18-29.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/luke/19-2.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/matthew/9-5.htm">Simpler</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 18</div>1. <a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Of the importunate widow.</a> 9. <a href="/luke/18-9.htm">Of the Pharisee and the tax collector.</a> 15. <a href="/luke/18-15.htm">Of Children brought to Jesus.</a> 18. <a href="/luke/18-18.htm">A ruler would follow Jesus, but is hindered by his riches.</a> 28. <a href="/luke/18-28.htm">The reward of those who leave all for his sake.</a> 31. <a href="/luke/18-31.htm">He foretells his death;</a> 35. <a href="/luke/18-35.htm">and restores a blind man to sight.</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/luke/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle This phrase uses hyperbolic language to illustrate the difficulty of a rich person entering the kingdom of God. The camel, the largest animal in the region, and the eye of a needle, one of the smallest openings, create a vivid image of impossibility. Some interpretations suggest a literal needle, while others propose a narrow gate in Jerusalem called the "Needle's Eye," though evidence for this gate is scant. The hyperbole emphasizes the spiritual challenge wealth poses, as it can lead to self-reliance rather than dependence on God. This imagery is consistent with Jewish wisdom literature, which often uses exaggerated comparisons to convey moral truths.than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. In the cultural context of first-century Judea, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's favor, making this statement counterintuitive to Jesus' audience. The kingdom of God refers to the reign and rule of God, both in the present spiritual sense and the future eschatological fulfillment. Jesus challenges the notion that material wealth equates to spiritual blessing, highlighting the potential for riches to become an idol that hinders one's relationship with God. This teaching aligns with other biblical passages, such as <a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Matthew 6:24</a>, where Jesus states that one cannot serve both God and money. The call is for a heart fully devoted to God, free from the entanglements of wealth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this parable, Jesus uses this vivid imagery to teach about the challenges of wealth in relation to entering God's kingdom. 2. <a href="/topical/r/rich_man.htm">Rich Man</a> Represents those who are wealthy and may find it difficult to prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth. 3. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The audience of Jesus' teaching, who are often challenged to understand the deeper spiritual truths behind Jesus' parables. 4. <a href="/topical/k/kingdom_of_god.htm">Kingdom of God</a> The central theme of Jesus' teaching, representing the reign and rule of God, both in the present and in the future. 5. <a href="/topical/c/camel_and_needle.htm">Camel and Needle</a> Metaphorical elements 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_danger_of_wealth.htm">The Danger of Wealth</a> Wealth can create a false sense of security and self-sufficiency, making it difficult to rely on God. Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and ensure that their trust is in God, not in material possessions. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_priorities.htm">Spiritual Priorities</a> Jesus' teaching challenges us to prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth. This involves seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. <a href="/topical/t/the_impossibility_without_god.htm">The Impossibility Without God</a> The imagery of a camel passing through the eye of a needle highlights the impossibility of entering the kingdom of God through human effort alone. It underscores the necessity of God's grace and intervention. <a href="/topical/g/generosity_and_stewardship.htm">Generosity and Stewardship</a> Believers are called to use their resources for God's glory and the benefit of others, reflecting the heart of God in their generosity and stewardship. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a> This passage encourages believers to depend on God for their needs and to trust in His provision, rather than relying on their own wealth or abilities.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 18</a> <a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'camel_needle'.htm">What did Jesus mean by 'camel through eye of needle'?</a> <a href="/q/rich_and_poor__what_after_death.htm">What happens to the rich and poor after death?</a> <a href="/q/is_mark_10_25's_camel_metaphor_plausible.htm">Is Mark 10:25's metaphor of a camel passing through the eye of a needle scientifically or logically plausible?</a> <a href="/q/why_judge_without_full_story.htm">What did Jesus mean by 'More will be given'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(25) Through a needle's eye.--The Greek word for "needle" in the better MSS. differs from that in St. Matthew and St. Mark, and is a more classical word. That which the others use was unknown to Attic writers. The fact, small as it is, takes its place among the signs of St. Luke's culture.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 25. - For 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. This simile, taken in its plain and obvious sense, appears to many an exaggerated one, and various explanations have been suggested to soften it down. The best is found in Lord Nugent's 'Lands Classical and Sacred,' who mentions that in some modern Syrian towns the narrow gate for foot-passengers at the side of the larger gate by which waggons, camels, and other beasts of burden enter the city, is known as the "needle's eye." It is, however, very uncertain whether this term for the little gate was known in ancient times. But the simile was evidently a common one among the Jews. The Talmud, for instance, gives us the parallel phrase of an elephant passing through a needle's eye. The Koran repeats the very words of the Gospel. it is the object of the proverb to express human impossibility. "I would ride the camel, Yea leap him flying, through the needle's eye As easily as such a pampered soul Could pass the narrow gate." (Southey.) It seems strange that the three evangelists, SS. Matthew, Mark, and Luke, who tell this story of the young questioner and the Master's conversation with him, do not mention his name. And yet he must have been a conspicuous personage in the society of the time. First of all, his riches were evidently remarkable. One account tells us that he was" very rich." Two of the Gospels mention his "great possessions." St. Luke tells us that he was "a ruler." He was, then, certainly a very wealthy Jew holding a high official position, not improbably a member of the Sanhedrin council. Why is he nameless in the three Gospels? Dean Plumptre has a most interesting theory that the young wealthy ruler was Lazarus of Bethany. He bases his hypothesis upon the following data: He begins by stating that "there is one other case in the first two Gospels which presents similar phenomena. ]n the narrative of the supper at Bethany, St. Matthew and St. Mark record the passionate affection which expressed itself in pouring the precious ointment of spikenard upon our Lord's head as the act of 'a woman' (<a href="/matthew/26-7.htm">Matthew 26:7</a>; <a href="/mark/14-3.htm">Mark 14:3</a>), leaving her unnamed. In <a href="/john/12-3.htm">John 12:3</a> we find that the woman was Mary, the sister of Lazarus. The train of thought thus suggested points to the supposition that here also there may have been reasons for suppressing in the records a name which was familiar to the narrator. What if the young ruler were Lazarus himself? The points of agreement are sufficiently numerous to warrant the conjecture. The household of Lazarus, as the spikenard ointment shows, were of the wealthier class. The friends who came to comfort the bereaved sisters were themselves, in St. John's language, 'of the Jews,' i.e. of the chief rulers (<a href="/john/11-19.htm">John 11:19</a>). The young ruler was obviously a Pharisee, and the language of Martha (<a href="/john/11-24.htm">John 11:24</a>) shows that she, too, believed in eternal life and the resurrection of the dead. The answer to the young ruler, ' One thing thou lackest' (as given by St. Mark and St. Luke), is almost identical with that to Martha, 'One thing is needful' (<a href="/luke/10-42.htm">Luke 10:42</a>). In such a case, of course, nothing can be attained beyond conjectural inference; but the present writer must avow his belief that the coincidences in this case are such as to carry the evidence to a very high point of probability." <a href="/commentaries/luke/18-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Indeed, γάρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. 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 εὐκοπώτερον (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. an eye τρήματος (trēmatos) 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 βελόνης (belonēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_956.htm">Strong's 956: </a> A missile, dart, javelin, arrow. From ballo; a missile, i.e. Spear or arrow. 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 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/luke/18-25.htm">Luke 18:25 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/18-25.htm">Luke 18:25 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/18-25.htm">Luke 18:25 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/18-25.htm">Luke 18:25 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/18-25.htm">Luke 18:25 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/18-25.htm">Luke 18:25 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/18-25.htm">Luke 18:25 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/18-25.htm">Luke 18:25 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/18-25.htm">Luke 18:25 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/18-25.htm">Luke 18:25 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/18-25.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 18:25 For it is easier for a camel (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/18-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 18:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 18:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/18-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 18:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 18:26" /></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>