New Testament
Luke 18:26
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The people who heard it asked, "Who then can be saved?"
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And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?
What Luke 18:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the people are reacting to Jesus' teaching about the difficulty of a rich person entering the kingdom of God. They are confused and concerned, asking, "Who then can be saved?" This question reflects their understanding that if wealth, which they often viewed as a sign of God's blessing, cannot guarantee salvation, then it seems impossible for anyone to be saved. Jesus had just explained that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter heaven. This statement shocked the listeners, leading them to question the very nature of salvation. They realize that if even the wealthy, who are often seen as favored by God, cannot be saved, then what hope is there for the average person? This moment highlights the radical nature of Jesus' message about grace and the need for reliance on God rather than personal merit or status.
How to apply Luke 18:26 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own reliance on material wealth and status. It reminds us that salvation is not based on our achievements or possessions but on our faith in God. We should seek to trust in God's grace rather than our own efforts.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Rich Young Ruler (Luke 18:18–30)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 18:26 mean?
Luke 18:26 captures the reaction of the people to Jesus' teaching about the difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. They are perplexed and ask, 'Who then can be saved?' This reflects their understanding that if wealth cannot secure salvation, then it raises doubts about anyone's ability to be saved.
What is the meaning of salvation in Luke 18:26?
In Luke 18:26, salvation refers to the deliverance from sin and its consequences, which Jesus emphasizes is not based on wealth or status. The verse highlights that true salvation relies on God's grace rather than human merit.
Why do the people ask, 'Who then can be saved?' in Luke 18:26?
The people ask this question in response to Jesus' teaching that it is very difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. Their question reflects their shock and confusion, as they believed wealth was a sign of God's favor.
How does Luke 18:26 relate to faith and grace?
Luke 18:26 emphasizes that salvation is not determined by wealth or personal achievements but is a matter of faith in God's grace. It challenges the notion that human status can influence one's standing with God.
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