New Testament
Matthew 19:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me."
Compare translations
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.
What Matthew 19:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses a young man who seeks to achieve perfection or complete righteousness. Jesus challenges him to sell all his possessions and give the proceeds to the poor, emphasizing that true wealth lies in spiritual treasures rather than material goods. By doing this, the young man would not only help those in need but also gain eternal rewards in heaven. Following this, Jesus invites him to become one of his disciples, indicating that a commitment to following Him requires a willingness to let go of earthly attachments. This teaching highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth and generosity over material wealth, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from serving others and aligning one's life with God's purposes.
How to apply Matthew 19:21 to your life
To apply this teaching, consider what material possessions or attachments you might need to let go of in order to follow Jesus more closely. Reflect on how you can use your resources to help those in need and invest in your spiritual growth.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16–30)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 19:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 19:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 19:21 mean?
Matthew 19:21 means that Jesus is teaching the young man that true perfection and spiritual fulfillment come from giving up material possessions and helping those in need. By doing this, he would gain eternal rewards in heaven and be able to follow Jesus more closely.
What is the meaning of 'treasure in heaven' in Matthew 19:21?
In Matthew 19:21, 'treasure in heaven' refers to the spiritual rewards and eternal life that come from living a life of generosity and selflessness, rather than accumulating earthly wealth.
How can I apply Matthew 19:21 in my life?
To apply Matthew 19:21, consider what material things you might need to let go of to focus more on your spiritual journey. Look for ways to use your resources to help others and deepen your relationship with Jesus.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.