New Testament
Matthew 19:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth: it is extremely hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven.
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Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
What Matthew 19:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the difficulty that wealthy individuals face when trying to enter the kingdom of heaven. He uses the term 'extremely hard' to highlight that material wealth can create barriers to spiritual growth and dependence on God. Wealth often leads to a false sense of security and self-sufficiency, making it challenging for individuals to recognize their need for divine grace. Jesus is not condemning wealth itself but is warning that the love of money can distract people from their spiritual priorities. The disciples, hearing this, may have been surprised, as wealth was often seen as a sign of God's blessing. This teaching serves as a reminder that true riches are found in faith and relationship with God, rather than in material possessions. Jesus calls for a heart that prioritizes spiritual over earthly treasures, urging his followers to evaluate their attachments and priorities in life.
How to apply Matthew 19:23 to your life
Reflect on your relationship with money and possessions. Consider how they may be affecting your spiritual life. Strive to prioritize your faith and relationship with God over material wealth, seeking to use your resources to serve others and further God's kingdom.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16–30)
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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.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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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 19:23 mean?
Matthew 19:23 highlights the challenge that wealthy individuals face in entering the kingdom of heaven. Jesus points out that material wealth can create barriers to spiritual growth and reliance on God.
What is the meaning of 'extremely hard' in Matthew 19:23?
The phrase 'extremely hard' in Matthew 19:23 emphasizes the significant difficulty for rich people to prioritize their spiritual lives over their material wealth, which can lead to a false sense of security.
How can I apply Matthew 19:23 to my life?
To apply Matthew 19:23, reflect on how your possessions affect your faith. Aim to prioritize your relationship with God over material wealth and consider using your resources to help others.
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