New Testament
Matthew 19:24
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Let me say it again — it's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God's kingdom."
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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.
What Matthew 19:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses a vivid metaphor to illustrate the difficulty for wealthy individuals to enter the kingdom of God. The image of a camel trying to pass through the tiny eye of a needle emphasizes the almost impossible nature of this task. Wealth can create barriers to faith, as it often leads to reliance on material possessions rather than on God. Jesus is not condemning wealth itself, but rather the attachment to it that can distract people from spiritual truths. This teaching challenges the notion that wealth is a sign of God's favor and highlights the importance of humility and dependence on God for salvation. The disciples, shocked by this statement, questioned who could be saved, prompting Jesus to explain that with God, all things are possible, including the salvation of those who seem farthest from Him. This verse serves as a reminder to evaluate our priorities and the potential spiritual dangers of wealth.
How to apply Matthew 19:24 to your life
Reflect on your relationship with material possessions. Consider how your wealth may influence your faith and priorities. Strive to cultivate a heart that values spiritual riches over earthly ones, ensuring that your trust remains firmly in God rather than in your resources.
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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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 19:24 mean?
Matthew 19:24 means that it is extremely difficult for wealthy individuals to enter God's kingdom. Jesus uses the metaphor of a camel passing through the eye of a needle to illustrate how wealth can create obstacles to faith and reliance on God.
What is the meaning of the eye of a needle in Matthew 19:24?
The 'eye of a needle' in Matthew 19:24 symbolizes a very small opening, making it nearly impossible for a large object, like a camel, to pass through. This imagery highlights the challenges that wealth can pose to spiritual entry into God's kingdom.
What lesson can we learn from Matthew 19:24?
The lesson from Matthew 19:24 is to evaluate our relationship with wealth and material possessions. It encourages prioritizing spiritual values over earthly riches and recognizing the importance of humility and dependence on God.
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