Mark 10 22

Mark 10:22 kjv

And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

Mark 10:22 nkjv

But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Mark 10:22 niv

At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Mark 10:22 esv

Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Mark 10:22 nlt

At this the man's face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Mark 10 verses

Mark 10 22 Meaning

Mark 10:22 describes the rich young man's profound sadness and his subsequent departure from Jesus. This response arose after Jesus instructed him to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and then follow Him. His sorrow stemmed directly from his extensive wealth, revealing that his attachment to material things superseded his desire to fully obey Christ and inherit eternal life, despite his initial eager pursuit.

Mark 10 22 Context

Mark chapter 10 begins with Jesus' teachings on marriage and divorce, emphasizing the sanctity and permanence of the union. Immediately preceding Mark 10:22, Jesus welcomes little children, highlighting humility and dependence as requisites for entering the Kingdom of God. The rich young man's encounter directly follows, initiated by his question about inheriting eternal life. Jesus first refers to the Law's commandments, which the man claims to have kept from his youth. Jesus then cuts to the heart of the issue, instructing him to sell all his possessions and follow Him. This setup provides a powerful contrast between external righteousness, childlike trust, and the profound barrier that wealth can present to true discipleship. The historical and cultural context saw wealth often as a sign of divine blessing, leading many to believe that material prosperity correlated with spiritual righteousness. Jesus' challenge here directly refutes this common perception, illustrating how deeply spiritual impediments can be disguised by perceived blessings.

Mark 10 22 Word analysis

• But when he heard this word,

  • But (δὲ - de): Connects this verse as a reaction to the preceding command. It introduces a turning point.
  • when he heard (ἀκούσας - akousas): Implies comprehension, not just auditory reception. He fully understood the weight and cost of Jesus' requirement.
  • this word (ὁ λόγος - ho logos): Refers specifically to Jesus' command: "Go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." It represents a divine mandate.

• he was saddened,

  • he was saddened (στυγνάσας - stygansasa): This is a strong Greek term (from stygnoo or stygazō in some manuscripts, similar meaning to skytopos in Luke 18:23). It means to become gloomy, to have one's countenance overcast, to be dejected or grieved. It's more than mild disappointment; it indicates deep, internal distress and spiritual dejection. His joy for eternal life vanished, replaced by profound sorrow.

• and went away sorrowful,

  • went away (ἀπῆλθεν - apelthen): A decisive departure. He turned his back on Jesus and the potential for eternal life through surrender. This physical departure mirrors a spiritual turning away.
  • sorrowful (λυπούμενος - lypoumenos): From lupeo, meaning to grieve, distress, or be sorrowful. This reiterates the internal state of dejection mentioned by stygnoo. It confirms his emotional burden as the primary driver of his actions. This is his final state when leaving Jesus.

• for he had great possessions.

  • for (γὰρ - gar): Introduces the reason for his sadness and departure.
  • he had (ἦν ἔχων - ēn echōn): An imperfect participle, indicating a continuous state of having. His wealth wasn't incidental but a defining aspect of his life.
  • great (πολλὰ - polla): Refers to many or much. Not just some, but extensive and numerous.
  • possessions (κτήματα - ktēmata): Tangible properties, land, goods, and wealth. This clearly identifies the object of his attachment, which became an idol in his heart, preventing complete surrender to God.

Mark 10 22 Bonus section

This verse stands as a powerful illustration that salvation is not attained by human effort, moral performance, or material status, but by radical submission to God's will. The man's reaction profoundly shocked the disciples (Mk 10:24), as wealth was commonly associated with divine favor, implying easier access to the Kingdom. Jesus' subsequent teaching clarifies that "with man it is impossible, but not with God" (Mk 10:27), shifting the focus from human ability to God's transformative power in salvation. This interaction showcases the subtle idolatry that wealth can foster, revealing how possessions, when held tightly, become a god-substitute that demands allegiance over the true God. The man desired eternal life but on his own terms, unwilling to relinquish control over his security and identity derived from his fortune.

Mark 10 22 Commentary

Mark 10:22 marks a poignant moment where a seemingly devout individual encounters the true cost of discipleship and ultimately fails to pay it. The rich young man initially approached Jesus with zeal, seeking guidance for eternal life, having confidently declared his adherence to the Mosaic Law. However, Jesus' direct command to divest himself of his wealth exposed a fatal spiritual flaw: his heart was profoundly attached to his possessions, effectively rendering them his god. The phrase "he was saddened and went away sorrowful" captures the agonizing dilemma he faced. He recognized the value of eternal life and perhaps even the goodness of Jesus' offer, yet the sacrifice required was too great. His wealth, traditionally viewed as a sign of God's blessing and righteousness, became an insurmountable obstacle to following Christ. This episode highlights that mere outward observance of commandments is insufficient for salvation, emphasizing the necessity of absolute surrender, self-denial, and the readiness to abandon all idols—even those culturally esteemed—for the sake of the Kingdom. This departure serves as a sober warning that the pursuit of earthly riches can easily eclipse spiritual ambition, leaving individuals spiritually bankrupt despite their material abundance.