Matthew 19 23

Matthew 19:23 kjv

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:23 nkjv

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:23 niv

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:23 esv

And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:23 nlt

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 19 verses

Matthew 19 23 Meaning

This verse states Jesus' definitive pronouncement to His disciples immediately after the rich young ruler turned away sorrowfully, unable to forsake his great wealth to follow Christ. Jesus declares that it is exceedingly difficult for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It highlights the spiritual barrier that wealth often creates, not by its mere presence, but by the attachment, self-reliance, and competing allegiances it can foster in the human heart, diverting focus and trust away from God.

Matthew 19 23 Context

This verse directly follows the encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22). The ruler sought eternal life, claiming to have kept the commandments from his youth. However, when Jesus challenged him to sell his possessions and follow Him, the man left sorrowful, "for he owned much property." Jesus' statement in verse 23 is a direct reflection on this man's inability to sacrifice his material wealth for the sake of the Kingdom. The chapter generally discusses true righteousness and kingdom entry, moving from divorce and the nature of discipleship to the challenge wealth poses to kingdom priorities. Culturally, in ancient Israel, wealth was often perceived as a sign of divine blessing, contrasting sharply with Jesus' redefinition of true spiritual priority over material prosperity, directly challenging this prevalent societal assumption. This reorients understanding from external success to internal devotion and dependence on God.

Matthew 19 23 Word analysis

• Then Jesus said: (καὶ ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν, kai ho Iēsous eipen) A direct, immediate response to the rich young ruler's departure. This is Jesus' authoritative teaching moment.
• to His disciples: (τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ, tois mathētais autou) The instruction is for His closest followers, preparing them for the realities of kingdom life and teaching. This profound truth is shared with those who are meant to understand and propagate it.
• 'Truly I say to you,': (Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, Amēn legō hymin) "Amen" (ἀμὴν) signifies profound truth, certainty, and solemn affirmation. Jesus uses this formula frequently to introduce a statement of deep spiritual significance or undeniable fact. It emphasizes the weight and absolute certainty of His declaration.
• it is hard: (δύσκολός ἐστιν, dyskolos estin)
  • DyskoloS: (δύσκολός) Literally means "with difficulty," "troublesome," "hard to do." It implies significant obstacles or arduous conditions. It denotes extreme difficulty, not impossibility. The challenge arises from the inherent human tendency to place trust and security in wealth rather than in God, and the many temptations riches bring.
• for a rich man: (πλούσιον ἄνθρωπον, plousion anthrōpon)
  • Plousion: (πλούσιον) Refers to one who is materially wealthy, abounding in possessions.
  • Anthrōpon: (ἄνθρωπον) Denotes a human being, indicating that this truth applies generally to any person who is rich, rather than just a specific individual. The issue isn't simply possession of wealth, but the heart's disposition towards it.
• to enter: (εἰσελθεῖν, eiselthein) To come in, go into, gain admission. It signifies real participation in and inheritance of the Kingdom.
• the kingdom of heaven: (τὴν βασιλείαν τῶν οὐρανῶν, tēn basileian tōn ouranōn) Matthew's customary phrase for the "Kingdom of God," referring to God's sovereign rule and reign, which is spiritual and transforms individuals and the world. It encompasses both the present spiritual reality of submitting to God's reign and the future eschatological inheritance of eternal life. The difficulty for the rich man lies in submitting fully to this rule, as wealth often creates a competing dominion of self-sufficiency and worldly attachment.

• Words-group Analysis:
  • "Truly I say to you, it is hard": Jesus solemnly warns about a serious, inherent difficulty for a specific group of people regarding ultimate salvation. This is not a casual observation but a divine pronouncement.
  • "for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven": This phrase pinpoints the subject (the wealthy) and the immense goal (kingdom entry). It highlights the inherent conflict between human reliance on material wealth for security and true submission to God's sovereign rule required for salvation.

Matthew 19 23 Bonus section

• This statement challenged a common cultural understanding in first-century Judaism, where wealth was often seen as a sign of God's blessing and favor, implying an easier path to spiritual reward. Jesus inverted this assumption.
• The "hardness" points to an internal spiritual struggle: the wealthy person finds it difficult to release their grip on their perceived security and become utterly dependent on God, which is a prerequisite for entering God's reign.
• The subsequent dialogue with the disciples (v. 25-26) reinforces that salvation, especially for those burdened by wealth, is utterly dependent on God's power, not human capability ("with God all things are possible").
• This verse doesn't mean it's impossible for a rich person to be saved, but that it's profoundly difficult for a rich person who trusts in their riches to enter the Kingdom. The emphasis is on the attachment to wealth.
• The core issue is where one places their security and ultimate allegiance—in earthly treasures or in the Lord and His heavenly Kingdom.

Matthew 19 23 Commentary

Matthew 19:23 provides a stark teaching from Jesus, following the poignant departure of the rich young ruler. It reveals that material wealth, far from being a guaranteed blessing for spiritual entry, presents a significant spiritual impediment to the Kingdom of Heaven. The "hardness" isn't an arbitrary exclusion but stems from the heart's tendency to trust in riches rather than God, leading to self-sufficiency, a love for earthly comfort, and resistance to the radical call of discipleship that demands ultimate loyalty to Christ. Wealth can become an idol, preoccupying one's thoughts and affections, making surrender to God's authority exceedingly challenging. This verse is not a condemnation of wealth itself but a profound caution against the perils associated with it, particularly how it can hinder the humble, dependent faith necessary for kingdom entrance. It sets the stage for the powerful illustration in the subsequent verse (the camel and needle's eye) and highlights the indispensable role of God's grace in salvation for all, rich or poor.