Matthew 19 26

Matthew 19:26 kjv

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Matthew 19:26 nkjv

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Matthew 19:26 niv

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Matthew 19:26 esv

But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Matthew 19:26 nlt

Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible."

Matthew 19 verses

Matthew 19 26 Meaning

Matthew 19:26 profoundly declares God's omnipotence, particularly in accomplishing what is utterly beyond human capability, specifically regarding entry into the Kingdom of Heaven and salvation. It reveals that salvation is not attained through human effort, wealth, or merit, but is exclusively a work made possible by God's sovereign power and grace, making hope available where human strength fails.

Matthew 19 26 Context

This verse is Jesus' profound response to His disciples' stunned question, "Who then can be saved?" (Mt 19:25), which followed His striking declaration about the difficulty for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven (Mt 19:23-24). The rich young ruler, having meticulously followed the law from his youth, turned away sorrowful because he was unwilling to part with his great possessions to follow Christ (Mt 19:16-22). The disciples, viewing wealth as a sign of divine blessing, found Jesus' teaching alarming, prompting their despairing query about salvation itself. Matthew 19:26, therefore, shifts the focus from human capability and external circumstances (like wealth) to the omnipotent power of God as the sole means of salvation. It reorients their understanding of the kingdom and who can enter it.

Matthew 19 26 Word analysis

• But Jesus looked at them: The Greek word is ἐμβλέψας (emblepsas), signifying an intense, direct, and searching gaze, not a casual glance. Jesus fixed His eyes on His disciples, conveying the seriousness and profound importance of His upcoming declaration. It implies His understanding of their distress and His intention to provide a crucial revelation.
• and said: A straightforward declaration.
• 'With man: Greek: παρὰ ἀνθρώποις (para anthrōpois). The preposition para means "beside," "from," "in the opinion of," or "in the presence of." Here, it denotes "from the standpoint of human ability or resources," or "as far as man is concerned." It highlights the limitation of human effort, understanding, or power.
• this is impossible,: Greek: ἀδύνατον τοῦτο (adynaton touto). Adynaton means "not powerful," "impotent," "unable," "impossible." This is an emphatic statement of absolute human inability regarding the salvation discussed in the immediate context (entering the kingdom). "This" refers to gaining salvation, especially in the context of overcoming deep-seated idols like wealth or achieving perfect righteousness. No amount of human striving, moral rectitude, or external advantage can secure it.
• but with God: Greek: παρὰ δὲ θεῷ (para de theō). De indicates a strong contrast ("but" or "on the other hand"). This phrase directly opposes the human perspective with the divine perspective, asserting God's infinite capacity.
• all things are possible.': Greek: πάντα δυνατά (panta dynata). Panta means "all," comprehensive and exhaustive. Dynata means "possible," "capable," or "powerful," signifying inherent ability and efficacy. This is a definitive declaration of God's omnipotence. It encompasses not only the salvation of a rich man but every act consistent with God's will and nature. It signifies that God can achieve what is beyond human conception or power, including the regeneration of hearts, the overcoming of idolatry, and the granting of eternal life.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "With man this is impossible": This phrase encapsulates humanity's inherent spiritual inadequacy and incapacity to merit or achieve salvation by its own strength, works, or possessions. It acknowledges the truth of the Law's demands that no human could fully meet, exposing the futility of self-reliance. It also acknowledges the profound grip of sin, here exemplified by the rich man's attachment to wealth, which is humanly insurmountable.
• "but with God all things are possible": This powerfully contrasts human weakness with divine omnipotence. It redirects hope from human effort to God's sovereign power. This truth liberates from despair, affirming that God can achieve what humanity cannot. It signifies God's capacity to overcome any obstacle—be it the human heart's stubbornness, sin's bondage, or life's trials—to fulfill His purpose, particularly in drawing and saving individuals, regardless of their background or current state. It implies a total dependence on God for grace, faith, and transformation.

Matthew 19 26 Bonus section

• This verse underpins the doctrine of regeneration, where God imparts new spiritual life to those who are spiritually dead, something impossible for a human to accomplish for themselves or others.
• It counters any belief in salvation through human works or moral achievement, characteristic of many false gospels or self-help philosophies. It asserts that our hope is not in our capacity to ascend to God but in His capacity to descend to us and lift us up.
• The "all things" refer to God's capabilities within His character and purpose; it does not mean God can do anything logically contradictory or inconsistent with His holy nature (e.g., God cannot lie or deny Himself).
• This verse stands as a powerful encouragement for prayer for those whom we deem "impossible" to reach, reminding us that no one is beyond God's saving power.
• It also serves as a critical lens through which to view evangelism: the responsibility to proclaim rests on us, but the power to convert lies solely with God.

Matthew 19 26 Commentary

Matthew 19:26 serves as a foundational declaration of divine sovereignty in salvation. When the disciples questioned who could be saved given the wealthy's predicament, Jesus delivered this pivotal truth. He validated their despair regarding human ability – salvation is humanly impossible. No person, by their own will, riches, good deeds, or efforts, can earn eternal life or enter God's Kingdom. This emphasizes that salvation is not a reward for merit but a gracious work of God's power. Yet, He immediately pivoted to God's absolute capability. God can transform any heart, break any spiritual bondage (like the love of money), and grant faith and new life to anyone, regardless of their past or present state. This verse offers immense hope: where human striving and strength fail, God's omnipotence prevails, making a way for salvation even in the most seemingly intractable situations. It shifts the burden from imperfect human performance to the perfect and boundless power of God, promoting humility and absolute reliance on Him.

For example, consider an addict trapped by their vice: from a human standpoint, true freedom seems impossible. Yet, "with God all things are possible." Or someone deeply entrenched in pride or self-righteousness, like the rich young ruler: humanly, their conversion might seem remote, but God's power can soften even the hardest heart.