And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
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Commentary for Matthew 19:25
Matthew 19:25 is a part of the narrative where Jesus is teaching about the difficulty of the rich entering the Kingdom of Heaven. In the preceding verses, a rich young man asks Jesus what good deed he must do to have eternal life. Jesus instructs him to keep the commandments, to which the young man replies that he has done so since his youth. Jesus then tells him to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow Him. The young man goes away disheartened because he had great wealth. This interaction prompts Jesus to make the famous statement, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:24).
The disciples, hearing this, are astonished because the prevailing cultural belief at the time was that wealth was a sign of God's favor and blessing. Therefore, if a wealthy person, who was assumed to be righteous, would struggle to be saved, then who could be saved? The disciples' question reflects their understanding that salvation is not just difficult but seemingly impossible by human standards.
This verse highlights the themes of salvation, the challenges of wealth, and the radical call of discipleship. It underscores the New Testament's teachings that salvation is a gift from God that cannot be earned by human efforts or acquisitions, contrasting sharply with the contemporary Jewish expectations of the time. Jesus' response to the disciples in the following verses emphasizes the grace of God, assuring them that "with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26), thus affirming that salvation is available through divine enablement, not human achievement. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the counter-cultural nature of Christianity, which often runs contrary to worldly values and societal norms.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
Strong's Number: G1161 There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: δέ Transliteration: dé Pronunciation: deh Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
Strong's Number: G846 There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: αὐτός Transliteration: autós Pronunciation: ow-tos' Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
Strong's Number: G3101 There are 252 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: μαθητής Transliteration: mathētḗs Pronunciation: math-ay-tes' Description: from μανθάνω; a learner, i.e. pupil:--disciple.
Strong's Number: G191 There are 448 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: ἀκούω Transliteration: akoúō Pronunciation: ak-oo'-o Description: a primary verb; to hear (in various senses):--give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.
Strong's Number: G4970 There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: σφόδρα Transliteration: sphódra Pronunciation: sfod'-rah Description: neuter plural of (violent; of uncertain derivation) as adverb; vehemently, i.e. in a high degree, much:-- exceeding(-ly), greatly, sore, very.
Strong's Number: G1605 There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: ἐκπλήσσω Transliteration: ekplḗssō Pronunciation: ek-place'-so Description: from ἐκ and πλήσσω; to strike with astonishment:--amaze, astonish.
Strong's Number: G3004 There are 1244 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: λέγω Transliteration: légō Pronunciation: leg'-o Description: a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas ἔπω and φημί generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while ῥέω is properly to break silence merely, and λαλέω means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
Strong's Number: G5101 There are 483 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: τίς Transliteration: tís Pronunciation: tis Description: probably emphatic of τὶς; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions):--every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why.
Strong's Number: G686 There are 51 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: ἄρα Transliteration: ára Pronunciation: ar'-ah Description: probably from αἴρω (through the idea of drawing a conclusion); a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows):--haply, (what) manner (of man), no doubt, perhaps, so be, then, therefore, truly, wherefore. Often used in connection with other particles, especially γέ or οὖν (after) or εἰ (before). Compare also ἆρα.
Strong's Number: G1410 There are 201 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: δύναμαι Transliteration: dýnamai Pronunciation: doo'-nam-ahee Description: of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible:--be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power.
Strong's Number: G4982 There are 103 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: σώζω Transliteration: sṓzō Pronunciation: sode'-zo Description: from a primary (contraction for obsolete , "safe"); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively):--heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.