Luke 18:27

KJV

And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036}, The things which are impossible {G102} with {G3844} men {G444} are {G2076} possible {G1415} with {G3844} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, “What is impossible humanly is possible with God.”

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

American Standard Version

But he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:27 encapsulates a foundational truth regarding the nature of salvation and divine power: what is utterly beyond human capacity and achievement—specifically, the spiritual transformation required for entry into God's Kingdom—is entirely within God's omnipotent ability. This declaration by Jesus serves as a profound reassurance to His disciples, shifting the focus from human striving and perceived impossibility to God's boundless power and grace as the sole source of true spiritual possibility and salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is Jesus's direct and climactic response to the disciples' bewildered question, "Who then can be saved?" ([Luke 18:26](/luke/18-26 "Luke 18:26 - Disciples' Question on Salvation")). This question arose immediately after Jesus's challenging encounter with a wealthy ruler who, despite his moral uprightness, could not bring himself to relinquish his possessions and follow Jesus ([Luke 18:18-23](/luke/18-18-23 "Luke 18:18-23 - The Rich Young Ruler")). Jesus then declared the extreme difficulty for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God, famously stating, "For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" ([Luke 18:25](/luke/18-25 "Luke 18:25 - Camel and Needle's Eye")). The disciples, likely associating wealth with divine favor, were shocked by this pronouncement, leading to their desperate query about the possibility of salvation. Jesus's answer in [Luke 18:27](/luke/18-27 "Luke 18:27 - God Makes the Impossible Possible") therefore directly addresses the human inability to achieve salvation and redirects attention to God's sovereign power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, wealth was often viewed as a sign of God's blessing and favor, implying that the wealthy were more righteous or had a better standing with God. This perspective made Jesus's statement about the rich entering the Kingdom particularly shocking. The prevailing understanding of salvation often involved adherence to the Law and good works, suggesting a human-centric path to righteousness. Jesus's teaching challenged this deeply ingrained cultural assumption, revealing that human effort, even that of a seemingly righteous and wealthy individual, is insufficient for salvation. His words underscore a radical departure from the common belief that human merit could earn divine favor, re-establishing God's absolute sovereignty in the process of salvation.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 18:27](/luke/18-27 "Luke 18:27 - God's Power in Salvation") contributes significantly to several major themes in Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Omnipotence**, highlighting God's boundless and unconstrained power to accomplish what is utterly impossible for humanity. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, affirming God's ability to create from nothing ([Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account")) and to raise the dead ([John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Raising of Lazarus")). Secondly, it underscores **Human Limitation and Inability**, particularly in the realm of spiritual transformation and salvation. No amount of human striving, wealth, or self-righteousness can achieve what only God can accomplish, reinforcing the truth that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Lastly, the verse points definitively to **Salvation by God's Grace**, emphasizing that salvation is not earned but is a divine gift, a work of God's sovereign intervention. This aligns with the New Testament's consistent teaching that "by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **impossible (Greek, _adýnatos'_):** Derived from 'a' (negative particle) and 'dynatos' (able/powerful), this word literally means "unable," "without power," or "impotent." In this context, it signifies something utterly beyond human capability, an impossibility from a human perspective. It conveys the absolute inability of humanity to achieve spiritual transformation or salvation through its own means or efforts.
* **possible (Greek, _dynatós'_):** This word, meaning "powerful" or "capable," stands in stark contrast to 'adýnatos'. When applied to God, it signifies His infinite power and ability to accomplish anything. It denotes that what is utterly unachievable for humans is entirely within God's sphere of power and operation, especially in the realm of spiritual change and salvation.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** This term refers to the supreme Divinity, emphasizing His unique and absolute nature. In this verse, the use of 'theós' highlights that the "possibility" of salvation stems not from any human attribute or effort, but solely from the inherent, limitless power and nature of the divine being. It underscores God's sovereignty and omnipotence as the ultimate source of all true possibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said":** This introductory phrase firmly establishes Jesus as the speaker, lending divine authority and truth to the profound statement that follows. It indicates that this is not merely an opinion, but a definitive declaration from the Son of God, directly addressing the disciples' profound spiritual dilemma.
* **"The things which are impossible with men":** This clause directly addresses the preceding conversation about the rich young ruler and the disciples' question about salvation. It acknowledges the absolute human inability to achieve spiritual transformation or entrance into the Kingdom of God through human effort, wealth, or self-righteousness. It highlights humanity's inherent spiritual limitations and the futility of relying on human strength or merit for divine favor.
* **"are possible with God":** This powerful counter-statement provides the divine solution to human impossibility. It asserts God's omnipotence and His unique ability to accomplish what humanity cannot. In the context of salvation, it means that God can transform hearts, grant repentance, and bring individuals into His Kingdom, regardless of their background, possessions, or perceived spiritual obstacles. This clause shifts the focus entirely from human capability to divine power and grace.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Luke 18:27](/luke/18-27 "Luke 18:27 - The Power of God") is **Contrast**. Jesus deliberately juxtaposes "impossible with men" against "possible with God," creating a sharp dichotomy that highlights the radical difference between human limitation and divine omnipotence. This contrast is not merely semantic but theological, underscoring the fundamental truth that salvation is not a human achievement but a divine work. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Affirmation** or **Declaration**, serving as a definitive statement of truth that resolves the disciples' confusion and offers profound spiritual reassurance. It reorients their understanding of salvation from an earthly, merit-based perspective to a heavenly, grace-based reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:27 is a cornerstone verse affirming God's absolute sovereignty and limitless power, particularly in the realm of salvation and spiritual transformation. It serves as a profound theological statement that human effort, no matter how sincere or diligent, is ultimately insufficient to bridge the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. What is "impossible" for fallen humanity—to achieve righteousness, overcome sin's dominion, or enter God's Kingdom by merit—is made "possible" by God's intervention, grace, and power. This truth liberates believers from the burden of self-salvation and encourages complete reliance on God's redemptive work. It underscores that God is not limited by human weakness or perceived obstacles, but is capable of accomplishing His perfect will, even in the most seemingly intractable situations.

* [Jeremiah 32:27](/jeremiah/32-27 "Jeremiah 32:27 - God's Omnipotence Declared"): "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?"
* [Matthew 19:26](/matthew/19-26 "Matthew 19:26 - Parallel Passage on God's Power"): "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this impossible; but with God all things are possible."
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"): "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers immense encouragement and a vital theological foundation for every believer. It serves as a powerful reminder that no personal struggle, spiritual challenge, or seemingly insurmountable obstacle is beyond God's capacity to address and transform. For those grappling with feelings of inadequacy, guilt, or despair over past failures or persistent sins, [Luke 18:27](/luke/18-27 "Luke 18:27 - Hope in God's Possibility") proclaims a message of hope: what you cannot do for yourself, God can do for you. It calls us to a profound humility, recognizing our inherent limitations and the futility of relying on our own strength or wisdom for spiritual matters. Instead, it invites us to place our full trust in God's boundless power and grace, not only for salvation but for navigating all of life's complexities. This verse shifts our focus from what we can achieve to what God can accomplish, fostering a deeper reliance on His sovereignty and a greater appreciation for His redemptive work in our lives and in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situations or transformations in your life are you currently trying to achieve through your own strength rather than relying on God's power?**
* **How does the truth that "what is impossible with men is possible with God" challenge your understanding of salvation and spiritual growth?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender your human limitations and fully trust in God's omnipotence?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that humans have no role in salvation, or that God forces salvation upon people?**

Answer: This verse does not negate human responsibility or the call to faith and repentance, but rather clarifies the *source* of salvation. It emphasizes that the *ability* to respond to God's call, to truly repent, and to enter the Kingdom is not inherent in human nature or achievable by human effort alone. While God calls, invites, and enables, human beings are still called to respond in faith ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The "impossible" refers to the spiritual transformation and heart change that only God can initiate and complete. It highlights that salvation is ultimately a divine work, not a human accomplishment, thereby safeguarding God's glory while still inviting human response.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Luke 18:27](/luke/18-27 "Luke 18:27 - God's Power Through Christ") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. What is truly "impossible with men"—to atone for sin, conquer death, and usher in the Kingdom of God—became "possible with God" through the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. Humanity, trapped in sin and unable to save itself, finds its rescue in the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through Christ, the impossible spiritual birth is made possible, as Jesus tells Nicodemus, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" ([John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Born Again")). The new creation that occurs in believers is a testament to God's power at work through Christ: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Thus, the "impossible" transformation of a sinful heart into one that desires God and enters His Kingdom is not merely a theoretical possibility but a living reality made manifest through the saving power of Jesus Christ, who enables believers to say, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - Strength in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 32:17

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:

Matthew 19:26

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

Luke 1:37

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Job 42:2

I know that thou canst do every [thing], and [that] no thought can be withholden from thee.

Genesis 18:14

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

Ephesians 1:19

And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Ephesians 1:20

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places],