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Translation
King James Version
Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Who G3739 shall G618 not G3364 receive G618 manifold more G4179 in G1722 this G5129 present time G2540, and G2532 in G1722 the world G165 to come G2064 life G2222 everlasting G166.
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Complete Jewish Bible
will receive many times as much in the ‘olam hazeh, and in the ‘olam haba eternal life.”
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Berean Standard Bible
will fail to receive many times more in this age—and in the age to come, eternal life.”
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American Standard Version
who shall not receive manifold more in this time, and in the world to come eternal life.
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World English Bible Messianic
who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the world to come, eternal life.”
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Which shall not receiue much more in this world, and in the world to come life euerlasting.
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Young's Literal Translation
who may not receive back manifold more in this time, and in the coming age, life age-during.'
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In the KJVVerse 25,719 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Luke 18:30 concludes Jesus' teaching on the radical nature of Kingdom discipleship, offering a profound assurance to those who, unlike the rich young ruler, have forsaken earthly attachments for His sake. Following Peter's inquiry about the disciples' reward, Jesus promises an overwhelmingly generous recompense: abundant blessings in the present age and the ultimate gift of eternal life in the age to come, underscoring God's faithfulness to those who prioritize Him above all.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is the culmination of a significant teaching moment in Jesus' ministry, immediately following the challenging encounter with the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-27). The ruler, despite his moral uprightness, was unwilling to surrender his vast possessions to follow Jesus, departing "very sorrowful" (Luke 18:23). This incident prompts Jesus' sobering pronouncement about the difficulty of the rich entering the Kingdom of God (Luke 18:24-27). Peter, perhaps reflecting on the disciples' own sacrifices, then interjects, "See, we have left our own homes and followed you" (Luke 18:28). Jesus' response, beginning in Luke 18:29, directly addresses Peter's implicit question about the reward for such radical commitment, with verse 30 serving as the emphatic summary of that divine promise. The narrative then shifts to Jesus' third prediction of His passion (Luke 18:31-34), highlighting the ultimate sacrifice He Himself would make.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Jewish society, wealth was often perceived as a sign of divine favor and blessing, making the rich young ruler's inability to enter the Kingdom particularly startling to the disciples. The concept of "leaving everything" would have been a profoundly counter-cultural demand, as family, land, and possessions were central to identity, security, and social standing. However, there was also a strong tradition of messianic expectation and the "age to come" (Olam Ha-Ba), where righteousness would be fully rewarded and evil judged. Jesus' promise of "manifold more in this present time" would have resonated with the idea of present blessings, while "life everlasting in the world to come" aligned with the eschatological hopes of a new age, but redefined by His Kingdom. The disciples' willingness to abandon their livelihoods (e.g., fishing for Peter, Luke 5:10-11) represented a radical break from societal norms, embodying a trust in a different economy—God's economy.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and broader New Testament theology. It underscores the radical demands of discipleship, where following Jesus necessitates a reordering of priorities and a willingness to forsake earthly comforts and securities for the sake of the Kingdom (Luke 14:26-33). Simultaneously, it highlights the generosity and faithfulness of God, who promises an abundant recompense that far outweighs any human sacrifice. The promise of "manifold more in this present time" emphasizes that God's blessings are not solely reserved for the afterlife but can be experienced in tangible, though often spiritual and relational, ways here on earth, even amidst persecution (Mark 10:30). The ultimate theme is the promise of eternal life (zōēn aiōnion), which in Jesus' teaching is not merely unending existence but a quality of life characterized by intimate fellowship with God, beginning in the present and culminating in the "world to come" (John 17:3). This passage also reinforces Luke's consistent focus on wealth and poverty, advocating for detachment from material possessions and trust in divine provision.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • pollaplasíōn (Greek, pollaplasíōn', G4179): Translated as "manifold more," this term signifies "many times over" or "a hundredfold." It emphasizes the incredible abundance and overwhelming generosity of God's reward, indicating that the divine return for sacrifice far exceeds the value of what is given up for His sake. It conveys a superabundant, exponential increase.
  • kairós (Greek, kairós', G2540): This word, translated as "present time," refers to a specific, opportune, or appointed time, rather than a mere chronological duration (which would be chronos). Here, it denotes the current age, the present era of human history, indicating that God's blessings are not solely future-oriented but are also experienced within the context of our earthly lives, in the "due season" of His divine plan.
  • aiṓnios (Greek, aiṓnios', G166): Meaning "everlasting" or "eternal," this adjective derives from aiōn (age or world). When applied to "life" (zōē), it describes not just unending duration but a quality of life that pertains to God's own nature—a spiritual, divine quality of existence that transcends the limitations of earthly time and is characterized by intimate communion with God. It signifies the life of the "age to come," which believers enter into even now.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time": This clause initiates the promise of present, tangible, and abundant recompense for those who have forsaken earthly ties for the sake of the Kingdom of God. The "manifold more" (Greek: pollaplasíōn) signifies a return that is exponentially greater than the sacrifice made, encompassing not necessarily material wealth, but spiritual riches, deep relationships within the Christian community, inner peace, and a profound sense of purpose and joy, even amidst trials. This "present time" (kairós) refers to the current age, indicating that God's blessings are not deferred entirely to the future but are experienced in the here and now.
  • "and in the world to come life everlasting.": This second clause extends the promise into the eschatological future, guaranteeing the ultimate reward. "The world to come" (Greek: aiōn erchomenos, literally "the coming age") refers to the Messianic age, the new creation, or eternity with God. The supreme blessing promised is "life everlasting" (Greek: zōēn aiōnion). This is not merely endless existence, but a quality of life—God's own life—that is eternal in its nature, characterized by perfect fellowship with Him, and fully realized in the consummation of His Kingdom. It is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises to His faithful followers.

Literary Devices

Luke 18:30 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. Hyperbole is evident in "manifold more" (pollaplasíōn), which suggests an abundance that far exceeds any human calculation, emphasizing God's immeasurable generosity rather than a literal quantitative return. There is a clear Contrast established between the temporary, limited sacrifices made in this life and the eternal, boundless rewards promised by God. This is further highlighted by the Antithesis between "this present time" and "the world to come," creating a temporal and qualitative distinction between the earthly and the divine realms of blessing. The verse functions as a direct Promise and Assurance from Jesus, providing comfort and motivation for those who commit to radical discipleship, reinforcing the trustworthiness of His words.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Luke 18:30 provides a profound theological statement on divine recompense and the nature of God's economy. It teaches that God is not indebted to anyone, yet He is a faithful and generous rewarder of those who prioritize His Kingdom. The "manifold more" signifies that the spiritual, relational, and qualitative blessings received in this life far outweigh any material or social losses incurred for Christ's sake. This promise challenges a purely materialistic worldview, inviting believers to invest in eternal values rather than temporal ones. Furthermore, the dual promise of present and future blessings underscores the "already and not yet" nature of the Kingdom of God: eternal life is a present reality for those in Christ, experienced in communion with God now, yet it will be fully consummated in the "world to come," where all suffering will cease and perfect fellowship will be realized. This verse affirms God's justice and generosity, ensuring that no sacrifice made for His name will go unrewarded.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Luke 18:30 serves as a powerful anchor of hope and encouragement for every believer, particularly when the path of discipleship feels costly or challenging. It reminds us that our sacrifices for Christ—whether of time, resources, relationships, or personal ambitions—are never in vain. Instead, they are investments in an eternal economy, yielding returns that far surpass anything we could gain or lose in this life. This verse calls us to examine our own attachments and priorities: what "things" might Jesus be asking us to "leave" or hold loosely today? It fosters a deep trust in God's character as a faithful and generous Father, who delights in blessing His children. While the "manifold more" in this present time may not always manifest as material abundance, it invariably brings spiritual richness—deeper intimacy with God, profound peace, joy in service, and the invaluable fellowship of the global Church. This promise empowers us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that every act of obedience and sacrifice contributes to a glorious inheritance both now and in the boundless "life everlasting" that awaits.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "things" in your life might Jesus be calling you to "leave" or hold loosely for the sake of His Kingdom today?
  • In what ways have you already experienced the "manifold more" in this present time by prioritizing Christ and His call?
  • How does the promise of "life everlasting" in the world to come shape your daily decisions and long-term aspirations?
  • How does this verse encourage you to trust God more fully with your future, especially when facing difficult choices or sacrifices for your faith?

FAQ

Does "manifold more" in this present time mean Christians will always be materially wealthy?

Answer: No, "manifold more" (Greek: pollaplasíōn) does not guarantee material wealth or a "prosperity gospel." While God can and does bless materially, the context and parallel passages (e.g., Mark 10:30) indicate that the "manifold more" primarily refers to spiritual, relational, and qualitative blessings. Mark's account explicitly adds "with persecutions," highlighting that present blessings often come amidst trials. These blessings include the spiritual family of God (brothers, sisters, mothers, children), deep joy, peace that surpasses understanding, a profound sense of purpose, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. These are far more valuable than any earthly possession and are experienced even in the midst of hardship and sacrifice.

What is the distinction between "this present time" and "the world to come"?

Answer: "This present time" (Greek: kairós) refers to the current age or era, the period of human history before the full consummation of God's Kingdom. It is the time where believers live by faith and experience both blessings and challenges. "The world to come" (Greek: aiōn erchomenos, literally "the coming age") refers to the eschatological future, the new heaven and new earth, where God's reign will be fully established, and believers will experience perfect, unending communion with Him. This distinction highlights that God's rewards are both immediate and ultimate, providing comfort and motivation for the journey of faith.

What does "life everlasting" truly mean beyond just living forever?

Answer: "Life everlasting" (Greek: zōēn aiōnion) is far more than mere unending existence. The Greek word aiōnios (everlasting, eternal) describes a quality of life that is divine in nature, pertaining to God Himself. As Jesus states in John 17:3, "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Therefore, "life everlasting" signifies a deep, intimate, and unending relationship and communion with God, characterized by His holiness, joy, peace, and love. It is a spiritual quality of life that begins in the present moment through faith in Christ and reaches its glorious, full consummation in the "world to come."

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Luke 18:30 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the preeminent example of one who "left everything" to gain the "manifold more" and "life everlasting" for others. Though He was in the form of God, Jesus "did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:6-7). He gave up the glory of heaven, endured suffering, and ultimately died on the cross, making the supreme sacrifice. Yet, because of His obedience, God "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" (Philippians 2:9), receiving a "manifold more" of glory, honor, and a multitude of redeemed people. Our "life everlasting" is not earned by our sacrifices, but is a gift freely given through His sacrifice and resurrection. We participate in His "manifold more" by being united with Him, receiving His abundant life (John 10:10) in this present age and sharing in His eternal glory in the world to come. Thus, every promise in Luke 18:30 is a reflection of God's work in and through Christ, inviting us to follow His pattern of self-giving, knowing that our true reward is found in Him, "for Christ is all, and in all" (Colossians 3:11).

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Commentary on Luke 18 verses 18–30

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

In these verses we have,

I. Christ's discourse with a ruler, that had a good mind to be directed by him in the way to heaven. In which we may observe,

1.It is a blessed sight to see persons of distinction in the world distinguish themselves from others of their rank by their concern about their souls and another life. Luke takes notice of it that he was a ruler. Few of the rulers had any esteem for Christ, but here was one that had; whether a church or state ruler does not appear, but he was one in authority.

2.The great thing we are every one of us concerned to enquire after is what we shall do to get to heaven, what we shall do to inherit eternal life. This implies such a belief of an eternal life after this as atheists and infidels have not, such a concern to make it sure as a careless unthinking world have not, and such a willingness to comply with any terms that it may be made sure as those have not who are resolvedly devoted to the world and the flesh.

3.Those who would inherit eternal life must apply themselves to Jesus Christ as their Master, their teaching Master, so it signifies here (didaskale), and their ruling Master, and so they shall certainly find him. There is no learning the way to heaven but in the school of Christ, by those that enter themselves into it, and continue in it.

4.Those who come to Christ as their Master must believe him to have not only a divine mission, but a divine goodness. Christ would have this ruler know that if he understood himself aright in calling him good he did, in effect, call him God and indeed he was so (Luk 18:19): "Why callest thou me good? Thou knowest there is none good but one, that is, God; and dost thou then take me for God? If so, thou art in the right."

5.Our Master, Christ himself, has not altered the way to heaven from what it was before his coming, but has only made it more plain, and easy, and comfortable, and provided for our relief, in case we take any false step. Thou knowest the commandments. Christ came not to destroy the law and the prophets, but to establish them. Wouldest thou inherit eternal life? Govern thyself by the commandments.

6.The duties of the second table must be conscientiously observed, in order to our happiness, and we must not think that any acts of devotion, how plausible soever, will atone for the neglect of them. Nor is it enough to keep ourselves free from the gross violations of these commandments, but we must know these commandments, as Christ has explained them in his sermon upon the mount, in their extent and spiritual nature, and so observe them.

7.Men think themselves innocent because they are ignorant; so this ruler did. He said, All these have I kept from my youth up, Luk 18:21. He knows no more evil of himself than the Pharisee did, Luk 18:11. He boasts that he began early in a course of virtue, that he had continued in it to this day, and that he had not in any instance transgressed. Had he been acquainted with the extent and spiritual nature of the divine law, and with the workings of his own heart, - had he been but Christ's disciples awhile, and learned of him, he would have said quite the contrary: "All these have I broken from my youth up, in thought, word, and deed."

8.The great things by which we are to try our spiritual state are how we stand affected to Christ and to our brethren, to this world and to the other; by these this man was tried. For, (1.) If we have a true affection to Christ, he will come and follow him, will attend to his doctrine, and submit to his discipline, whatever it cost him. None shall inherit eternal life who are not willing to take their lot with the Lord Jesus, to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes. (2.) If he have a true affection to his brethren, he will, as there is occasion, distribute to the poor, who are God's receivers of his dues out of our estates. (3.) If he think meanly of this world, as he ought, he will not stick at selling what he has, if there be a necessity for it, for the relief of God's poor. (4.) If he think highly of the other world, as he ought, he will desire no more than to have treasure in heaven, and will reckon that a sufficient abundant recompence for all that he has left, or lost, or laid out for God in this world.

9.There are many that have a great deal in them that is very commendable, and yet they perish for the lack of some one thing; so this ruler here; he broke with Christ upon this, he liked all his terms very well but this which would part between him and his estate: "In this, I pray thee, have me excused." If this be the bargain, it is no bargain.

10.Many that are loth to leave Christ, yet do leave him. After a long struggle between their convictions and their corruptions, their corruptions carry the day at last; they are very sorry that they cannot serve God and mammon both; but, if one must be quitted, it shall be their God, not their worldly gain.

II. Christ's discourse with his disciples upon this occasion, in which we may observe, 1. Riches are a great hindrance to many in the way to heaven. Christ took notice of the reluctancy and regret with which the rich man broke off from him. He saw that he was very sorrowful, and was sorry for him; but thence he infers, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! Luk 18:24. If this ruler had had but as little of the world as Peter, and James, and John had, in all probability he would have left it, to follow Christ, as they did; but, having a great estate, it had a great influence upon him, and he chose rather to take his leave of Christ than to lay himself under an obligation to dispose of his estate in charitable uses. Christ asserts the difficulty of the salvation of rich people very emphatically: 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, Luk 18:25. It is a proverbial expression, that denotes the thing to be extremely difficult. 2. There is in the hearts of all people such a general affection to this world, and the things of it, that, since Christ has required it as necessary to salvation that we should sit loose to this world, it is really very hard for any to get to heaven. If we must sell all, or break with Christ, who then can be saved? Luk 18:26. They do not find fault with what Christ required as hard and unreasonable. No, it is very fit that they who expect an eternal happiness in the other world should be willing to forego all that is dear to them in this world, in expectation of it. But they know how closely the hearts of most men cleave to this world, and are ready to despair of their being ever brought to this. 3. There are such difficulties in the way of our salvation: as could never be got over but by pure omnipotence, by that grace of God which is almighty, and to which that is possible which exceeds all created power and wisdom. The things which are impossible with men (and utterly impossible it is that men should work such a change upon their own spirits as to turn them from the world to God, it is like dividing the sea, and driving Jordan back), these things are possible with God. His grace can work upon the soul, so as to alter the bent and bias of it, and give it a contrary ply; and it is he that works in us both to will and to do. 4. There is an aptness in us to speak too much of what we have left and lost, of what we have done and suffered, for Christ. This appears in Peter: Lo, we have left all, and followed thee, Luk 18:28. When it came in his way, he could not forbear magnifying his own and his brethren's affection to Christ, in quitting all to follow him. But this we should be so far from boasting of, that we should rather acknowledge it not worth taking notice of, and be ashamed of ourselves that there should have been any regret and difficulty in the doing of it, and any hankerings towards those things afterwards. 5. Whatever we have left, or laid out, for Christ, it shall without fail be abundantly made up to us in this world and that to come, notwithstanding our weaknesses and infirmities (Luk 18:29, Luk 18:30): No man has left the comfort of his estate or relations for the kingdom of God's sake, rather than they should hinder either his services to that kingdom or his enjoyments of it, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, in the graces and comforts of God's Spirit, in the pleasures of communion with God and of a good conscience, advantages which, to those that know how to value and improve them, will abundantly countervail all their loses. Yet that is not all; in the world to come they shall receive life everlasting, which is the thing that the ruler seemed to have his eye and heart upon.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 18–30. Public domain.
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Basil of Caesarea (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 379
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Hom. de eleemos.) The merchant when he goes to the market, is not loth to, part with all that he has, in order to obtain what he requires, but thou art grieved at giving mere dust and ashes that thou mayest gain everlasting bliss.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
Commentary on Luke
“It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” This is great power. It has great weight in words. With what other words would he more vehemently express that a rich person must not boast in his riches than these by which a compassionate person is defined as against nature?… You can also understand it morally, about every sinner and haughty rich person. When he did not dare to raise his eyes to God, the tax collector, burdened with the awareness of his own sins, was like a camel. Through the help of his confession, he will pass more easily through the eye of a needle than the Pharisee will enter the kingdom of heaven. The Pharisee was arrogant in prayer, boasting of innocence, and overconfident of glory. He rebuked mercy, proclaimed himself, and accused another. He would rather confront the Lord than beg him. If anyone trembles at the camel, let him shudder at him whose deeds are uglier than a camel.
John Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 407
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Hom. 24. in 1 ad Cor.) Abraham indeed possessed wealth for the poor. And all they who righteously possess it, spend it as receiving it from God, according to the divine command, while those who have acquired wealth in an ungodly way, are ungodly in their use of it; whether in squandering it on harlots or parasites, or hiding it in the ground, but sparing nothing for the poor. (Hom. 18. in Joan.). He does not then forbid men to be rich, but to be the slaves of their riches. He would have us use them as necessary, not keep guard over them. It is of a servant to guard, of a master to dispense. Had he wished to preserve them, He would never have given them to men, but left them to remain in the earth.

(Hom. 80. in Matt.) There is no profit in riches while the soul suffers poverty, no hurt in poverty, while the soul abounds in wealth. But if the sign of a man waxing rich is to be in need of nothing, and of becoming poor to be in want, it is plain that the poorer a man is, the richer he grows. For it is far easier for one in poverty to despise wealth, than for the rich. Nor again is avarice wont to be satisfied by having more, for thereby are men only the more inflamed, just as a fire spreads, the more it has to feed upon. Those which seem to be the evils of poverty, it has in common with riches, but the evils of riches are peculiar to them.

(Hom. 63. in Matt.) These weighty words so far exceeded the capacity of the disciples, that when they heard them, they asked, Who then can be saved? not that they feared for themselves, but for the whole world.
Cyril of Alexandria (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 444
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
The rich man who has despised many things will naturally expect a reward, but he who possessing little resigns what he has, may fairly ask what there is in store for him; as it follows, Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all. Matthew adds, What shall we have therefore? (Matt. 19:27.)

It was necessary to say this, because those who forsake a few things, as far as regards their motives and obedience, are weighed in the same balance with the rich, who have forsaken all, inasmuch as they act from the like affections, in voluntarily making a surrender of all that they possess. And therefore it follows, Verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, &c. who shall not receive manifold more, &c. He inspires all who hear Him with the most joyful hopes, confirming His promises to them with an oath, beginning His declaration with Verily. For when the divine teaching invites the world to the faith of Christ, some perhaps regarding their unbelieving parents are unwilling to distress them by coming to the faith, and have the like respect of others of their relations; while some again forsake their father and mother, and hold lightly the love of their whole kindred in comparison of the love of Christ.

This then we say, that he who gives up all worldly and carnal things will gain for himself far greater, inasmuch as the Apostles, after leaving a few things, obtained the manifold gifts of grace, and were accounted great every where. We then shall be like to them. If a man has left his home, he shall receive an abiding place above. If his father, he shall have a Father in heaven. If he has forsaken his kindred, Christ shall take him for a brother. If he has given up a wife, he shall find divine wisdom, from which he shall beget spiritual offspring. If a mother, he shall find the heavenly Jerusalem, who is our mother. From brethren and sisters also united together with him by the spiritual bond of his will, he shall receive in this life far more kindly affections.
Cyril of AlexandriaAD 444
COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 124
It says, "Peter said to him, 'Look, we have left all and followed you.' " …I imagine, to this some may reply, "What had the disciples given up? They were men who gained the necessities of life by their sweat and labor, being by trade fishermen, who perhaps owned a boat and nets somewhere. They did not have well-built houses or any other possessions. What did they leave, or for what did they ask a reward from Christ?" What is our answer to this? For this very reason, they made this most necessary inquiry. Since they possessed nothing except what was trifling and of slight value, they would learn how God will reward and gladden with his gifts those who likewise have left but little for the sake of the kingdom of God. They desired to be counted worthy of the kingdom of heaven because of their love for him. The rich man, one who has disregarded much, will confidently expect a reward. He who possessed little and abandoned it, how was it not right to ask what hopes he might entertain? For this reason, as representing those in the same condition of their having left little, they say, "Behold, we have left all and followed you."
It is further necessary to observe also this. Correctly considered, the pain of abandoning is the same whether one abandons much or little. Come and let us see the real meaning of the matter by a trivial example. Suppose two men had to stand naked. The one took off expensive clothes while the other put off only what was cheap and easy to get. Would not the pain of the nakedness be equal in both cases? What possible doubt can there be on this point? As far as regards obedience and good will, those who had different circumstances and yet practiced equal readiness and willingly sold what they had must be placed on an equal footing with the rich. The very wise Paul also takes up their cause. He wrote, "If there be a ready mind, it is accepted according to what a man has and not according to what he has not." Thus inquiry of the holy apostles was not unreasonable.
BedeAD 735
On the Gospel of Luke
He said to them: "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or parents, or brothers, or wife, or children for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive much more in this time, and in the age to come, eternal life." Some, on account of this saying, build up the Jewish fable of a thousand years after the resurrection of the just, when all things which we have abandoned for God will be rendered to us with manifold interest, and eternal life will be granted in addition. Nor do the foolish see that even if in other respects the promise is worthy, in wives it appears as a scandal a hundredfold, according to other evangelists; especially as the Lord testifies that in the resurrection there will be no marriage, and according to the evangelist Mark, that what has been left will be received in this time with persecutions: which persecutions, indeed, those chiliasts dogmatize as absent from their thousand years of troubles. The sense, therefore, is this: Whoever has despised all affections for the sake of acquiring the kingdom of God, has trampled on all the delights and luxuries of the world, will receive much more in the present because, from brothers and companions of his purpose, who are bound to him with spiritual glue, he will receive much greater charity even in this life. This charity, which is joined among parents, children, and brothers, spouses or relatives, either by the society of marriage or the necessity of consanguinity, is known to be quite brief and fragile. In fact, sometimes it is even broken for a just cause. Only those who retain the unity of perpetual conjunction, and indiscriminately possess all things, who believe that all that is theirs is the brothers', all the brothers' things are theirs. Read the Acts of the Apostles, that the heart and soul of the multitude of believers were one, and all things were common to them, and there was not a needy person among them who left their own for the Lord. Of whom Paul also says: "As having nothing, yet possessing everything" (II Cor. 6). A much greater sweetness indeed will be received from conjugal continence than that which was previously offered to them by the mingling of sexes. Before, I possessed a wife in the lascivious passion of desire; now I possess the same in the honor of sanctification and true love of Christ. There is one woman, but the merit of chastity has grown a hundredfold. For what is said according to Mark: "He will receive a hundred times as much now in this time, houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and fields, with persecutions" (Mark 10), can be understood more deeply. Certainly, the number a hundred, transferred from left to right, although it appears to hold the same shape in the curve of the fingers, grows exceedingly in magnitude, because all who scorn temporal things for the kingdom of God’s sake, even in this life, taste the fullest joys of that same kingdom with firm faith, and in the expectation of the heavenly homeland, they enjoy most sincerely the love of all the elect together.
Bede (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 735
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
As if he says, We have done what Thou commandedst us, what reward then wilt Thou give us? And because it is not enough to have left all things, he adds that which made it perfect, saying, And have followed thee.

The sense then is this; He who in seeking the kingdom of God has despised all earthly affections, has trampled under foot all riches, pleasures, and smiles of the world, shall receive far greater in the present time. Upon the ground of this declaration, some of the Jews build up the fable of a millennium after the resurrection of the just, when all things which we have given up for God's sake shall be restored with manifold interest, and eternal life be granted. Nor do they from their ignorance seem to be aware, that even if in other things there might be a fit promise of restoration, yet in the matter of wives, who might be according to some Evangelists an hundred fold, it would be manifestly shocking, especially since our Lord declares that in the resurrection there will be no marrying. And according to Mark, those things which have been given up, He declares shall be received at this time with persecutions, which these Jews assert will be absent for a thousand years.
John DamasceneAD 749
BARLAAM AND JOSEPH 15.128-29
“How hard it is for those who have riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God!” When all the saints heard this command, they thought they should withdraw from this hardness of riches. They parted with all their goods. By this distribution of their riches to the poor, they laid up for themselves eternal riches. They took up the cross and followed Christ. Some followed, being made perfect by martyrdom, even as I have already told you, while others by the practice of self-denial did not fall short of them in the life of the true philosophy. Know that this is a command of Christ our King and God that leads us from corruptible things and makes us partakers of everlasting things.
Theophylact of Ohrid (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 1107
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Our Lord, seeing that the rich man was sorrowful when it was told him to surrender his riches, marvelled, saying, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! He says not, It is impossible for them to enter, but it is difficult. For they might through their riches reap an heavenly reward, but it is a hard thing, seeing that riches are more tenacious than birdlime, and hardly is the soul ever plucked away, that is once seized by them. But he next speaks of it as impossible. It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye. The word in the Greek answers equally to the animal called the camel, and to a cable, or ship rope. However we may understand it, impossibility is implied. What must we say then? First of all that the thing is positively true, for we must remember that the rich man differs from the steward, or dispenser of riches. The rich man is he who reserves his riches to himself, the steward or dispenser one who holds them entrusted to his care for the benefit of others.

Again, observe that He says, a rich man can not possibly be saved, but one who possesses riches hardly; as if he said, The rich man who has been taken captive by his riches, and is a slave to them, shall not be saved; but he who possesses or is the master of them shall with difficulty be saved, because of human infirmity. For the devil is ever trying to make our foot slip as long as we possess riches, and it is a hard matter to escape his wiles. Poverty therefore is a blessing, and as it were free from temptation.

With men therefore whose thoughts creep earthward, salvation is impossible, but with God it is possible. For when man shall have God for his counsellor, and shall have received the righteousness of God and His teaching concerning poverty, as well as have invoked His aid, this shall be possible to him.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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