Mark 10:24

KJV

And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the disciples {G3101} were astonished {G2284} at {G1909} his {G846} words {G3056}. But {G1161} Jesus {G2424} answereth {G611} again {G3825}, and saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Children {G5043}, how {G4459} hard {G1422} is it {G2076} for them that trust {G3982} in {G1909} riches {G5536} to enter {G1525} into {G1519} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}!

Complete Jewish Bible

The talmidim were astounded at these words; but Yeshua said to them again, "My friends, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God!

Berean Standard Bible

And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!

American Standard Version

And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:24 presents Jesus' profound clarification to His disciples, who were astonished by His earlier declaration regarding the difficulty for the wealthy to enter God's kingdom. This verse refines the teaching, pinpointing the true spiritual obstacle not as wealth itself, but as the dangerous act of placing one's ultimate security, confidence, or trust in material possessions, thereby displacing God as the sole source of provision and hope for entry into His divine reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the poignant encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler, detailed in [Mark 10:17-22](/mark/10-17-22 "Mark 10:17-22 - The Rich Young Ruler"). After the ruler departs sorrowful due to his unwillingness to relinquish his great wealth, Jesus makes the startling statement in [Mark 10:23](/mark/10-23 "Mark 10:23 - Jesus' Initial Statement on Riches") that it is "hard" for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God. The disciples' subsequent astonishment, recorded in the first part of [Mark 10:24](/mark/10-24 "Mark 10:24 - Disciples' Astonishment and Jesus' Clarification"), reveals their deep-seated assumptions about wealth and divine favor. Jesus' response in the latter half of the verse, beginning with "But Jesus answereth again," serves as a crucial re-explanation and re-emphasis, redirecting their understanding from the mere possession of riches to the spiritual peril of trusting in them. This clarification is vital for understanding the broader discourse on discipleship and sacrifice in [Mark 10](/mark/10 "Mark 10 - Teachings on Discipleship and Wealth").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, wealth was widely perceived as a tangible sign of God's blessing and favor. Prosperity was often linked to righteousness and adherence to the Law, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience"). Conversely, poverty could be seen as a sign of divine displeasure or sin. This prevailing cultural belief explains the disciples' profound astonishment at Jesus' initial statement in [Mark 10:23](/mark/10-23 "Mark 10:23 - Jesus' Initial Statement on Riches"). Their worldview, shaped by these assumptions, struggled to reconcile the idea that someone blessed with material abundance could face an obstacle to entering God's Kingdom. Jesus' teaching directly challenged this deeply ingrained cultural paradigm, shifting the focus from external indicators of blessing to the internal disposition of the heart and one's ultimate allegiance.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme illuminated by [Mark 10:24](/mark/10-24 "Mark 10:24 - The Peril of Trusting in Riches") is the **peril of trusting in riches**. Jesus clarifies that the inherent danger lies not in having wealth, but in placing one's ultimate confidence and security in it. This misplaced trust constitutes a form of idolatry, as it elevates material possessions to a position that rightfully belongs to God alone. This teaching also contributes to the broader theme of the **radical nature of the Kingdom of God**, emphasizing that entry requires a complete reorientation of values, a humble dependence on God, and a willingness to surrender all, as exemplified by Jesus' call to discipleship in [Mark 8:34-37](/mark/8-34-37 "Mark 8:34-37 - The Cost of Discipleship"). Furthermore, the disciples' reaction highlights the **contrast between human wisdom and divine truth**, a recurring motif in Jesus' ministry, where His teachings often subvert conventional human understanding, as seen in the Beatitudes in [Matthew 5:3-12](/matthew/5-3-12 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **astonished (Greek, _thambéō'_):** From G2284, meaning "to stupefy (with surprise), i.e. astound." The disciples' reaction was one of profound shock and bewilderment. This indicates that Jesus' teaching was utterly counter-intuitive to their understanding of God's favor and the path to salvation, challenging their deeply ingrained cultural and theological assumptions about wealth.
* **hard (Greek, _dýskolos'_):** From G1422, meaning "properly, fastidious about eating (peevish), i.e. (genitive case) impracticable." This word conveys extreme difficulty, implying a formidable obstacle that is not easily overcome. It emphasizes the severe challenge presented by the spiritual entanglement of trusting in riches, making entry into God's kingdom seem nearly impossible from a human perspective.
* **trust (Greek, _peíthō'_):** From G3982, meaning "to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty)." This word is crucial as it shifts the focus from the external possession of wealth to the internal disposition of the heart. It speaks of a deep-seated confidence, reliance, or security placed in riches, highlighting that the spiritual barrier is not the wealth itself, but the idolatrous dependence upon it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the disciples were astonished at his words."**: This clause captures the immediate and visceral reaction of Jesus' closest followers to His preceding statement about the rich. Their astonishment reveals a profound dissonance between their preconceived notions (likely that wealth indicated divine favor and ease of entry into the Kingdom) and Jesus' radical teaching. It underscores the counter-cultural nature of Jesus' message, which consistently challenged conventional human wisdom.
* **"But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them,"**: This transitional phrase indicates Jesus' pastoral sensitivity and His commitment to clarifying His challenging truth. The use of "again" (G3825, _pálin_) signifies that He is not retracting His statement but rather re-explaining it, delving deeper into its meaning to ensure His disciples grasp the spiritual principle at stake. It highlights His role as a patient teacher.
* **"‹Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!›"**: Jesus addresses them tenderly as "Children" (G5043, _téknon_), a term of endearment and compassion, softening the impact of His difficult truth. The core of His clarification lies in the phrase "for them that trust in riches." This specifies the spiritual condition that creates the "hard" (G1422, _dýskolos_) obstacle. It is not the mere possession of wealth, but the internal reliance, confidence, and security placed in it that obstructs entry into the "kingdom of God" (G932, _basileía_ G2316, _theós_), which demands absolute trust and allegiance to God alone.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's Gospel, in this verse, employs **Direct Discourse** to present Jesus' exact words, lending authenticity and immediacy to His teaching. The disciples' **Astonishment** serves as a dramatic device, highlighting the radical nature of Jesus' message and emphasizing the stark contrast between human assumptions and divine truth. Jesus' use of the term "Children" is a form of **Pathos**, appealing to the emotions and fostering a sense of intimacy and compassion, making the difficult teaching more palatable. The phrase "how hard is it" functions as a **Rhetorical Question** or an exclamation of extreme difficulty, drawing the listener's attention to the severity of the spiritual challenge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:24 profoundly shapes our understanding of discipleship and the nature of God's Kingdom. It clarifies that true spiritual impediment is not material possession itself, but the idolatrous heart that places its security and hope in wealth rather than in God. This teaching underscores the Kingdom of God as a realm of radical dependence on divine grace, where human self-sufficiency, particularly that derived from material abundance, becomes a significant barrier. It calls believers to a reorientation of values, prioritizing spiritual riches and eternal life over temporal security, recognizing that ultimate security comes only from God.

* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You Cannot Serve Two Masters")
* [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money Is a Root of All Kinds of Evil")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of All Covetousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:24 serves as a timeless and urgent warning for all who seek to follow Christ, particularly in societies where material prosperity is often equated with success and security. It compels us to honestly examine the true objects of our trust and affection. Do we, like the rich young ruler, cling to our possessions, careers, or financial stability as our ultimate source of security and identity? Or do we recognize that true life and lasting peace are found only in radical, unreserved dependence on God? This verse challenges us to cultivate a heart that is detached from the allure of worldly wealth and deeply attached to Christ, understanding that our citizenship is in a heavenly kingdom, not an earthly one. It calls us to generosity, simplicity, and a bold willingness to prioritize God's will and His Kingdom above all material gain, remembering that our true treasures are those laid up in heaven.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "riches" in my life that I am tempted to trust in for security or identity, rather than God?**
* **How does my daily life reflect my true priorities: God's Kingdom or worldly accumulation?**
* **In what ways might my pursuit or possession of material things hinder my spiritual growth or my ability to fully follow Jesus?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of greater detachment from wealth and deeper trust in God?**

### FAQ
**Why were the disciples so astonished by Jesus' statement about the rich?**

Answer: The disciples' astonishment stemmed from a deeply ingrained cultural and theological belief prevalent in first-century Judaism that wealth was a clear sign of God's blessing and favor. It was commonly understood that prosperity indicated righteousness and adherence to God's law, making it seem logical that the wealthy would have an easier, not harder, time entering God's Kingdom. Jesus' teaching in [Mark 10:23](/mark/10-23 "Mark 10:23 - Jesus' Initial Statement on Riches") directly challenged this conventional wisdom, leading to their profound bewilderment, which Jesus then clarified in [Mark 10:24](/mark/10-24 "Mark 10:24 - Disciples' Astonishment and Jesus' Clarification").

**Does this verse mean that all wealthy people are excluded from the Kingdom of God?**

Answer: No, Jesus' clarification in [Mark 10:24](/mark/10-24 "Mark 10:24 - The Danger of Trusting in Riches") is crucial here. He emphasizes that the obstacle is not wealth itself, but "them that trust in riches." The issue is the heart's disposition—where one places ultimate security and confidence. Wealth itself is morally neutral; it is the idolatrous reliance upon it that creates a barrier to entering the Kingdom of God. The Bible contains examples of wealthy individuals who were faithful, such as Abraham [Genesis 13:2](/genesis/13-2 "Genesis 13:2 - Abraham's Great Wealth") and Joseph of Arimathea [Matthew 27:57](/matthew/27-57 "Matthew 27:57 - Joseph of Arimathea"), who used their resources for God's purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:24, while a warning against the peril of trusting in riches, ultimately points to Christ as the sole means of entry into the Kingdom of God. The "hardness" of entering the Kingdom for those who trust in wealth underscores humanity's inherent inability to save itself or earn favor through any earthly means. This difficulty, humanly impossible, becomes divinely possible through Jesus, as He Himself declares in [Mark 10:27](/mark/10-27 "Mark 10:27 - With God All Things Are Possible"), "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God." Jesus embodies the radical detachment from worldly possessions and the complete reliance on the Father that He calls His disciples to. He, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Poverty for Our Riches"). His life, death, and resurrection provide the perfect example and the divine power for us to release our grip on earthly securities and place our full trust in Him for salvation and eternal life. Entry into the Kingdom is not earned by relinquishing wealth, but by receiving the free gift of grace offered through the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who alone can transform hearts enslaved by mammon into hearts devoted to God.

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

James 5:1

¶ Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].

James 5:3

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

Proverbs 11:28

¶ He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

Revelation 3:17

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

Psalms 52:7

Lo, [this is] the man [that] made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, [and] strengthened himself in his wickedness.

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

Luke 16:14

And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.