Mark 10:27

KJV

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men [it is] impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} looking upon {G1689} them {G846} saith {G3004}, With {G3844} men {G444} it is impossible {G102}, but {G235} not {G3756} with {G3844} God {G2316}: for {G1063} with {G3844} God {G2316} all things {G3956} are {G2076} possible {G1415}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua looked at them and said, "Humanly, it is impossible, but not with God; with God, every thing is possible."

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

American Standard Version

Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for all things are possible with God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:27 presents a profound theological declaration by Jesus, offering a pivotal shift from human inability to divine omnipotence. Following the rich young ruler's sorrowful departure and the disciples' bewildered question about who then can be saved, Jesus asserts that while salvation and true spiritual transformation are utterly impossible for humanity through its own strength or resources, they are entirely within the boundless capability of God. This verse serves as a cornerstone truth, emphasizing God's sovereign power to accomplish what lies beyond all human limitation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 10:27 is the climactic answer to the disciples' despairing question, "Who then can be saved?" (Mark 10:26). This question arises directly from Jesus' sobering teaching on wealth and discipleship, specifically triggered by the encounter with the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22). Jesus had challenged the ruler to sell all his possessions and follow Him, a command the man could not obey due to his great wealth. Jesus then declared how difficult it is for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God, famously using the imagery of a [camel passing through the eye of a needle](/mark/10-25 "Mark 10:25 - The Camel and the Needle's Eye"). The disciples, accustomed to wealth being a sign of divine favor, were "exceedingly astonished" (Mark 10:24) and utterly bewildered by this teaching. Jesus' gaze upon them and His subsequent declaration in verse 27 provides the essential theological resolution: salvation is not a human achievement but a divine work, shifting the focus from human limitations to God's limitless power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, wealth was often perceived as a blessing from God, indicative of righteousness and divine favor. The Old Testament frequently connects prosperity with obedience and divine blessing (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). Therefore, Jesus' statement that it was difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom was profoundly counter-cultural and shocking to His disciples. If even the seemingly righteous and blessed rich could not enter, who could? This cultural backdrop underscores the radical nature of Jesus' declaration in Mark 10:27, which dismantles the notion that human merit, status, or possessions could ever earn salvation. It challenged their fundamental understanding of how one gains access to God's favor, pointing instead to a divine intervention beyond human capability.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 10:27 powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **human inability and the insufficiency of human effort** for salvation. The rich young ruler's failure, despite his moral uprightness, illustrates that entry into God's kingdom is not achieved through human merit, wealth, or adherence to the law. This theme echoes the biblical truth that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (as seen in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Secondly, the verse emphatically asserts **divine omnipotence and sovereignty**. "With God all things are possible" underscores God's absolute power to accomplish what is utterly beyond human capacity, including the radical transformation of hearts and the provision of salvation. This theme is foundational to understanding God's character and His role as the initiator and perfecter of salvation. Thirdly, it emphasizes the necessity of **radical dependence on God's grace**. When human strength and resources fail, God's power becomes the sole source of hope and possibility. This principle is vital for true discipleship, calling believers to surrender self-reliance and trust fully in God's boundless capabilities, aligning with the call to "seek first the kingdom of God" found in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Impossible (Greek, _adýnatos'_):** From G102, meaning "unable, i.e. weak (literally or figuratively); passively, impossible." This word conveys an absolute inability, a state of being powerless or something that cannot be done by human means. In the context of salvation, it signifies that no amount of human effort, wealth, or moral striving can achieve entry into God's kingdom. It is a declaration of humanity's utter spiritual bankruptcy apart from divine intervention.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** From G2316, referring to "a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity." This is the singular, supreme, and all-powerful God of Israel, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. The contrast between "men" and "God" is crucial, highlighting the infinite qualitative difference in capabilities between finite humanity and the infinite, omnipotent divine being.
* **Possible (Greek, _dynatós'_):** From G1415, meaning "powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible." This word is directly related to _dynamis_ (power). It signifies inherent strength, ability, and potential. When applied to God, it speaks to His limitless power and capacity to bring about what is impossible for humans, including spiritual regeneration and salvation. The phrase "all things are possible" emphasizes the comprehensive and unrestricted nature of God's power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus looking upon them saith,"**: This opening phrase highlights Jesus' intentionality and the weight of His words. His "looking upon them" (G1689, _emblépō_) suggests a fixed, discerning gaze, indicating that He fully understood their astonishment and despair. He was not speaking generally but directly addressing their specific crisis of faith regarding who could be saved, preparing them for a profound revelation.
* **"With men [it is] impossible,"**: This clause directly answers the disciples' implicit question, "Who then can be saved?" It affirms the absolute truth that salvation, or entry into God's kingdom, is utterly beyond human capability. No human being, regardless of their status, wealth, moral uprightness, or religious zeal, can achieve it by their own power or merit. This impossibility underscores the depth of human sin and fallenness, which creates an insurmountable barrier between humanity and a holy God.
* **"but not with God: for with God all things are possible."**: This is the pivotal turning point of the verse, offering hope and revealing the nature of divine power. The conjunction "but" (G235, _allá_) introduces a stark contrast. What is impossible for humanity is not only possible for God but "all things" (G3956, _pâs_) are possible for Him. This is a declaration of God's limitless omnipotence, emphasizing that His power is not constrained by human limitations, logic, or perceived impossibilities. It means that God can accomplish salvation, transform hearts, and bring about His will even in the most desperate and humanly insurmountable circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Mark 10:27 is **Antithesis** or **Antithetical Parallelism**. This involves the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in a balanced structure to highlight their difference. Here, the "impossible with men" is directly contrasted with "all things are possible with God." This stark opposition serves to emphasize the absolute chasm between human limitation and divine omnipotence, making God's power stand out in bold relief against the backdrop of human weakness. While not a direct **Hyperbole** itself, this verse functions as the divine answer to the hyperbolic statement Jesus made just prior regarding the "camel through the eye of a needle" (Mark 10:25), which dramatically illustrated the human impossibility of salvation for the rich. The verse also employs **Emphasis** through repetition, repeating "with God" to underscore the source of all possibility and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:27 is a foundational truth that undergirds the entire biblical narrative of salvation. It dispels any notion of human self-sufficiency in spiritual matters, firmly placing the initiative and power of salvation squarely with God. This verse teaches that salvation is not earned through human effort, moral perfection, or adherence to religious law, but is a miraculous work of God's grace. It speaks to the radical transformation that only God can effect in a human heart, making possible what is otherwise impossible for fallen humanity. This truth liberates individuals from the burden of trying to "earn" their way to God and invites them into a relationship of complete dependence on His sovereign power and unmerited favor. It also provides immense hope for seemingly intractable problems, reminding believers that God's capabilities extend far beyond their own limitations.

* [Genesis 18:14](/genesis/18-14 "Genesis 18:14 - Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?")
* [Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "Luke 1:37 - For with God Nothing Shall Be Impossible")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:27 offers profound encouragement and a vital theological anchor for believers navigating the complexities of life. It calls us to a posture of humility and absolute dependence on God, recognizing that our own strength, wisdom, and resources are utterly insufficient for the deepest needs of our souls and the most challenging circumstances we face. When we encounter obstacles that seem insurmountable—whether personal sin, broken relationships, systemic injustices, or evangelistic endeavors—this verse reminds us that our limitations do not limit God. It frees us from the burden of self-reliance and invites us to cast our anxieties upon Him, knowing that His power is perfected in our weakness. This truth should ignite our faith, prompting us to pray boldly, hope persistently, and act courageously, not based on our own capabilities, but on the boundless power and unfailing faithfulness of our omnipotent God. It transforms despair into hope, and human impossibility into divine opportunity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situations in your life are you currently trying to solve by human effort or willpower, rather than trusting in God's boundless power?**
* **How does the truth of God's omnipotence reframe your understanding of salvation, spiritual growth, and the challenges you face in your Christian walk?**
* **In what specific areas do you need to surrender your own perceived limitations and fully rely on God's capability to do what you cannot?**

### FAQ

**Does Mark 10:27 mean that human effort or responsibility is irrelevant in the Christian life?**

Answer: No, it does not. While Mark 10:27 emphatically declares that salvation is impossible by human effort alone, it does not negate human responsibility or the call to obedience. Rather, it establishes the divine foundation upon which all human response must rest. Our efforts, faith, and obedience are responses to God's initiating grace and are empowered by His Spirit. As [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Work Out Your Salvation") teaches, we "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." God's omnipotence makes salvation possible, and His power then enables our transformed lives and obedience.

**If "with God all things are possible," why do some prayers or desired outcomes not materialize?**

Answer: The phrase "all things are possible" refers to God's inherent capability and power, not a guarantee that He will fulfill every human desire or prayer exactly as we envision it. God's possibilities are always exercised within the bounds of His perfect will, His righteous character, and His ultimate purposes. Sometimes what we perceive as "impossible" from our perspective might not align with God's greater plan or His perfect timing. Our prayers should always be offered with submission to His will, as Jesus Himself prayed, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). God's power is limitless, but His wisdom and love guide its application.

**How does this verse apply to challenges beyond salvation, such as overcoming addiction, finding a job, or healing from illness?**

Answer: Mark 10:27 establishes a universal principle of God's omnipotence that extends beyond the immediate context of salvation. It reminds us that no situation, no matter how dire or humanly intractable, is beyond God's ability to intervene, transform, or provide. For personal struggles like addiction, it means God can provide the strength and deliverance that human willpower alone cannot achieve. For practical needs like employment or healing, it encourages us to trust God's provision and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem hopeless. This verse cultivates a mindset of faith that looks to God as the ultimate solution and source of hope in every aspect of life, knowing that His power is not limited by our perceived impossibilities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:27 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's "possibility" made manifest for humanity. What was utterly impossible for sinful humanity—to bridge the chasm between a holy God and fallen man, to overcome the power of sin and death, and to achieve righteousness—God accomplished through His Son. The incarnation of Jesus, God becoming man, is itself an "impossible" miracle of divine condescension and power. His sinless life, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection from the dead are the supreme demonstrations that "with God all things are possible." Through Christ, God performed the ultimate impossible act: He took the sin of the world upon Himself, offering reconciliation and new life to all who believe. As [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us") states, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." Furthermore, the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in transforming believers into new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")) and enabling them to live a life pleasing to God is a continuous testament to God's power working within us, making possible what was once impossible through our own strength ([Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works in Us")). Jesus Christ is the living proof and the eternal guarantee that indeed, "with God all things are possible."

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

Matthew 19:26

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

Jeremiah 32:27

Behold, I [am] the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

Job 42:2

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

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:

Genesis 18:13

And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?

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.

Luke 1:37

For with God nothing shall be impossible.