Matthew 19:22

KJV

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when the young man {G3495} heard {G191} that saying {G3056}, he went away {G565} sorrowful {G3076}: for {G1063} he had {G2192}{G2258} great {G4183} possessions {G2933}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he was wealthy.

Berean Standard Bible

When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth.

American Standard Version

But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 19:22 powerfully concludes the encounter between Jesus and a rich young man, revealing the profound spiritual impediment that material wealth can become. The verse captures the young man's immediate, sorrowful departure after Jesus' radical call to relinquish his possessions and follow Him, underscoring the deep attachment of the human heart to earthly treasures and the challenging cost of true discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic moment in a pivotal dialogue initiated by a wealthy young man who approaches Jesus, seeking to know what "good thing" he must do to inherit eternal life ([Matthew 19:16](/matthew/19-16 "Matthew 19:16 - The Rich Young Ruler's Question")). After Jesus reviews the commandments, the young man confidently asserts his obedience from youth. Jesus then cuts to the heart of the matter, challenging him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him ([Matthew 19:21](/matthew/19-21 "Matthew 19:21 - Jesus' Challenge to the Rich Young Ruler")). Matthew 19:22 records the young man's response to this ultimate test, serving as a stark illustration of the difficulty of radical obedience, immediately preceding Jesus' famous teaching on the camel and the eye of a needle ([Matthew 19:23-26](/matthew/19-23-26 "Matthew 19:23-26 - The Difficulty of Wealth and Salvation")). Parallel accounts are found in [Mark 10:22](/mark/10-22 "Mark 10:22 - The Rich Young Man in Mark") and [Luke 18:23](/luke/18-23 "Luke 18:23 - The Rich Young Man in Luke").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, wealth was often viewed as a sign of God's blessing, and poverty as a potential sign of disfavor. This perspective made Jesus' challenge particularly counter-cultural and shocking. Giving to the poor was commendable, but the wholesale divestment of one's entire estate was an extraordinary demand, especially for someone who had diligently kept the Law. The concept of "possessions" (κτῆμα, _ktēma_) would have encompassed land, property, and accumulated wealth, which formed the basis of a family's security and social standing. To abandon these was to forsake one's entire earthly identity and security, placing complete reliance on God and the community of disciples.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 19:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the **radical nature of discipleship**, demonstrating that following Jesus demands absolute surrender, often requiring the renunciation of anything that competes for ultimate allegiance, as seen in Jesus' call to [take up one's cross](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - The Call to Self-Denial"). The verse also underscores the **danger of wealth**, portraying it not as inherently evil, but as a potential idol that can hinder entry into the Kingdom of God, a theme echoed in Jesus' teaching on serving [God or money](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving Two Masters"). Furthermore, it illustrates the **conflict between earthly and heavenly treasure**, revealing that the young man prioritized his material security over the promise of "treasure in heaven" ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven")), leading to sorrow rather than the joy of true spiritual freedom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This primary verb signifies not merely the physical act of hearing, but often implies understanding, heeding, or giving audience. In this context, the young man fully comprehended the implications of Jesus' "saying" (λόγος), recognizing the profound and personal demand it placed upon him, which ultimately led to his sorrowful response.
* **sorrowful (Greek, _lypéō'_):** Derived from the noun for "grief" or "sadness," this verb describes the young man's emotional state. It indicates a deep distress, a profound sadness or heaviness of heart. His sorrow was not a fleeting disappointment but a significant internal struggle, revealing the painful conflict between his desire for eternal life and his attachment to his material wealth.
* **possessions (Greek, _ktēma'_):** This term refers to an acquirement, specifically an estate or property. It encompasses tangible, accumulated wealth and holdings. The use of "great" (_polýs_) emphasizes the sheer volume and significance of his wealth, which held such a powerful grip on his heart that he was unwilling to part with it, even for the sake of eternal life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when the young man heard that saying,"**: This clause establishes the immediate cause of the young man's reaction. The "saying" (λόγος, _logos_) refers directly to Jesus' challenging command in [Matthew 19:21](/matthew/19-21 "Matthew 19:21 - Jesus' Radical Command"), which required him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Jesus. The young man fully heard and understood the radical implications of this demand.
* **"he went away sorrowful:"**: This describes the young man's immediate and decisive action. His departure signifies his refusal to accept Jesus' terms for discipleship. The description "sorrowful" (λυπούμενος, _lypoumenos_) is crucial, indicating a deep internal conflict and grief over the choice he felt compelled to make. He desired eternal life but was unwilling to pay the price Jesus set.
* **"for he had great possessions."**: This final clause provides the explicit reason for his sorrow and departure. His vast wealth (πολύς κτῆμα, _polys ktēma_) was the insurmountable obstacle. It was not merely that he had possessions, but that they were "great" and, more importantly, that he "had" (ἔχω, _echō_) them in a way that implied a strong, possessive attachment, making them an idol in his heart that he could not relinquish.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Pathos** is evident in the description of the young man going away "sorrowful," evoking sympathy and highlighting the emotional weight of his decision. This sorrow underscores the tragic nature of his choice, revealing a heart torn between spiritual aspiration and material attachment. There is a clear **Contrast** between the joy and freedom offered by following Jesus and the grief experienced by clinging to worldly wealth. The "great possessions" function as **Symbolism**, representing not just material wealth but anything that holds a superior claim on a person's heart over God, serving as a barrier to complete surrender and true discipleship. The concise, direct statement of his departure and its reason makes the narrative powerfully impactful, emphasizing the immediate and unyielding consequence of his choice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 19:22 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of discipleship and the deceptive power of idolatry. It reveals that the heart's ultimate allegiance is the true measure of one's spiritual condition. While the young man sought eternal life, his unwillingness to relinquish his wealth exposed a deeper commitment to his earthly security than to God's Kingdom. This passage teaches that anything, even something seemingly benign like wealth, can become an idol that prevents a person from fully embracing Christ and His call. True spiritual freedom often requires a radical reordering of priorities, where God alone holds supreme value.

* [Luke 12:34](/luke/12-34 "Luke 12:34 - Where Your Treasure Is")
* [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money")
* [Proverbs 23:4-5](/proverbs/23-4-5 "Proverbs 23:4-5 - Do Not Toil for Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The sorrowful departure of the rich young man serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination, challenging us to honestly assess what "great possessions" might be hindering our full devotion to Christ. These "possessions" are not limited to literal wealth; they can encompass anything we cling to more tightly than we cling to God – our reputation, career, comfort, relationships, personal ambitions, control, or even our own perceived righteousness. The verse prompts us to ask if there is anything in our lives that, if Jesus asked us to surrender it, would cause us to walk away sorrowful. True spiritual freedom and the joy of complete surrender come from releasing our grip on earthly things, trusting entirely in God's provision and finding our ultimate treasure in Him. This passage reminds us that the cost of discipleship is high, but the cost of *not* following Jesus is infinitely higher, leading not to joy, but to profound sorrow and missed eternal opportunity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great possessions" in my life, whether material or otherwise, might be hindering my complete surrender to Jesus Christ?**
* **Am I willing to release my grip on these things if God calls me to, trusting Him fully with my security and future?**
* **How does the young man's sorrowful departure contrast with the joy that comes from radical obedience to Christ?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to re-evaluate my priorities to ensure Christ holds the supreme place?**

### FAQ
**Was the rich young man condemned to hell because of his decision?**

Answer: The text of [Matthew 19:22](/matthew/19-22 "Matthew 19:22 - The Rich Young Man's Decision") does not explicitly state the young man's eternal destiny. It only records that he "went away sorrowful." His sorrow indicates a deep internal conflict and a missed opportunity to follow Jesus fully. While he failed this specific test of discipleship, the Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works or the relinquishment of wealth alone ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). However, Jesus' challenge revealed that his heart was not fully surrendered to God, and his attachment to wealth was a significant spiritual impediment. The passage serves as a warning about the dangers of idolatry and the cost of discipleship, rather than a definitive statement on his eternal fate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 19:22, though a poignant account of human failure, profoundly highlights the necessity and nature of Christ's perfect fulfillment. The rich young man's inability to forsake his earthly treasures for the sake of eternal life underscores humanity's inherent struggle with idolatry and self-reliance. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ perfectly embodied the radical surrender that the young man could not. He, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). Jesus Himself divested of heavenly glory, taking on the form of a servant, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). He perfectly fulfilled the Law and offered the ultimate "treasure in heaven" not through human effort or renunciation, but through His sacrificial life, death, and resurrection. For those who believe, He calls us to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seeking First the Kingdom")), promising that all other things will be added. Our true "possessions" are found in Christ, who is our life ([Colossians 3:3-4](/colossians/3-3-4 "Colossians 3:3-4 - Your Life Hidden with Christ")), and in Him, we gain eternal life and an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - An Inheritance Kept in Heaven")).

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 6:24

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Ezekiel 33:31

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

Matthew 13:22

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

Ephesians 5:5

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Matthew 16:26

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Mark 10:22

And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

Colossians 3:5

¶ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: