Matthew 19:22

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Matthew 19:22 concludes the poignant encounter between Jesus and a rich young man who sought eternal life. This verse captures the moment of decision and its immediate consequence, revealing a profound truth about the human heart's attachment to worldly things.

Context

This verse follows Jesus' direct challenge to the rich young ruler. Earlier, the young man had confidently approached Jesus, asking what good thing he must do to inherit eternal life (Matthew 19:16). After Jesus listed several commandments, the man claimed to have kept them all from his youth. Jesus then presented the ultimate test of his sincerity and commitment: "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me" (Matthew 19:21). Matthew 19:22, along with parallel accounts in Mark 10:22 and Luke 18:23, describes the young man's reaction to this radical call.

Key Themes

  • The Danger of Wealth: The verse vividly illustrates how great possessions can become a significant impediment to following Jesus fully. The young man's wealth, rather than being a blessing, became a spiritual snare.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: Jesus' demand was absolute, revealing that true discipleship often requires a willingness to surrender everything, including cherished possessions, for the sake of the Kingdom. This highlights the radical nature of following Christ.
  • Prioritizing Earthly vs. Heavenly Treasure: The young man chose his earthly riches over the promise of "treasure in heaven," demonstrating a misplaced priority. His sorrow stemmed from being unwilling to exchange one for the other.
  • Sorrow vs. Joy: His departure "sorrowful" stands in stark contrast to the joy that comes from truly embracing Jesus' call. His attachment to wealth brought him grief, not happiness, in the face of spiritual truth.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "sorrowful" is lypoumenos (λυπούμενος), which conveys a deep sense of grief, sadness, or distress. It's more than mere disappointment; it signifies an internal struggle and profound regret over a difficult choice. This emphasizes the emotional weight of his decision and the powerful hold his "great possessions" (Greek: ktēmata, κτήματα, referring to acquired property or wealth) had over his heart.

Practical Application

Matthew 19:22 offers a timeless challenge: What are our "great possessions" that might hinder our full devotion to God? These may not always be literal wealth, but can include status, career, comfort, relationships, personal ambitions, or even our own control. This verse prompts us to examine our attachments and ask if anything holds a higher place in our hearts than Jesus Christ. True spiritual freedom often comes from a willingness to release our grip on earthly things, trusting in God's provision and finding our true treasure in heaven. The young man's sorrowful departure serves as a sobering reminder that clinging to the temporal can prevent us from embracing the eternal joy found in wholehearted obedience to Christ.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 6:24 (9 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Colossians 3:5 (4 votes)

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