Matthew 19:23

KJV

¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} said {G2036} Jesus {G2424} unto his {G846} disciples {G3101}, Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, That {G3754} a rich man {G4145} shall hardly {G1423} enter {G1525} into {G1519} the kingdom {G932} of heaven {G3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yeshua said to his talmidim, "Yes. I tell you that it will be very hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

American Standard Version

And Jesus said unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, It is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following a poignant encounter with a wealthy young man, Jesus delivers a challenging and counter-cultural statement to His disciples, declaring that it is exceedingly difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. This pronouncement immediately prompts reflection on the spiritual perils of material wealth, highlighting how attachment to earthly possessions can become a significant barrier to wholehearted devotion to God and participation in His divine reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is Jesus' direct and profound commentary on the preceding narrative of [the rich young ruler](/matthew/19-16-22 "Matthew 19:16-22 - The Rich Young Ruler's Encounter with Jesus"). The young man approached Jesus seeking eternal life, and after being told to obey the commandments, he claimed to have done so. When Jesus challenged him to sell all his possessions and follow Him, the young man departed sorrowfully because of his great wealth. Jesus' statement in [Matthew 19:23](/matthew/19-23 "Matthew 19:23 - The Challenge of Wealth") is not a general observation but a specific response to this individual's inability to prioritize God over his riches, setting the stage for the disciples' astonished reaction and Jesus' subsequent clarification about human impossibility versus divine possibility in [Matthew 19:24-26](/matthew/19-24-26 "Matthew 19:24-26 - Camel Through Needle's Eye and God's Possibility").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish thought, wealth was often perceived as a sign of God's blessing and favor, indicating righteousness and divine approval. Prosperity was frequently linked to obedience to the Mosaic Law, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience"). Therefore, Jesus' statement would have been profoundly shocking and counter-intuitive to His disciples, who likely shared this cultural understanding. They would have struggled to reconcile the idea that those seemingly blessed by God would face such an obstacle to entering His kingdom. This cultural backdrop underscores the radical nature of Jesus' teaching, which consistently redefines true blessedness and challenges conventional notions of success and security.

* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 19:23](/matthew/19-23 "Matthew 19:23 - The Kingdom and Riches") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Nature of the Kingdom of Heaven**, emphasizing that entry into God's sovereign rule is not based on earthly status or possessions, but on radical discipleship and spiritual transformation. Secondly, it confronts the **Deceptiveness of Wealth**, revealing how riches can foster a dangerous self-reliance and become an idol, displacing God as the ultimate source of security and joy. This echoes Jesus' teaching that one [cannot serve both God and mammon](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving God or Money"). Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Divine Possibility**, as Jesus' disciples' astonishment leads Him to explain that while humanly impossible, with God, [all things are possible](/matthew/19-26 "Matthew 19:26 - With God All Things Are Possible"), underscoring that salvation is always a work of divine grace, not human merit or financial standing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hardly (Greek, _dyskólōs'_):** From G1423, this adverb means "impracticably" or "with difficulty." It conveys an extreme challenge, not an absolute impossibility. Jesus is emphasizing the immense spiritual hurdle that wealth often presents, making the path to the kingdom arduous for those who possess it.
* **enter (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** From G1525, meaning "to enter (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it signifies gaining admission into, or participating in, the spiritual reality of God's kingdom. It implies a transformative experience of salvation and submission to God's reign.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** From G932, referring to "royalty," "rule," or "a realm." In Matthew's Gospel, "kingdom of heaven" is synonymous with "kingdom of God," denoting God's sovereign reign, both present and future, into which believers are invited to enter and live under His divine authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Jesus unto his disciples":** This phrase establishes the immediate audience for Jesus' profound statement. It indicates that Jesus is addressing those who are committed to following Him, making the teaching directly relevant to their understanding of discipleship and the kingdom. The disciples' presence underscores that this is a lesson for those who seek to truly understand the demands of God's reign.
* **"Verily I say unto you":** This emphatic declaration, using the Greek "Amen" (ἀμήν), signals that Jesus is about to deliver a truth of utmost importance and certainty. It is a solemn and authoritative pronouncement, demanding the disciples' full attention and underscoring the gravity of what He is about to reveal.
* **"That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven":** This is the core, challenging statement. The word "hardly" (δυσκόλως) is crucial, implying extreme difficulty rather than an outright prohibition. Jesus is not condemning wealth itself, but highlighting the profound spiritual obstacles it typically creates: a tendency to trust in riches for security, to find identity in possessions, and to become self-sufficient, thereby hindering the necessary humility, dependence on God, and radical obedience required for entry into His kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several literary techniques to convey the weight and meaning of His statement. The phrase "Verily I say unto you" serves as a powerful device of **Emphasis**, drawing the disciples' immediate and serious attention to the truth He is about to utter. It is a solemn affirmation, underscoring the absolute certainty and importance of His words. Furthermore, the statement itself presents a profound **Paradox** to the prevailing cultural understanding. In a society where wealth was often seen as a sign of divine favor and a blessing, Jesus declares it to be a significant impediment to entering God's kingdom. This reversal of expectations challenges deeply ingrained assumptions and forces a re-evaluation of what truly constitutes spiritual blessing and access to God's reign. This unexpected difficulty for the rich also sets up the **Hyperbole** that immediately follows in [Matthew 19:24](/matthew/19-24 "Matthew 19:24 - The Camel and the Needle's Eye"), where Jesus likens a rich man entering the kingdom to a camel passing through the eye of a needle, further illustrating the human impossibility of such a feat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 19:23 underscores a fundamental biblical truth: human salvation is not a matter of human effort, merit, or material status, but entirely a work of divine grace. While wealth itself is not inherently evil, the human heart's tendency to trust in riches rather than in God creates a profound spiritual barrier. This verse warns against the idolatry of mammon, where possessions become the source of security, identity, and ultimate allegiance, effectively displacing God. True entry into the kingdom of heaven requires a radical reorientation of priorities, a humble recognition of one's spiritual poverty, and complete dependence on God's provision and power. This principle is consistent throughout Scripture, emphasizing that God's kingdom is open to those who acknowledge their need for Him, regardless of their earthly standing.

* [Matthew 19:24](/matthew/19-24 "Matthew 19:24 - Camel Through Needle's Eye")
* [Matthew 19:26](/matthew/19-26 "Matthew 19:26 - With God All Things Are Possible")
* [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This challenging statement from Jesus serves as a timeless mirror for all believers, regardless of their financial standing. It compels us to honestly examine our own hearts and the subtle, often unconscious, ways we might place our trust in material security, career achievements, or personal resources rather than in the living God. For those with significant wealth, it is a sobering call to humility, radical generosity, and the recognition that all possessions are ultimately God-given resources to be stewarded for His kingdom, not hoarded for personal comfort or status. For those with less, it is a reminder that the temptation to covet or to find security in future wealth can be just as spiritually hindering. Ultimately, this verse calls us to cultivate a heart that is truly rich towards God, finding our ultimate treasure and security not in anything earthly, but in Christ alone and in the eternal realities of His kingdom, living with an open hand and a generous spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might I be relying on my material possessions or financial security more than on God's provision and sovereignty?**
* **How does my spending, saving, and giving reflect my true priorities and the object of my ultimate trust?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of greater detachment from worldly wealth and increased generosity towards God's kingdom and those in need?**

### FAQ
**Does this mean all rich people cannot go to heaven?**

Answer: No, Jesus' statement that a rich man shall "hardly" enter the kingdom of heaven (G1423, _dyskólōs_) means "with difficulty" or "impracticably," not "impossibly." The very next verses clarify this: when the disciples are astonished, Jesus explains that "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible" ([Matthew 19:26](/matthew/19-26 "Matthew 19:26 - With God All Things Are Possible")). This underscores that salvation, for rich and poor alike, is a work of God's grace, not human effort or financial status. The issue is not wealth itself, but the spiritual attachment to it and the tendency to trust in it, which can become a form of idolatry. As [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money") states, it is the "love of money" that is the root of all evil, not money itself.

**What is the "kingdom of heaven" in this context?**

Answer: In Matthew's Gospel, the "kingdom of heaven" (G932, _basileía_ and G3772, _ouranós_) is synonymous with the "kingdom of God." It refers to God's sovereign rule and reign, both present and future. To "enter into the kingdom of heaven" signifies receiving salvation, experiencing spiritual transformation, and submitting to God's divine authority. It is not merely a future destination but a present reality of living under God's lordship and participating in His redemptive purposes. For the rich young ruler, it meant a radical reorientation of his life and priorities, placing God's will above his earthly possessions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 19:23, though a stark warning, finds its ultimate fulfillment and hope in Jesus Christ. He is the one who, though "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 Example of Poverty")). Jesus perfectly embodied the detachment from worldly possessions and complete reliance on the Father that He called His disciples to. He had "nowhere to lay His head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Foxes Have Holes")), demonstrating that true security and belonging are found in God alone. Christ is the ultimate "treasure hidden in a field" and the "pearl of great price" for which one should "sell all that he has" ([Matthew 13:44-46](/matthew/13-44-46 "Matthew 13:44-46 - Parables of the Hidden Treasure and Pearl")), signifying that He Himself is the true wealth that makes entry into the kingdom possible. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ provides the grace that transforms hearts, enabling even the wealthy to release their grip on earthly mammon and embrace the liberating reign of God. He is the "door" through whom all, regardless of their earthly status, can enter into eternal life and the kingdom of God ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")), making what is humanly impossible, divinely 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

1 Timothy 6:9

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

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.

Mark 10:23

And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

James 5:1

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

James 5:4

Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

Luke 18:24

And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!