Matthew 19:26

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Jesus {G2424} beheld {G1689} them, and said {G2036} unto them {G846}, With {G3844} men {G444} this {G5124} is {G2076} impossible {G102}; but {G1161} with {G3844} God {G2316} all things {G3956} are {G2076} possible {G1415}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua looked at them and said, "Humanly, this is impossible; but with God everything is possible."

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

American Standard Version

And Jesus looking upon them said to them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 19:26 presents Jesus' profound declaration that while salvation is utterly impossible through human effort or resources, it is entirely possible through the boundless power and grace of God. This statement serves as a foundational truth, shifting the focus from human limitations and perceived merit to divine omnipotence, offering immense hope and underscoring humanity's absolute dependence on God for spiritual transformation and entry into His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration by Jesus immediately follows a poignant and challenging encounter with a rich young ruler and a subsequent discussion with His disciples. After the young man, who claimed to have kept all the commandments, walked away sorrowful because he was unwilling to part with his great possessions, Jesus remarked on the difficulty for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven, famously stating, "[It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God](/matthew/19-24 "Matthew 19:24 - The Camel and the Eye of a Needle")" ([Matthew 19:24](/matthew/19-24 "Matthew 19:24 - The Camel and the Eye of a Needle")). The disciples, astonished by this, then asked, "[Who then can be saved?](/matthew/19-25 "Matthew 19:25 - Disciples' Question About Salvation")" ([Matthew 19:25](/matthew/19-25 "Matthew 19:25 - Disciples' Question About Salvation")). Jesus' response in verse 26 directly addresses their bewildered question, providing the ultimate answer to the perceived impossibility of salvation from a human perspective.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, wealth was often viewed as a sign of God's blessing and favor, indicating righteousness and divine approval. Conversely, poverty could be seen as a sign of divine displeasure or even a curse. This cultural understanding made Jesus' teaching about the rich man's difficulty in entering the kingdom particularly shocking and counter-intuitive to the disciples. If those blessed with wealth—who presumably had more resources for religious acts or charity—struggled, then who could possibly be saved? This context highlights the radical nature of Jesus' message, challenging deeply ingrained societal and theological assumptions about human merit and divine favor.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 19:26 is pivotal in establishing several core theological themes. It powerfully articulates the theme of **human inability** to achieve salvation through personal effort, merit, or material possessions, emphasizing that the kingdom of God is not earned. Simultaneously, it proclaims the theme of **divine omnipotence**, asserting God's limitless power to accomplish what is utterly beyond human capacity. This leads directly to the theme of **salvation by grace**, underscoring that entry into God's kingdom is a miraculous work of God's sovereign grace, not a human achievement. Finally, the verse offers profound **hope**, shifting the focus from human despair to the boundless possibilities inherent in God's nature, echoing similar declarations of God's power found throughout Scripture, such as when the angel Gabriel declared to Mary, "[For with God nothing will be impossible](/luke/1-37 "Luke 1:37 - Nothing is Impossible with God")" ([Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "Luke 1:37 - Nothing is Impossible with God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beheld (Greek, _emblépō'_):** From the Strong's G1689, meaning "to look on, i.e. (relatively) to observe fixedly, or (absolutely) to discern clearly." Jesus' act of "beholding" them signifies a deliberate, penetrating gaze. He wasn't merely glancing but intently observing and understanding the disciples' astonishment, fear, and limited human perspective, allowing Him to address their deepest concerns with profound insight and authority.
* **impossible (Greek, _adýnatos'_):** From the Strong's G102, derived from 'a' (a negative particle) and 'dynatos' (able). It literally means "unable," "impotent," or "that which cannot be done." When Jesus states "with men this is impossible," He is declaring an absolute, inherent inability within humanity to achieve salvation or enter the kingdom by their own means, efforts, or inherent power. It is a definitive statement of human spiritual bankruptcy apart from divine intervention.
* **possible (Greek, _dynatós'_):** From the Strong's G1415, meaning "powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible." This word stands in direct antithesis to _adýnatos_. It speaks to inherent power, ability, and capability. By stating "with God all things are possible," Jesus affirms God's boundless omnipotence, His infinite capacity to accomplish what is utterly beyond human reach, including the radical transformation and salvation of a soul.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** From the Strong's G2316, referring to "a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity." The inclusion of "God" here is crucial, as it identifies the sole agent capable of overcoming the human impossibility. It emphasizes that the power to save, to transform, and to grant entry into the kingdom resides exclusively in the supreme, all-powerful Creator and Sustainer of the universe, distinguishing His nature and capacity from that of finite humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them,"**: This opening clause highlights Jesus' compassionate yet authoritative posture. His "beholding" signifies a deep awareness of the disciples' internal struggle and confusion following His teaching on the rich young ruler. His subsequent declaration is not a casual remark but a direct, intentional, and definitive answer to their profound question, spoken with divine insight.
* **"With men this is impossible;"**: This is a stark declaration of human limitation and spiritual incapacity. "This" refers specifically to entering the kingdom of God, particularly for those who, like the rich young ruler, rely on their own merit, wealth, or perceived righteousness. Jesus asserts that from a purely human perspective, relying on human strength, wisdom, or resources, salvation is an unattainable goal. It underscores humanity's inherent inability to bridge the gap between their sinfulness and God's holiness.
* **"but with God all things are possible."**: This is the radical, hopeful counterpoint. The conjunction "but" introduces a complete shift in perspective and agency. It pivots from human impotence to divine omnipotence. "All things" encompasses not only salvation but every aspect of God's redemptive plan and sovereign will. This clause emphasizes that God's power knows no bounds; He can accomplish what is utterly inconceivable and unachievable for humanity, including the transformation of hearts and the granting of eternal life.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Matthew 19:26 is **Antithesis** (or Contrast). Jesus sets up a direct and powerful opposition between "with men" and "with God," and between "impossible" and "possible." This stark contrast serves to highlight the radical difference between human capability and divine omnipotence, making the theological point abundantly clear: salvation is not a human achievement but a divine work. The preceding narrative, particularly the hyperbolic image of a camel going through the eye of a needle, functions as a form of **Hyperbole** that amplifies the sense of human impossibility, thereby making the subsequent declaration of God's boundless power even more impactful and astonishing. Jesus' statement also functions as a **Divine Declaration**, carrying the weight of ultimate authority and truth, providing a definitive answer to the disciples' existential question about salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 19:26 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the nature of salvation and God's character. It profoundly teaches that salvation is not a reward for human effort, adherence to law, or accumulation of wealth, but a gracious gift from God, made possible solely by His omnipotent power. This verse dismantles any notion of self-salvation or earning one's way into God's favor, emphasizing humanity's utter dependence on divine intervention. It highlights God's sovereign ability to transform hearts and lives that are otherwise bound by sin and unable to reach Him. The "impossible" becomes "possible" only when God acts, revealing His boundless grace and mercy in overcoming human limitations. This truth should humble humanity and elevate the glory of God as the sole author and perfecter of salvation.

* [Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "Luke 1:37 - For with God nothing will be impossible")
* [Jeremiah 32:27](/jeremiah/32-27 "Jeremiah 32:27 - Is Anything Too Hard for Me?")
* [Genesis 18:14](/genesis/18-14 "Genesis 18:14 - Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 19:26 is a liberating and empowering truth for believers. In a world that often measures worth by achievement, possessions, or self-reliance, this verse calls us to profound humility regarding our own capabilities and an unwavering faith in God's. It reminds us that when we face seemingly insurmountable obstacles—whether personal struggles, spiritual battles, or challenges in ministry and evangelism—our hope is not in our strength, wisdom, or resources, but in the infinite power of God. This truth should inspire us to pray boldly for the "impossible," to trust God with situations beyond our control, and to recognize that true transformation, both in our lives and in the lives of others, is always a miraculous work of His grace. It compels us to surrender our self-sufficiency and embrace a radical dependence on the One for whom "all things are possible."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situations in your life, or in the lives of those you care about, are you trying to solve with human effort instead of trusting God's power?**
* **How does this verse challenge any lingering beliefs you might hold about earning God's favor or achieving salvation through your own good deeds?**
* **In what specific ways does the truth of God's omnipotence, as declared in this verse, bring you comfort, hope, and encouragement today?**

### FAQ
**Why were the disciples so astonished by Jesus' teaching about the rich man, leading to their question, "Who then can be saved?"**

Answer: The disciples' astonishment stemmed from a common cultural and religious belief in their time that wealth was often a tangible sign of God's blessing and favor. If someone who was outwardly blessed by God with riches—and presumably had more resources to give to charity or fulfill religious obligations—found it difficult to enter the kingdom, then it seemed to defy their understanding of divine justice and human capability. Their question, "[Who then can be saved?](/matthew/19-25 "Matthew 19:25 - Disciples' Question About Salvation")" ([Matthew 19:25](/matthew/19-25 "Matthew 19:25 - Disciples' Question About Salvation")), reflected their profound confusion and despair, as it implied that if even the 'blessed' were excluded, there was no hope for anyone else through human means. Jesus' statement in Matthew 19:26 directly addresses this human-centric perspective, shifting the focus entirely to God's power.

**Does "with God all things are possible" mean God will grant any desire or prayer we have, regardless of its nature?**

Answer: No, the phrase "with God all things are possible" speaks to God's boundless power and capability, not to a promise that He will fulfill every human desire or whim. It means that anything consistent with His divine character, His perfect will, and His sovereign purposes is within His power to accomplish. In the immediate context of Matthew 19, it primarily refers to God's ability to save and transform human hearts, even those seemingly furthest from Him or most entrenched in self-reliance, like the rich young ruler. It assures us that God can accomplish what is spiritually impossible for humanity, such as granting true repentance, faith, and entry into His kingdom. It encourages us to trust in His infinite power for His redemptive plan, not to demand that He conform to our limited desires.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 19:26 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's power making the impossible possible. Humanity, enslaved by sin and utterly incapable of achieving righteousness or bridging the chasm between themselves and a holy God, faced an "impossible" dilemma. Yet, God, in His infinite love and power, sent His Son, Jesus, to accomplish what humanity never could. The incarnation of Christ—God becoming man ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"))—was itself an "impossible" miracle. His sinless life, His atoning death on the cross for the sins of the world ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")), and His triumphant resurrection from the dead ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ's Death and Resurrection")) are the supreme demonstrations that "with God all things are possible." Through Christ, God made it possible for sinners to be reconciled to Himself ([Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21-22 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciliation Through Christ")), to receive forgiveness, and to be granted eternal life—a salvation that is not by human works but by God's grace through faith in Jesus ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Thus, Jesus Christ is the living proof that what is impossible for men is gloriously possible with 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

Jeremiah 32:27

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

Luke 1:37

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Job 42:2

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

Luke 18:27

And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Mark 10:27

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

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 18:14

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.