Matthew 19:26

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Matthew 19:26 (KJV): "But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, ‹With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.›"

Context

This powerful statement from Jesus comes immediately after a challenging exchange with His disciples. Jesus had just explained the difficulty for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven, famously comparing it to a camel going through the eye of a needle (Matthew 19:24). The disciples were astonished by this, asking, "Who then can be saved?" Their question reflects the common Jewish belief at the time that wealth was often a sign of God's favor. Jesus' answer in verse 26 directly addresses their human perspective and limited understanding of salvation.

Key Themes

  • Human Impossibility: The verse starkly highlights the inability of humans, through their own efforts, merit, or possessions (like wealth), to achieve salvation or enter God's kingdom.
  • Divine Possibility: It simultaneously declares the boundless power of God, stating that what is utterly impossible for humanity is entirely possible for Him.
  • Dependence on God: The core message underscores the truth that salvation is not a human achievement but a divine work, dependent solely on God's grace and power.
  • Hope: While challenging regarding human capability, the verse offers immense hope by shifting the focus to God's infinite power to accomplish what seems insurmountable.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "impossible" (adunatos) literally means "without power," "impotent," or "that which cannot be done." The word for "possible" (dunatos) means "powerful," "able," or "possible." Jesus' contrast between adunatos "with men" and dunatos "with God" emphasizes the radical difference between human limitation and divine omnipotence.

Reflection

Matthew 19:26 is a foundational verse that reminds us of the nature of genuine salvation and the power of God. When faced with challenges that seem impossible, whether in our spiritual lives, personal struggles, or the broader world, this verse calls us to look beyond human limitations and place our trust in God. It teaches that salvation is not earned by good deeds, wealth, or status, but is a miraculous work of God's grace, making possible what we could never achieve on our own. This truth should lead to humility regarding our own abilities and profound faith in God's ability to transform lives and accomplish His purposes. It echoes other scriptures affirming God's power, such as Luke 1:37, "For with God nothing shall be impossible."

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 32:27 (108 votes)

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

  • Luke 1:37 (88 votes)

    For with God nothing shall be impossible.

  • Job 42:2 (83 votes)

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

  • Luke 18:27 (77 votes)

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

  • Mark 10:27 (73 votes)

    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 (67 votes)

    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 (58 votes)

    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.