### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **rhaphís**, represented by `{{G4476}}`, is the word for **needle**. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from a primary verb meaning "to sew," its meaning is tied to the idea of puncturing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{G4476}}` is used exclusively in a single, powerful illustration across the Synoptic Gospels. In this context, it is said to be **easier** `{{G2123}}` for a camel to go through the eye of a **needle** than for a **rich man** `{{G4145}}` to enter into the kingdom of God ([[Matthew 19:24]]; [[Mark 10:25]]; [[Luke 18:25]]). This striking hyperbole serves to emphasize the profound difficulty that wealth can present to one's spiritual life.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide essential context for the use of **rhaphís**:
* `{{G2123}}` **eukopṓteros** (more facile): This comparative term, translated as **easier**, is paired with `{{G4476}}` in all of its occurrences to frame the famous analogy and establish the degree of difficulty [[Luke 18:25]].
* `{{G4145}}` **ploúsios** (wealthy): This word identifies the person for whom entering the kingdom is so challenging, the **rich** man, providing the subject of the teaching [[Matthew 19:24]].
* `{{G5168}}` **trymaliá** (an orifice, i.e. needle's eye) and `{{G5169}}` **trýpēma** (an aperture, i.e. a needle's eye): These nearly identical words, both translated as **eye**, specify the impossibly small opening of the **needle** mentioned in the illustration ([[Mark 10:25]]; [[Matthew 19:24]]).
* `{{G1525}}` **eisérchomai** (to enter): This verb clarifies the ultimate action at stake. The difficulty described is not a physical task but the spiritual act to **enter** the kingdom of God [[John 3:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4476}}` is derived entirely from the analogy in which it is featured.
* **The Spiritual Danger of Wealth:** The image of the **needle**'s eye serves as a stark warning. It illustrates how being **rich** `{{G4145}}` and trusting in riches can be a significant obstacle to entering God's kingdom [[1 Timothy 6:17]].
* **A Metaphor for the Humanly Impossible:** The illustration of a camel passing through a **needle**'s eye is meant to convey an idea of absolute impossibility from a human perspective, highlighting the immense challenge being described [[Matthew 19:24]].
* **The Kingdom's Entrance:** The word is inextricably linked to the verb to **enter** `{{G1525}}`, underscoring that there are conditions for entering the kingdom of God and that worldly attachments pose a serious hindrance [[Matthew 7:21]].
### Summary
In summary, **rhaphís** `{{G4476}}` is a simple word for a common object, the **needle**, that is used to create one of the most memorable and challenging images in scripture. Its three appearances are all within the same teaching from Jesus, where it functions as the anchor for a profound statement on the spiritual impediment of wealth. The word vividly illustrates the extreme difficulty a **rich man** `{{G4145}}` faces in his attempt to enter the kingdom of God.
TRV