Mark 10:26

And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?

And {G1161} they were astonished {G1605} out of measure {G4057}, saying {G3004} among {G4314} themselves {G1438},{G2532} Who {G5101} then can {G1410} be saved {G4982}?

They were utterly amazed and said to him, "Then who can be saved?"

They were even more astonished and said to one another, “Who then can be saved?”

And they were astonished exceedingly, saying unto him, Then who can be saved?

Commentary

The Gospel of Mark recounts a moment of profound astonishment among Jesus' disciples following a challenging teaching. In Mark 10:26, they express utter bewilderment at Jesus' statement about the difficulty for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler, who walked away sorrowfully because he was unwilling to part with his great possessions (Mark 10:22). Jesus then declared how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the Kingdom of God, even using the vivid analogy of a camel going through the eye of a needle (Mark 10:23-25). The disciples, like many in their culture, likely viewed wealth as a sign of God's blessing and favor. Therefore, if even the seemingly blessed and outwardly righteous rich could not easily be saved, their logical conclusion was, "Who then can be saved?" This question reveals their deep confusion and the radical nature of Jesus' teaching.

Key Themes

  • Human Impossibility: The disciples' question highlights a fundamental truth: from a purely human perspective, salvation seems impossible, especially when it requires surrendering everything, including one's perceived security or status.
  • Divine Possibility: While this verse poses the question, the very next verse provides Jesus' crucial answer: "With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible." This emphasizes that salvation is not by human merit or effort, but entirely by God's grace and power.
  • Challenging Conventional Wisdom: Jesus consistently challenged the prevailing religious and social norms, particularly regarding who was "worthy" or "unworthy" in God's eyes. This exchange underscores that salvation is not based on worldly status or outward achievements.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "astonished out of measure" translates the Greek exeplēssonto hyperperissōs (ἐξεπλήσσοντο ὑπερπερισσῶς), which literally means "they were exceedingly astonished" or "they were overwhelmed beyond measure." This strong expression conveys the disciples' profound shock and bewilderment, indicating that Jesus' words deeply challenged their worldview and understanding of God's favor and salvation.

Practical Application

Mark 10:26 serves as a powerful reminder for us today:

  • Salvation is a Gift: It is not something we earn through wealth, good deeds, or status. Our efforts alone are insufficient. This aligns with the broader biblical truth that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.
  • God's Power is Supreme: When we encounter challenges or seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our spiritual lives, or in understanding who God can save, this verse points us to God's infinite power. What is impossible for humans is possible for God.
  • Examine Our Dependencies: Just as the rich young ruler was hindered by his wealth, we are called to examine what "possessions" or perceived securities we might be clinging to that prevent us from fully trusting in God for our salvation and daily living.

This verse, though a question, sets the stage for one of the most comforting truths of the Gospel: God's ability to save anyone, regardless of their human limitations or perceived unworthiness.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 16:31 (4 votes)

    And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

  • Mark 6:51 (3 votes)

    And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

  • Mark 7:37 (3 votes)

    And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:23 (3 votes)

    Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

  • Romans 10:9 (3 votes)

    That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

  • Romans 10:13 (3 votes)

    For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

  • Luke 18:26 (2 votes)

    And they that heard [it] said, Who then can be saved?