New International VersionJesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!
New Living TranslationWhen Jesus saw this, he said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!
English Standard VersionJesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!
Berean Standard BibleSeeing the man’s sadness, Jesus said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!
Berean Literal BibleAnd having seen him, Jesus became sorrowful, saying, "How difficultly those having riches shall enter into the kingdom of God.
King James BibleAnd when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
New King James VersionAnd when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!
New American Standard BibleAnd Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!
NASB 1995And Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!
NASB 1977And Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!
Amplified BibleJesus looked at him and said, “How difficult it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!
Christian Standard BibleSeeing that he became sad, Jesus said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!
Holman Christian Standard BibleSeeing that he became sad, Jesus said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!
American Standard VersionAnd Jesus seeing him said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Contemporary English VersionJesus saw how sad the man was. So he said, "It's terribly hard for rich people to get into God's kingdom!
English Revised VersionAnd Jesus seeing him said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
GOD'S WORD® TranslationJesus watched him and said, "How hard it is for rich people to enter the kingdom of God!
Good News TranslationJesus saw that he was sad and said, "How hard it is for rich people to enter the Kingdom of God!
International Standard VersionSo when Jesus saw how sad he was, he said, "How hard it is for rich people to get into the kingdom of God!
NET BibleWhen Jesus noticed this, he said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!
New Heart English BibleAnd Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly will they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Weymouth New TestamentJesus saw his sorrow, and said, "With how hard a struggle do the possessors of riches ever enter the Kingdom of God! Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSeeing the man’s sadness, Jesus said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!
World English BibleJesus, seeing that he became very sad, said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter into God’s Kingdom! Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jesus having seen him become very sorrowful, said, “How hardly will those having riches enter into the Kingdom of God!
Berean Literal BibleAnd having seen him, Jesus became sorrowful, saying, "How difficultly those having riches shall enter into the kingdom of God.
Young's Literal Translation And Jesus having seen him become very sorrowful, said, 'How hardly shall those having riches enter into the reign of God!
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jesus having seen him being sorely grieved, said, With how much difficulty shall they having possessions come into the kingdom of God! Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Jesus seeing him become sorrowful, said: How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen Jesus, seeing him brought to sorrow, said: “How difficult it is for those who have money to enter into the kingdom of God!
New American BibleJesus looked at him [now sad] and said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!
New Revised Standard VersionJesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when Jesus saw that he felt sad, he said, How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter into the kingdom of God!
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd when Yeshua saw that it grieved him, he said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWhen Jesus saw that he was very sad, he said: How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
Godbey New TestamentJesus seeing him said, How hardly will those having riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Haweis New Testament
Then Jesus, observing that he was very sorrowful, said, How difficultly shall they who have riches, enter into the kingdom of God!
Mace New Testament
Jesus perceiving him so very dejected, said, how difficult is it for those, who have riches, to enter into the kingdom of God!
Weymouth New Testament
Jesus saw his sorrow, and said, "With how hard a struggle do the possessors of riches ever enter the Kingdom of God!
Worrell New Testament
And Jesus, seeing him, said,"With what difficulty do those having riches enter into the Kingdom of God!
Worsley New Testament
And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, He said,How difficultly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Rich Young Ruler… 23But when the ruler heard this, he became very sad, because he was extremely wealthy. 24Seeingthe man’ssadness,Jesussaid,“Howhard it isfor therichto enterthekingdomof God!25Indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”…
Cross References Matthew 19:23-24Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. / Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Mark 10:23-25Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” / And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! / It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Proverbs 11:28He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage.
James 5:1-3Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days.
1 Timothy 6:9-10Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Matthew 6:19-21Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Revelation 3:17-18You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. / I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.
Proverbs 28:20A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
Ecclesiastes 5:10-11He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. / When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?
Psalm 49:6-7They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. / No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God.
1 John 2:15-17Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.
Matthew 13:22The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
Mark 4:19but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
Luke 12:15-21And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ...
Ezekiel 7:19They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will seem unclean. Their silver and gold cannot save them in the day of the wrath of the LORD. They cannot satisfy their appetites or fill their stomachs with wealth, for it became the stumbling block that brought their iniquity.
Treasury of Scripture And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! he was. Mark 6:26 And the king was exceeding sorry;yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. 2 Corinthians 7:9,10 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing… How. Deuteronomy 6:10-12 And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, … Deuteronomy 8:11-17 Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: … Psalm 10:3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous,whom the LORD abhorreth. Jump to Previous DifficultlyEnterHardHardlyJesusKingdomPossessorsReignRichRichesSadSorrowSorrowfulStruggleWealthWealthyJump to Next DifficultlyEnterHardHardlyJesusKingdomPossessorsReignRichRichesSadSorrowSorrowfulStruggleWealthWealthyLuke 18 1.Of the importunate widow.9.Of the Pharisee and the tax collector.15.Of Children brought to Jesus.18.A ruler would follow Jesus, but is hindered by his riches.28.The reward of those who leave all for his sake.31.He foretells his death;35.and restores a blind man to sight.Seeing the man’s sadnessJesus observes the emotional state of the rich young ruler, who has just turned away sorrowfully after being challenged to sell all he has and follow Christ. This moment highlights Jesus' compassion and understanding of human emotions. It also underscores the personal nature of Jesus' ministry, as He engages with individuals on a deep, personal level. The sadness of the man reflects the internal conflict between his desire for eternal life and his attachment to worldly possessions. Jesus said
This phrase emphasizes the authority of Jesus' words. In the Gospels, when Jesus speaks, it is with divine authority and wisdom. His teachings often challenge societal norms and personal beliefs, calling individuals to a higher standard of living and understanding. The words of Jesus are central to Christian doctrine and are seen as the ultimate guide for faith and practice. How hard it is for the rich
This statement addresses the spiritual challenge that wealth can pose. In the cultural context of first-century Judea, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's favor. However, Jesus turns this notion on its head, suggesting that wealth can be a hindrance to spiritual growth and entry into God's kingdom. This teaching is consistent with other biblical passages that warn against the dangers of riches, such as1 Timothy 6:9-10, which speaks of the love of money as a root of all kinds of evil. to enter the kingdom of God!
The "kingdom of God" is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing both a present reality and a future hope. It signifies God's reign and rule, both in the hearts of believers and ultimately in the world. Entering the kingdom requires a transformation of heart and priorities, often involving a relinquishment of earthly attachments. This phrase challenges believers to evaluate what they value most and to prioritize their relationship with God above all else. The difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom is not due to wealth itself, but the potential for wealth to become an idol, distracting from wholehearted devotion to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the challenges wealth can pose to spiritual life. 2. The Rich ManAlthough not named in this specific verse, the context involves a rich young ruler who approached Jesus to inquire about eternal life. 3. The DisciplesJesus' followers who are present during this teaching moment, learning about the spiritual implications of wealth. 4. The Kingdom of GodA central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing the reign and rule of God, both in the present and future. Teaching Points The Spiritual Challenge of WealthWealth can create a false sense of security and self-sufficiency, making it difficult to rely on God. The Heart's True TreasureJesus calls us to examine where our true treasure lies, urging us to prioritize heavenly riches over earthly wealth. Dependence on GodEntering the kingdom of God requires humility and dependence on God, not on material possessions. The Call to GenerosityFollowers of Christ are encouraged to use their resources to bless others and advance God's kingdom. Eternal PerspectiveBelievers are reminded to maintain an eternal perspective, valuing spiritual wealth over temporal riches. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 18:24?
2.How does Luke 18:24 challenge our view of wealth and spiritual priorities?
3.What does "difficult for the rich" teach about dependence on God for salvation?
4.How can Luke 18:24 guide our approach to material possessions and generosity?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize the spiritual dangers of wealth and self-reliance?
6.How can we apply Luke 18:24 to cultivate humility and trust in God?
7.How does Luke 18:24 challenge the concept of wealth in Christian life?
8.Why does Jesus say it's hard for the rich to enter God's kingdom in Luke 18:24?
9.What historical context influenced Jesus' statement in Luke 18:24?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 18?
11.How can worldly wealth secure eternal friendships?
12.What are the key teachings and events in Luke?
13.Proverbs 10:15 depicts wealth as a 'fortified city'--does this conflict with Jesus' warnings about riches in the New Testament?
14.How can Luke 16:18's stark prohibition on divorce be reconciled with other scriptures (e.g., Matthew 19:9) that appear more nuanced on the issue?What Does Luke 18:24 Mean Seeing the man’s sadnessJesus had just called the wealthy ruler to sell his possessions and follow Him (Luke 18:22). The man walked away “very sad,” showing that his heart was tied to his wealth. • Jesus reads hearts perfectly (Hebrews 4:13) and, like the Good Shepherd, feels compassion for the lost (Mark 10:21;Psalm 34:18). • The sorrow here is not repentance but grief over sacrifice—an early warning that misplaced affection can eclipse devotion to God (Matthew 6:24).
Jesus saidWhen Christ speaks, He speaks with divine authority (Matthew 7:29;John 12:49). What follows is not a suggestion but an unchanging truth. • His words expose the spiritual reality behind outward success. • He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), so He alone defines the terms of entrance into the kingdom.
How hard it isThe difficulty is real, not rhetorical. Entering God’s kingdom always involves a radical heart change (John 3:3). • Even the general path is narrow and “few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). •Acts 14:22 reminds believers, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” • Yet the statement stops short of impossibility;Luke 18:27 quickly adds, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
for the richWealth itself is not evil, but it carries unique spiritual hazards. • Money promises security that only God can give (Proverbs 11:4;Revelation 3:17). • It can fuel pride and self-reliance (1 Timothy 6:17). • It easily becomes an idol, entrapping the soul (1 Timothy 6:9-10;James 5:1-3). • God often chooses the poor who are “rich in faith” (James 2:5), not because poverty saves but because dependence on Him is clearer.
to enter the kingdom of God!The kingdom is God’s reign in the present and His glorious future rule. Entry is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), yet faith must dethrone every rival. • Jesus had just exalted childlike trust as the model for receiving the kingdom (Luke 18:16-17). Wealth fights that posture. • Only surrender makes room for the new birth Jesus described to Nicodemus (John 3:5). • The invitation stands—even for the rich—when they lay their treasure at His feet (Luke 19:1-10).
summaryLuke 18:24 teaches that earthly riches create a real, heart-level barrier to salvation. Wealth deceives, fostering self-sufficiency and dulling the desperate need for God that opens the gate to His kingdom. Yet Christ’s warning is also an invitation: what our resources can never accomplish, God can, when we trade trust in riches for wholehearted trust in Him. (24-27) When Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful.--See Notes on Matthew 19:23-26; Mark 10:23-27. The better MSS. give simply, "When Jesus saw him, He said . . ." How hardly shall they that have riches . . .--Another verbal agreement with St. Mark. Verse 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! The temptations which beset a rich man are so many and so various. The poor, indeed, with all their trials, stand fairer for the kingdom than do their envied richer brothers and sisters.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek SeeingἸδὼν(Idōn)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3708:Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.[the man’s]αὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.sorrow,περίλυπον(perilypon)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4036:Very sorrowful, greatly grieved. From peri and lupe; grieved all around, i.e. Intensely sad.JesusἸησοῦς(Iēsous)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.said,εἶπεν(eipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.“HowΠῶς(Pōs)Adverb
Strong's 4459:Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!hard [it is]δυσκόλως(dyskolōs)Adverb
Strong's 1423:With difficulty, hardly. Adverb from duskolos; impracticably.for theοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.richχρήματα(chrēmata)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5536:Money, riches, possessions. Something useful or needed, i.e. Wealth, price.to enterεἰσπορεύονται(eisporeuontai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1531:To journey in(to), I go in(to), enter, intervene. From eis and poreuomai; to enter.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.kingdomβασιλείαν(basileian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932:From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.of God.Θεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
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NT Gospels: Luke 18:24 Jesus seeing that he became very sad (Luke Lu Lk) |
