Matthew 19:24

Modern

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.”

Traditional

And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Literal

And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”

Latin

Et iterum dico vobis: Facilius est camelum per foramen acus transire, quam divitem intrare in regnum cælorum.

Greek

English

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.”

Easier for a camel: This analogy emphasizes how difficult it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Some manuscripts use a Greek word meaning rope (kamilos) instead of camel (kamēlos), a difference of only one letter.
to pass through the eye of a needle: This image suggests it is impossible for wealthy people to enter the kingdom of God. But the situation is not completely hopeless (Matthew 19:26–27). See study note on Mark 10:25.

Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem (Matthew 19:1; 20:29; 21:1). This was another chance to teach the disciples what it means to be his disciples.

Theme notes and profiles

John 5:44
How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
Luke 18:25
Indeed, 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 10:24–25
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!
Jeremiah 13:23
Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Neither are you able to do good—you who are accustomed to doing evil.
Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 23:24
You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.