Camel Through the Eye of a Needle: What Does Mark 10:25 Mean?

Mark 10:25 reads, “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.” King James Version (KJV)

TranslationMark 10:25
ESVIt is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
NASB“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
NIVIt is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
NLTIn fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

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Camel Through the Eye of a Needle: Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

10:23-31 Christ took this occasion to speak to his disciples about the difficulty of the salvation of those who have abundance of this world.

Those who thus eagerly seek the wealth of the world, will never rightly prize Christ and his grace. Also, as to the greatness of the salvation of those who have but little of this world, and leave it for Christ.

The greatest trial of a good man’s constancy is, when love to Jesus calls him to give up love to friends and relatives. Even when gainers by Christ, let them still expect to suffer for him, till they reach heaven.

Let us learn contentment in a low state, and to watch against the love of riches in a high one. Let us pray to be enabled to part with all, if required, in Christ’s service, and to use all we are allowed to keep in his service.

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Mark 10:25 | Pulpit Bible Commentary

Verse 25. – It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, etc. This is a strong hyperbolic proverbial expression to represent anything that is very difficult to do.

Dr. John Lightfoot, in his Hebrew exercitations upon St. Matthew’s Gospel (vol. 2 p. 219). He quotes instances from the binical writings of a very similar phrase intended to represent something that is possible.

For example, he quotes one rabbi disputing with another, who says, “Perhaps thou art one of those who can make an elephant pass through the eye of a needle; that i,s, “who speak things that are impossible.’ St. Jerome says,” It is not the absolute impossibility of the thing which is set forth, but the infrequency of it.” Mark 10:25

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Daniel Isaiah Joseph

Daniel's seminary degree is in Exegetical Theology. He was a pastor for 10 years. As a professor, he has taught Bible and theology courses at two Christian universities. Please see his About page for details.

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