King James Version

What Does Luke 18:26 Mean?

Luke 18:26 in the King James Version says “And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?”

Luke 18:26 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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!

25

For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26

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

27

And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

28

Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

Read Luke 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? This verse captures the disciples' astonishment at Jesus' statement about the difficulty of the rich entering God's kingdom. The Greek verb akousantes (ἀκούσαντες, "having heard") indicates they comprehended Jesus' radical teaching. Their question, Tis dynatatai sōthēnai (Τίς δύναται σωθῆναι, "Who is able to be saved?"), reveals their shocking realization.

The verb sōzō (σῴζω) means "to save, rescue, preserve," encompassing both temporal deliverance and eternal salvation. The disciples' use of the passive infinitive sōthēnai ("to be saved") subtly acknowledges that salvation is something done to a person, not achieved by them. The pronoun tis ("who") broadens the question beyond the rich—if wealth, often seen as God's blessing, doesn't guarantee salvation, then who can be saved?

This question exposes the futility of all human effort in salvation. Jewish theology taught that riches indicated divine favor and righteousness, yet Jesus inverts this assumption. The disciples' shock demonstrates their dawning awareness that salvation transcends human capability, foreshadowing Jesus' response in verse 27: "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." This verse establishes the critical doctrine of salvation by grace alone—no human status, wealth, or effort can earn redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Judaism, wealth was universally viewed as evidence of God's blessing and righteousness. This theology derived from Deuteronomy 28-30, where obedience to the Law results in material prosperity. The patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) and kings (David, Solomon) were all wealthy, reinforcing the connection between godliness and riches. Rabbinical teaching emphasized that the wealthy had special advantages for righteous living—freedom from anxiety about daily needs, ability to study Torah, and capacity for generous giving.

The disciples' astonishment reveals how thoroughly this worldview permeated their thinking. If a rich young ruler who kept the commandments from his youth couldn't be saved, their entire framework for understanding salvation collapsed. The question "Who then can be saved?" expresses genuine theological crisis.

Jesus' teaching here was revolutionary, directly confronting the prosperity theology of His day. This moment prepared the disciples for the gospel of grace that would be fully revealed after Christ's resurrection. The early church would face this same challenge when wealthy converts sought salvation—Paul's epistles repeatedly emphasize that salvation comes through faith alone, not through wealth, status, or works (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge contemporary prosperity theology that equates material blessing with spiritual favor?
  2. In what ways do we subtly trust in our own resources, status, or achievements rather than God's grace alone?
  3. How should the impossibility of human salvation shape our evangelism and our understanding of conversion?
  4. What cultural "advantages" (education, morality, family background) do we wrongly assume make salvation easier?
  5. How does this verse prepare us to understand Jesus' declaration in verse 27 about God's saving power?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
εἶπον1 of 8

“it said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 8

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

οἱ3 of 8
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀκούσαντες4 of 8

“they that heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

Καὶ5 of 8

“then”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τίς6 of 8

“Who”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

δύναται7 of 8

“can be”

G1410

to be able or possible

σωθῆναι8 of 8

“saved”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 18:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 18:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 13:23

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