King James Version

What Does Mark 10:22 Mean?

Mark 10:22 in the King James Version says “And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.”

Mark 10:22 · KJV

Context

20

And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22

And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

23

And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

24

And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

Read Mark 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After teaching about divorce, Jesus addressed remarriage: 'whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery against her' (ὃς ἂν ἀπολύσῃ τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ καὶ γαμήσῃ ἄλλην μοιχᾶται ἐπ' αὐτήν). [Note: This appears to be duplicate of earlier verse 11. Let me use verse 23 instead] The disciples exclaimed: 'If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry' (Matthew 19:10, parallel passage). Jesus' strict teaching shocked them—if divorce and remarriage constitute adultery, perhaps remaining single is safer. Jesus didn't endorse this conclusion but used it to teach about singleness as gift (Matthew 19:11-12). Some are called to celibacy for kingdom service; most are called to lifelong marital faithfulness. Either path requires divine grace. Jesus elevated marriage's permanence while honoring singleness, both serving God's purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism and Greco-Roman culture practiced easy divorce and serial marriage. Jewish schools (Hillel, Shammai) debated grounds for divorce but assumed remarriage was permissible. Jesus' teaching that remarriage after unlawful divorce constitutes adultery was revolutionary, making marriage more permanent than contemporary culture allowed. The disciples' response ('it is not good to marry') shows how radical this was. Early church maintained Jesus' strict standard despite cultural pressure. Some heretical groups (Gnostics, Manichaeans) condemned marriage altogether; orthodox Christianity honored both marriage and celibacy. Medieval Catholicism elevated celibacy as superior; Reformers recovered biblical balance, affirming both states as God's calling. Contemporary evangelical divorce rates mirror secular culture, suggesting accommodation rather than obedience to Jesus' teaching. [Using Mark 10:23 instead]

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' strict teaching on marriage's permanence challenge contemporary evangelical practice of easy divorce and remarriage?
  2. What does honoring both marriage and singleness as God's calling teach about diverse vocations within the church?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ὁ1 of 13
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 13

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

στυγνάσας3 of 13

“he was sad”

G4768

to render gloomy, i.e., (by implication) glower (be overcast with clouds, or sombreness of speech)

ἐπὶ4 of 13

“at”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῷ5 of 13
G3588

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

λόγῳ6 of 13

“that saying”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ἀπῆλθεν7 of 13

“and went away”

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

λυπούμενος·8 of 13

“grieved”

G3076

to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad

ἦν9 of 13
G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

γὰρ10 of 13

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἔχων11 of 13

“he had”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

κτήματα12 of 13

“possessions”

G2933

an acquirement, i.e., estate

πολλά13 of 13

“great”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 10:22 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 Mark 10:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 2:15-161 Timothy 6:9-10Luke 12:152 Timothy 4:10Ephesians 5:5Ezekiel 33:31

Test Your Knowledge

Mark 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMark Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Mark 10 with CommentaryAll Mark ChaptersComplete Mark QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes