King James Version

What Does Mark 10:24 Mean?

Mark 10:24 in the King James Version says “And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it... — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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!

Mark 10:24 · KJV


Context

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!

25

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.

26

And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus answereth saith Children how hard it is for them trust riches to enter kingdom of God. Jesus responds to disciples amazement. Children endearment. Hard duskolon difficult. Trust riches pepoithotas relying wealth. Enter eiselthein access. Kingdom basileia. Riches create false security illusion self-sufficiency. Trust in wealth replaces trust in God. Impossible for those trusting riches. Only through divine intervention. Reformed theology emphasizes human inability divine necessity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Disciples amazed because Jewish view saw wealth as God blessing. If rich cannot be saved who can. Jesus clarifies not riches themselves but trust in riches. Abraham Job wealthy righteous. But temptation trust wealth strong. Pauls warning love of money root evil (1 Tim 6:10). Not money itself but love of it. Modern materialism exalts wealth success prosperity gospel promises riches. Jesus warns riches spiritual danger. Need divine grace to overcome.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is difference between having riches versus trusting in riches?
  2. How does warning about trusting riches challenge prosperity gospel teaching?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
οἱ1 of 30
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 30

And

G1161

but, and, etc

μαθηταὶ3 of 30

the disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

ἐθαμβοῦντο4 of 30

were astonished

G2284

to stupefy (with surprise), i.e., astound

ἐπὶ5 of 30

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

τοῖς6 of 30
G3588

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

λόγοις7 of 30

words

G3056

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

αὐτοῖς8 of 30

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

9 of 30
G3588

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

δὲ10 of 30

And

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς11 of 30

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

πάλιν12 of 30

again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

ἀποκριθεὶς13 of 30

answereth

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

λέγει14 of 30

and saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῖς15 of 30

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Τέκνα16 of 30

Children

G5043

a child (as produced)

πῶς17 of 30

how

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

δύσκολόν18 of 30

hard

G1422

properly, fastidious about eating (peevish), i.e., (genitive case) impracticable

ἐστιν19 of 30

is it

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τοὺς20 of 30
G3588

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

πεποιθότας21 of 30

for them that trust

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

ἐπὶ22 of 30

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

τοῖς23 of 30
G3588

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

χρήμασιν,24 of 30

riches

G5536

something useful or needed, i.e., wealth, price

εἰς25 of 30

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν26 of 30
G3588

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

βασιλείαν27 of 30

the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ28 of 30
G3588

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

θεοῦ29 of 30

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

εἰσελθεῖν·30 of 30

to enter

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)


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 10:24 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 10:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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