King James Version

What Does Mark 10:25 Mean?

Mark 10:25 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Mark 10:25 · KJV

Context

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?

27

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Easier for camel go through eye of needle than rich man enter kingdom. Easier eukopōteron less difficult. Camel kamēlon largest animal Palestine. Go through dielthein pass. Eye trēmatos opening. Needle raphidos sewing needle. Impossible image. Some suggest camel wrong translation should be rope kamēlos versus kamilos. Others suggest needle small gate requiring camel unload kneel. But likely hyperbole impossible. Rich entering kingdom humanly impossible. Only God can save rich. Salvation wholly grace. Reformed theology emphasizes divine necessity regeneration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Disciples response (v. 26) who then can be saved shows they understood Jesus meant impossible. Peter declares we left all (v. 28). Disciples gave up modest means recognized impossibility. God makes impossible possible (v. 27). Abraham justified by faith wealthy. Zacchaeus tax collector rich converted. Joseph Arimathea rich disciple. Not impossible but requires divine grace overcome temptation trust wealth. Early church had wealthy members warned about dangers. Modern church needs balance not demonize wealth but recognize spiritual danger. Faithful stewardship whether much little.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does impossible image of camel through needle eye teach about human inability divine necessity in salvation?
  2. How can wealthy believers avoid trap of trusting riches while using resources for kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
εὐκοπώτερόν1 of 17

“easier”

G2123

better for toil, i.e., more facile

ἐστιν2 of 17

“It is”

G2076

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

κάμηλον3 of 17

“for a camel”

G2574

a "camel"

διὰ4 of 17

“through”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς5 of 17
G3588

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

τρυμαλιᾶς6 of 17

“the eye”

G5168

an orifice, i.e., needle's eye

τῆς7 of 17
G3588

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

ῥαφίδος8 of 17

“of a needle”

G4476

a needle

εἰσελθεῖν9 of 17

“to enter”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

ἢ10 of 17

“than”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

πλούσιον11 of 17

“for a rich man”

G4145

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

εἰς12 of 17

“into”

G1519

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

τὴν13 of 17
G3588

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

βασιλείαν14 of 17

“the kingdom”

G932

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

τοῦ15 of 17
G3588

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

θεοῦ16 of 17

“of God”

G2316

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

εἰσελθεῖν17 of 17

“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 10:25 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 10:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 19:24-25Luke 18:25Matthew 23:24Jeremiah 13:23Matthew 7:3-5

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