King James Version

What Does Mark 10:26 Mean?

Mark 10:26 in the King James Version says “And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?” — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 10:26 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

28

Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The disciples 'were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?' (οἱ δὲ περισσῶς ἐξεπλήσσοντο λέγοντες πρὸς ἑαυτούς, Καὶ τίς δύναται σωθῆναι;). After Jesus said it's easier for camel to pass through needle's eye than rich enter kingdom (v. 25), disciples despaired. If wealthy people (who seemed most blessed by God, per prosperity theology common in Judaism) couldn't be saved, who could? Their question reveals human inability—no one can save themselves. Jesus' answer (v. 27) resolves this: salvation is impossible for humans but possible for God. This is gospel essence: humans are spiritually dead, unable to save themselves (Ephesians 2:1-3, 8-9); God makes alive (Ephesians 2:4-5). Salvation is monergistic—God's work alone, not human cooperation. The disciples' despair was appropriate—recognizing human inability is prerequisite for embracing divine grace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish theology generally viewed wealth as sign of God's blessing and poverty as potential curse (Deuteronomy 28). Wealthy people could afford temple sacrifices, synagogue donations, almsgiving—external religiosity. Disciples assumed rich had advantage in salvation. Jesus shattered this assumption, teaching that wealth often hinders salvation by creating false security (Mark 10:24, 'trust in riches'). The question 'Who then can be saved?' expresses genuine perplexity—if not the rich, then who? Jesus' teaching inverted conventional wisdom, demonstrating that worldly advantages (wealth, status, education) don't guarantee salvation. Paul taught similarly: not many wise, mighty, or noble are called (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Salvation comes through God's sovereign choice and grace, not human merit or advantage.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is recognizing human inability to save themselves essential for understanding and embracing the gospel?
  2. How does Jesus' teaching challenge contemporary 'prosperity gospel' that equates wealth with divine favor?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
οἱ1 of 11
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 11

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

περισσῶς3 of 11

“out of measure”

G4057

superabundantly

ἐξεπλήσσοντο4 of 11

“they were astonished”

G1605

to strike with astonishment

λέγοντες5 of 11

“saying”

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

πρὸς6 of 11

“among”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ἑαυτούς7 of 11

“themselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Καὶ8 of 11
G2532

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

τίς9 of 11

“Who”

G5101

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

δύναται10 of 11

“then can”

G1410

to be able or possible

σωθῆναι11 of 11

“be saved”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (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 10:26 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 Mark 10:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 16:312 Corinthians 11:23Mark 7:37Mark 6:51Romans 10:9-13Luke 13:23

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