King James Version

What Does Matthew 19:21 Mean?

Matthew 19:21 in the King James Version says “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have trea... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Matthew 19:21 · KJV


Context

19

Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

20

The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

21

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

22

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' command 'If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me' exposes the man's true master—wealth. 'Perfect' means complete or mature, not sinless. The call to sell everything revealed whether he loved God supremely or trusted in riches. 'Treasure in heaven' contrasts with earthly wealth. 'Follow me' is the ultimate call—discipleship requires forsaking all competitors to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The rich young ruler claimed to have kept all commandments (v. 20), revealing spiritual blindness—no one keeps the law perfectly. Jesus' command exposed his idolatry—wealth was his functional god. His sorrowful departure (v. 22) showed he loved money more than eternal life. The issue wasn't wealth itself but divided loyalty.

Reflection Questions

  1. What possession or pursuit competes with wholehearted following of Jesus?
  2. How does Jesus' call to 'follow me' require relinquishing lesser treasures?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ἔφη1 of 25

said

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

αὐτῷ2 of 25

unto him

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

3 of 25
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 25

Jesus

G2424

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

Εἰ5 of 25

If

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

θέλεις6 of 25

thou wilt

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

τέλειος7 of 25

perfect

G5046

complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness

εἶναι8 of 25

be

G1511

to exist

ὕπαγε9 of 25

go

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

πώλησόν10 of 25

and sell

G4453

to barter (as a pedlar), i.e., to sell

σου11 of 25

that thou

G4675

of thee, thy

τὰ12 of 25
G3588

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

ὑπάρχοντα13 of 25

hast

G5224

things extant or in hand, i.e., property or possessions

καὶ14 of 25

and

G2532

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

δὸς15 of 25

give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

πτωχοῖς16 of 25

to the poor

G4434

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

καὶ17 of 25

and

G2532

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

ἕξεις18 of 25

thou shalt have

G2192

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

θησαυρὸν19 of 25

treasure

G2344

a deposit, i.e., wealth (literally or figuratively)

ἐν20 of 25

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

οὐρανῷ21 of 25

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ22 of 25

and

G2532

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

δεῦρο23 of 25

come

G1204

here; used also imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto

ἀκολούθει24 of 25

and follow

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

μοι25 of 25

me

G3427

to me


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 19:21 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 Matthew 19:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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