King James Version

What Does Matthew 19:22 Mean?

Matthew 19:22 in the King James Version says “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 19:22 · KJV

Context

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.

24

And again I say unto you, 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.

Read Matthew 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He went away sorrowful (ἀπῆλθεν λυπούμενος, apēlthen lupoumenos)—The young man's grief reveals spiritual authenticity yet fatal unwillingness. His sorrow (λυπέω, lupeō) shows he understood Jesus's demand and felt its weight, unlike those who dismiss Christ's claims lightly. Yet for he had great possessions (ἦν γὰρ ἔχων κτήματα πολλά, ēn gar echōn ktēmata polla) explains his choice: present wealth outweighed eternal life.

This narrative demonstrates that intellectual assent, moral respectability, and even spiritual hunger prove insufficient for salvation. The man had possessions, but more accurately, possessions had him. Jesus exposed the First Commandment violation: the young ruler's functional god was wealth, not Yahweh. His refusal to sell and follow illustrates how mammon becomes an enslaving master (Matt. 6:24), preventing Kingdom entrance (v. 24).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Jewish thought, wealth was often viewed as a sign of God's blessing and covenant faithfulness (Deut. 28:1-14). The notion that a wealthy, Torah-observant young man could be far from the Kingdom was shocking to Jesus's audience. This encounter challenged the prosperity theology of Second Temple Judaism and exposed how material blessing can become a spiritual snare.

Reflection Questions

  1. What possessions, relationships, or ambitions might Jesus be calling you to surrender as idols that compete with whole-hearted discipleship?
  2. How does the rich young ruler's sorrowful departure warn against mere emotional response to the gospel without repentant obedience?
  3. In what ways do contemporary Christians rationalize partial obedience, keeping what Jesus demands we release?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἀκούσας1 of 13

“heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

δὲ2 of 13

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 13
G3588

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

νεανίσκος4 of 13

“when the young man”

G3495

a youth (under forty)

τὸν5 of 13
G3588

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

λόγον6 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

“he 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

“sorrowful”

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 Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 19:22 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 Matthew 19:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 6:24Ezekiel 33:31Matthew 13:22Matthew 16:26Ephesians 5:5Colossians 3:5

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