King James Version

What Does Matthew 19:25 Mean?

Matthew 19:25 in the King James Version says “When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?”

Matthew 19:25 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

25

When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

26

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

27

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

Read Matthew 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They were exceedingly amazed (ἐξεπλήσσοντο σφόδρα, exeplēssonto sphodra)—The disciples' astonishment reveals their residual belief in merit-based salvation. The verb ἐκπλήσσω (ekplēssō) means to strike with panic or shock; intensified by σφόδρα (sphodra, exceedingly), it conveys their theological world collapsing. If the wealthy and righteous cannot save themselves, who then can be saved? (τίς ἄρα δύναται σωθῆναι, tis ara dunatai sōthēnai)—their question exposes the universal impossibility of self-salvation.

Jesus's teaching that entrance through the needle's eye is impossible (v. 24) demolishes all human confidence in natural ability or achievement. The disciples understood the implication: if advantage, morality, and religious devotion cannot secure salvation, then salvation is humanly impossible. This sets up Jesus's revelation in verse 26 that with God all things are possible—salvation is divine work, not human achievement.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestinian Judaism operated within a covenantal nomism framework—belief that God graciously chose Israel, and faithful Jews maintained covenant standing through Torah observance. The disciples' shock reflects their assumption that a Torah-observant, wealthy young man represented the best-case scenario for salvation. Jesus's teaching on wealth's spiritual danger threatened this entire paradigm.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the disciples' question expose the human tendency to assess salvation by comparing ourselves favorably to others?
  2. What modern equivalents to first-century Jewish confidence in wealth and religious pedigree do Christians trust for salvation?
  3. How should Jesus's teaching on salvation's impossibility shape our evangelism, pastoral care, and personal assurance of grace?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ἀκούσαντες1 of 12

“heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

δὲ2 of 12

“When”

G1161

but, and, etc

οἱ3 of 12
G3588

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

μαθηταὶ4 of 12

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ5 of 12

“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

ἐξεπλήσσοντο6 of 12

“amazed”

G1605

to strike with astonishment

σφόδρα7 of 12

“it they were exceedingly”

G4970

of uncertain derivation) as adverb; vehemently, i.e., in a high degree, much

λέγοντες,8 of 12

“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

Τίς9 of 12

“Who”

G5101

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

ἄρα10 of 12
G687

therefore

δύναται11 of 12

“can”

G1410

to be able or possible

σωθῆναι;12 of 12

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 19:25 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 Matthew 19:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 10:13Matthew 24:22Luke 13:23-24Mark 13:20Romans 11:5-7

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