Jesus doesn't just state a fact about wealth; He "looked around," his gaze sweeping over his disciples, suggesting a deep, shared emotional weight behind the pronouncement. This isn't just a doctrinal point, but a pastoral concern, highlighting how easily riches can become a snare that disconnects people from God's kingdom.
And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just moments before, a rich young ruler eagerly approached Jesus asking about eternal life, but turned away sadly when Jesus revealed his deep attachment to his wealth. Jesus then turns to his disciples, taking in the scene with a searching look, and states that it's incredibly difficult for wealthy people to enter God's kingdom. This profound statement, delivered after the ruler's rejection, highlights the subtle but powerful grip possessions can have, even on those seeking spiritual life.
Before Jesus speaks, He looks. What does this detailed observation tell us about His awareness of our hearts, especially concerning wealth?
Mark specifically notes Jesus 'looked around.' This isn't just a casual glance; it's a deliberate, searching look. The original Greek word suggests a sweeping gaze, taking in the whole scene and its implications. This shows Jesus' deep awareness of the spiritual condition of those around Him, particularly the rich young ruler who had just walked away. His look was not one of casual observation but of profound, compassionate insight into the hearts of His disciples and the world.
This intense gaze highlights how keenly Jesus perceived the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways wealth can ensnare the human heart. It's a reminder that God sees not just our actions, but the internal struggles and attachments that accompany them.
Jesus says it's 'difficult' for the rich to enter. Is this an absolute ban, or a description of a significant challenge?
The phrase 'How hardly shall they...' points to extreme difficulty, not absolute impossibility. The commentaries suggest that wealth itself isn't the direct problem, but rather the common tendency for those who possess it to 'trust in riches' (as clarified later in Mark 10:24).:
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This isn't a condemnation of all wealthy people, but a stark warning about the spiritual dangers that often accompany abundant possessions.
When the disciples are astonished and ask, 'Who then can be saved?', Jesus' answer shifts the focus. Where does the real solution lie?
The disciples' amazement stems from a worldview where wealth was often seen as a sign of God's favor. Jesus' statement shatters this assumption, revealing that riches can actually be a major obstacle to entering the Kingdom. Their question, 'Who then can be saved?', expresses a dawning realization of human helplessness in meeting God's perfect standard.
Jesus’ response, 'With men it is impossible, but not with God: for all things are possible with God,' is crucial. It acknowledges the human inability to overcome the hurdles presented by wealth (or any sin). However, it immediately pivots to God's sovereign power. The difficulty isn't a final barrier; it's an invitation to depend entirely on God's grace. Salvation isn't achieved by human effort, especially when hindered by clinging to riches, but is entirely a work of God’s omnipotent power.
Understand the original words
basileia tou Theou · Greek Noun
Refers to the manifestation of God’s rule and reign, both currently in the hearts of believers and definitively in the future age to come. It denotes the sphere over which God exercises His sovereignty.
chremata · Greek Noun
Refers to material resources or assets. Biblically, wealth is often viewed as a gift from God, but it carries significant spiritual danger if it becomes an object of trust, an idol, or a hindrance to wholehearted devotion to Christ.
teknon · Greek Noun
A term of endearment and instruction used by Jesus to address his followers, emphasizing their dependence on Him and their status as heirs of God's grace. It highlights the relational intimacy between the Master and His disciples.
The disciples were astonished because, in their cultural context, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's favor. Jesus' teaching directly challenged this assumption, highlighting the spiritual dangers that riches can pose.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus travels and teaches throughout Galilee, gathering disciples and confronting religious authorities. His message of the Kingdom of God begins to spread.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Encounter with the Rich Young Ruler
A wealthy young man asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell all he has, give to the poor, and follow Him, but the man goes away sadly.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Teaching on Riches
Following the encounter, Jesus directly addresses His disciples, emphasizing the profound difficulty the wealthy face in entering the Kingdom of God.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Final Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus begins His final journey to Jerusalem, knowing His death and resurrection are imminent. His teachings become more focused on His impending suffering and the cost of discipleship.
This passage presents the same teaching from Jesus, directly stating the difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom of God and setting up the subsequent camel-and-needle illustration.
Luke 18:24Luke's account emphasizes Jesus' reaction to the ruler's sadness, showing the tenderness with which He addresses the disciples' astonishment and the inherent danger of wealth.
1 Timothy 6:10This verse directly addresses the root issue, explaining that 'the love of money' is the source of many evils, which is the underlying problem Jesus highlights when speaking about riches.
Proverbs 11:28This proverb offers a contrasting wisdom, stating that 'whoever trusts in his riches will fall,' directly correlating trust in wealth with spiritual downfall, aligning with Jesus' warning.
1 Samuel 2:7This verse from Hannah's prayer mirrors the idea that God, not material possessions, is the ultimate source of exaltation and provision, a truth that challenges the rich man's reliance on his wealth.
bengelMark 10:23: "And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!"
Mark 10:23 . Περιβλεψάμενος , having looked round about ) We have often the look [countenance] of Christ described, corresponding as it did to His inward feeling, and adapted to the inward feelings of His hearers: Comp. Mark 5:21 ; Mark 5:27 .— πῶς , how ) The proposition stated is, A rich man is with difficulty saved: the subject of the proposition is…
pulpitMark 10:23: "And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!"
Verse 23. - And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples (καὶ περιβλεψάμενος ὁ Ιησοῦς λέγει). St. Mark frequently uses this word περιβλέπω. Our Lord turned from the young man, who was now going away, and looked round about, no doubt with a sad and disappointed look, and said to his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter in…
Jesus doesn't just state a fact about wealth; He "looked around," his gaze sweeping over his disciples, suggesting a deep, shared emotional weight behind the pronouncement. This isn't just a doctrinal point, but a pastoral concern, highlighting how easily riches can become a snare that disconnects people from God's kingdom.
Just moments before, a rich young ruler eagerly approached Jesus asking about eternal life, but turned away sadly when Jesus revealed his deep attachment to his wealth. Jesus then turns to his disciples, taking in the scene with a searching look, and states that it's incredibly difficult for wealthy people to enter God's kingdom. This profound statement, delivered after the ruler's rejection, highlights the subtle but powerful grip possessions can have, even on those seeking spiritual life.
Just moments before, a rich young ruler eagerly approached Jesus asking about eternal life, but turned away sadly when Jesus revealed his deep attachment to his wealth. Jesus then turns to his disciples, taking in the scene with a searching look, and states that it's incredibly difficult for wealthy people to enter God's kingdom. This profound statement, delivered after the ruler's rejection, highlights the subtle but powerful grip possessions can have, even on those seeking spiritual life.
"And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is t…" — Jesus doesn't just state a fact about wealth; He "looked around," his gaze sweeping over his disciples, suggesting a deep, shared emotional weight behind the pronouncement. This isn't just a doctrina…
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Last reviewed October 2026
