Luke 18:25
New International Version
Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

New Living Translation
In fact, 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
For 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.”

Berean Standard Bible
Indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Berean Literal Bible
For it is easier for a camel to go through an eye of a needle, than a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."

King James Bible
For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

New King James Version
For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

New American Standard Bible
For 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!”

NASB 1995
“For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

NASB 1977
“For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Legacy Standard Bible
For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Amplified Bible
For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man [who places his faith in wealth or status] to enter the kingdom of God.”

Christian Standard Bible
For 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.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For 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.”

American Standard Version
For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Contemporary English Version
In fact, it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into God's kingdom."

English Revised Version
For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Indeed, 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."

Good News Translation
It is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle."

International Standard Version
Indeed, it's easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into the kingdom of God."

Majority Standard Bible
Indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

NET Bible
In fact, 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."

New Heart English Bible
For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle's eye, than for a rich person to enter into the Kingdom of God."

Webster's Bible Translation
For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Weymouth New Testament
Why, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God."

World English Bible
For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For it is easier for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.”

Berean Literal Bible
For it is easier for a camel to go through an eye of a needle, than a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."

Young's Literal Translation
for it is easier for a camel through the eye of a needle to enter, than for a rich man into the reign of God to enter.'

Smith's Literal Translation
For it is easier for a camel to come through the hole of a needle, than for a rich one to come into the kingdom of God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a wealthy man to enter into the kingdom of God.”

New American Bible
For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

New Revised Standard Version
Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
It is easier for a rope to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“It is easier for a camel to enter the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For 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.

Godbey New Testament
For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to go into the kingdom of God.

Haweis New Testament
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.

Mace New Testament
it is easier for a cable to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Weymouth New Testament
Why, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God."

Worrell New Testament
for it is easier for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God."

Worsley New Testament
For 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.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Rich Young Ruler
24Seeing the man’s sadness, Jesus said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25Indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 26Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”…

Cross References
Matthew 19:24
Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Mark 10:25
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Proverbs 11:28
He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage.

1 Timothy 6:9-10
Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

James 5:1-3
Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days.

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Proverbs 23:4-5
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. / When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-11
He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. / When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?

1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

Matthew 13:22
The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Mark 4:19
but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Luke 12:15-21
And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ...

Psalm 49:6-7
They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. / No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God.

Revelation 3:17-18
You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. / I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

Job 31:24-28
If I have put my trust in gold or called pure gold my security, / if I have rejoiced in my great wealth because my hand had gained so much, / if I have beheld the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, ...


Treasury of Scripture

For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

a camel.

Matthew 23:24
Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

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Camel Easier Enter Eye Indeed Kingdom Money Needle Needle's Reign Rich Simpler
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Camel Easier Enter Eye Indeed Kingdom Money Needle Needle's Reign Rich Simpler
Luke 18
1. Of the importunate widow.
9. Of the Pharisee and the tax collector.
15. Of Children brought to Jesus.
18. A ruler would follow Jesus, but is hindered by his riches.
28. The reward of those who leave all for his sake.
31. He foretells his death;
35. and restores a blind man to sight.














Indeed
The word "indeed" is used to emphasize the truth and certainty of the statement that follows. In Greek, the word is "γάρ" (gar), which often serves to affirm or explain. This word sets the tone for the gravity of Jesus' teaching, underscoring the seriousness of the spiritual truth He is about to convey.

it is easier
The phrase "it is easier" comes from the Greek "εὐκοπώτερον" (eukopoteron), which suggests something that is more manageable or less difficult. This comparative term highlights the extreme difficulty of the task being described, setting up a stark contrast between the two scenarios Jesus presents.

for a camel
The "camel" (Greek: "κάμηλος," kamelos) is the largest animal found in the region of Palestine, often used in hyperbolic expressions to illustrate impossibility. The camel was a common sight in the ancient Near East, symbolizing something large and unwieldy. This imagery would have been immediately understood by Jesus' audience as representing something exceedingly difficult to manage.

to pass through
The phrase "to pass through" is translated from the Greek "διελθεῖν" (dielthein), meaning to go through or traverse. This verb implies movement and transition, suggesting an action that is not just difficult but practically impossible in the context of the metaphor.

the eye of a needle
"The eye of a needle" (Greek: "τρῆμα ῥαφίδος," trema rhaphidos) refers to the small opening in a sewing needle. This metaphorical expression is often debated, but traditionally it is understood as a literal needle, emphasizing the impossibility of the task. Some historical interpretations suggest a narrow gate in Jerusalem called the "Needle's Eye," but the primary understanding remains a literal needle, underscoring the hyperbolic nature of Jesus' teaching.

than for a rich man
The term "rich man" (Greek: "πλούσιος," plousios) refers to someone possessing great wealth. In the cultural and historical context of Jesus' time, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's favor. However, Jesus challenges this notion by suggesting that wealth can be a hindrance to spiritual entry into God's kingdom.

to enter
"To enter" (Greek: "εἰσελθεῖν," eiselthein) implies gaining access or admission. This verb is significant in the context of the kingdom of God, as it denotes the transition from one state of being to another, from earthly life to eternal life.

the kingdom of God
The "kingdom of God" (Greek: "βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ," basileia tou Theou) represents the reign and rule of God, both in the present spiritual sense and in the future eschatological fulfillment. This concept is central to Jesus' teaching, emphasizing the values and priorities of God's rule, which often stand in contrast to worldly values, such as the accumulation of wealth.

(25) Through a needle's eye.--The Greek word for "needle" in the better MSS. differs from that in St. Matthew and St. Mark, and is a more classical word. That which the others use was unknown to Attic writers. The fact, small as it is, takes its place among the signs of St. Luke's culture.

Verse 25. - For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. This simile, taken in its plain and obvious sense, appears to many an exaggerated one, and various explanations have been suggested to soften it down. The best is found in Lord Nugent's 'Lands Classical and Sacred,' who mentions that in some modern Syrian towns the narrow gate for foot-passengers at the side of the larger gate by which waggons, camels, and other beasts of burden enter the city, is known as the "needle's eye." It is, however, very uncertain whether this term for the little gate was known in ancient times. But the simile was evidently a common one among the Jews. The Talmud, for instance, gives us the parallel phrase of an elephant passing through a needle's eye. The Koran repeats the very words of the Gospel. it is the object of the proverb to express human impossibility.

"I would ride the camel,
Yea leap him flying, through the needle's eye
As easily as such a pampered soul
Could pass the narrow gate."


(Southey.) It seems strange that the three evangelists, SS. Matthew, Mark, and Luke, who tell this story of the young questioner and the Master's conversation with him, do not mention his name. And yet he must have been a conspicuous personage in the society of the time. First of all, his riches were evidently remarkable. One account tells us that he was" very rich." Two of the Gospels mention his "great possessions." St. Luke tells us that he was "a ruler." He was, then, certainly a very wealthy Jew holding a high official position, not improbably a member of the Sanhedrin council. Why is he nameless in the three Gospels? Dean Plumptre has a most interesting theory that the young wealthy ruler was Lazarus of Bethany. He bases his hypothesis upon the following data: He begins by stating that "there is one other case in the first two Gospels which presents similar phenomena. ]n the narrative of the supper at Bethany, St. Matthew and St. Mark record the passionate affection which expressed itself in pouring the precious ointment of spikenard upon our Lord's head as the act of 'a woman' (Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3), leaving her unnamed. In John 12:3 we find that the woman was Mary, the sister of Lazarus. The train of thought thus suggested points to the supposition that here also there may have been reasons for suppressing in the records a name which was familiar to the narrator. What if the young ruler were Lazarus himself? The points of agreement are sufficiently numerous to warrant the conjecture. The household of Lazarus, as the spikenard ointment shows, were of the wealthier class. The friends who came to comfort the bereaved sisters were themselves, in St. John's language, 'of the Jews,' i.e. of the chief rulers (John 11:19). The young ruler was obviously a Pharisee, and the language of Martha (John 11:24) shows that she, too, believed in eternal life and the resurrection of the dead. The answer to the young ruler, ' One thing thou lackest' (as given by St. Mark and St. Luke), is almost identical with that to Martha, 'One thing is needful' (Luke 10:42). In such a case, of course, nothing can be attained beyond conjectural inference; but the present writer must avow his belief that the coincidences in this case are such as to carry the evidence to a very high point of probability."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Indeed,
γάρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

it is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

easier for
εὐκοπώτερον (eukopōteron)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular - Comparative
Strong's 2123: Easier. Comparative of a compound of eu and kopos; better for toil, i.e. More facile.

a camel
κάμηλον (kamēlon)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2574: A camel or dromedary. Of Hebrew origin; a 'camel'.

to pass
εἰσελθεῖν (eiselthein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.

through
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

an eye
τρήματος (trēmatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 5169: A hole; the eye of a needle. From a derivative of the base of trumalia; an aperture, i.e. A needle's eye.

of a needle
βελόνης (belonēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 956: A missile, dart, javelin, arrow. From ballo; a missile, i.e. Spear or arrow.

than for
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

a rich man
πλούσιον (plousion)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4145: Rich, abounding in, wealthy; subst: a rich man. From ploutos; wealthy; figuratively, abounding with.

to enter
εἰσελθεῖν (eiselthein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kingdom
βασιλείαν (basileian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932: From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.

of God.”
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


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Luke 18:24
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