English
Português
Español
Français
Answer
There are various interpretations regarding Jesus’ statement about the difficulty for a rich man to enter eternal life compared to a camel passing through the eye of a needle (Matthew 19:24;Mark 10:25;Luke 18:25). The Persians illustrated impossibility by mentioning it would be simpler to push an elephant through a needle’s eye. The camel analogy was a Jewish adaptation, considering the camel as the largest animal in Israel.
Some suggest that the “needle” Jesus referred to was the Needle Gate, a supposedly small and narrow gate in the Jerusalem wall used after hours. It was intentionally small for security purposes, requiring a camel to be unloaded and crawl through on its knees. However, there is no evidence supporting the existence of such a gate. Additionally, why would a camel driver choose such a difficult path when larger gates were available?
Others argue that the Greek word for “camel” (kamelos) should be translated as “cable” (kamilos). This interpretation would imply that it is easier for a cable or rope to pass through the eye of a needle. Nevertheless, accepting this view raises more questions than it answers, potentially undermining the accuracy and divine inspiration of Scripture.
The most plausible explanation is that Jesus employed hyperbole, a rhetorical device that exaggerates for emphasis. Jesus used similar techniques when mentioning a “plank” in someone’s eye (Matthew 7:3-5) and swallowing a camel.
Yes, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” (Matthew 23:24).
Jesus’ message is clear—it is impossible for anyone to be saved on his own merits. Since wealth was seen as proof of God’s approval, it was commonly taught by the rabbis that rich people were blessed by God and were, therefore, the most likely candidates for heaven. Jesus destroyed that notion, and along with it, the idea that anyone can earn eternal life. The disciples had the appropriate response to this startling statement. They were utterly amazed and asked, “Who then can be saved?” in the next verse. If the wealthy among them, which included the super-spiritual Pharisees and scribes, were unworthy of heaven, what hope was there for a poor man?
Jesus’ answer is the basis of the gospel: “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God” (Matthew 19:26). Men are saved through God’s gifts of grace, mercy, and faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Nothing we do earns salvation for us. It is the poor in spirit who inherit the kingdom of God (Matthew 5:3), those who recognize their spiritual poverty and their utter inability to do anything to justify themselves to a holy God. The rich man so often is blind to his spiritual poverty because he is proud of his accomplishments and has contented himself with his wealth. He is as likely to humble himself before God as a camel is to crawl through the eye of a needle.
