And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

LUKE 18:24KJV
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Luke 18:24 (KJV)

What does Luke 18:24 mean?

Luke 18:24 means that Jesus is pointing out how difficult it is for people who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God. The verse shows Jesus responding to a rich man’s sadness after realizing he would have to give up his riches to follow Jesus, highlighting the spiritual challenge that wealth can bring.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after a wealthy man walks away sorrowful because he cannot part with his possessions. Jesus observes the man’s reaction and then teaches that having riches often makes it hard for people to fully embrace God’s ways, because wealth can become a barrier to wholehearted trust and dependence on God.

The Greek behind Luke 18:24

  • The Greek word for "hardly" is δυσκόλως (dyskolōs), which means "with difficulty" or "hardly." This word emphasizes that entering God’s kingdom is not just unlikely for the wealthy, but especially challenging due to the obstacles riches can create.
  • The word for "riches" is χρήματα (chrēmata), which refers specifically to material possessions or wealth. This highlights that Jesus is talking about tangible, earthly wealth, not just a general sense of abundance.
  • The phrase "kingdom of God" uses βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ (basileian tou theou), meaning God’s reign or rule. In this context, it refers to being part of the community and life that God offers.

Why Luke 18:24 matters

  • This verse clears up the common misunderstanding that wealth itself is a sign of God’s favor; instead, Jesus warns that riches can actually make it harder to follow God.
  • Luke 18:24 is part of a larger conversation where Jesus teaches about priorities, showing that following him may require letting go of things that hold us back, including wealth.
  • The verse helps set up the famous saying in the next verses about a camel going through the eye of a needle, making Jesus’ point about the difficulty even more vivid and memorable.

Where else these words appear

“hardly” Greek G1423 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • Mark 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!

“sorrowful” Greek G4036 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
  • Mark 6:26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
  • Mark 14:34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

“riches” Greek G5536 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 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!
  • Acts 4:37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
  • Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

“How” Greek G4459 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Luke 11:18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
  • Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.