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.

LUKE 18:25KJV
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Luke 18:25 (KJV)

What does Luke 18:25 mean?

Luke 18:25 says that 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. This is a vivid way of saying that it is extremely difficult—almost impossible—for someone who is wealthy to enter God’s kingdom.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after a rich ruler has walked away unwilling to give up his wealth to follow Jesus. The saying uses a striking image to show just how hard it is for those who trust in riches to truly submit to God’s rule. The point is not about the literal impossibility, but about the great challenge wealth can pose to wholehearted faith.

The Greek behind Luke 18:25

  • καμήλου (kamēlou, "camel"): This word means "camel," the large animal, and its use here creates a picture of something far too big to fit through a tiny opening, emphasizing the extreme difficulty.
  • τρυμαλιᾶς (trymalias, "needle's"): This word refers to the hole or eye of a needle, a very small opening, making the contrast with the camel even more dramatic.
  • πλούσιος (plousios, "rich man"): This word means someone who has a lot of wealth or possessions. The focus is on the challenge that riches bring to entering God’s kingdom, not on wealth itself being evil.

Why Luke 18:25 matters

  • Luke 18:25 clears up the common misunderstanding that wealth automatically means God’s favor; instead, Jesus warns that riches can actually be a spiritual obstacle.
  • The verse highlights Jesus’ teaching style, using memorable and exaggerated imagery to make a spiritual point that sticks with listeners.
  • This saying connects to the larger conversation in Luke 18 about what it means to truly follow Jesus, showing that entering God’s kingdom requires letting go of anything that holds first place in a person’s heart—even wealth.

Where else these words appear

“eye” Greek G5168 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 10:25 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.

“needle's” Greek G4476 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 19:24 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.
  • Mark 10:25 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.

“camel” Greek G2574 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
  • Matthew 19:24 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.
  • Mark 1:6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;

“easier” Greek G2123 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 9:5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
  • Mark 2:9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
  • Luke 5:23 Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?