Luke 18:27 (KJV)

What does Luke 18:27 mean?

Luke 18:27 says that what people find impossible, God is able to do. This verse teaches that God’s power is not limited in the same way human ability is, so things that seem out of reach for us are still within God’s reach.

In Luke 18:27, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after a conversation about how hard it is for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom. The disciples are amazed and wonder who can possibly be saved. Jesus responds by highlighting the difference between human limitations and God’s limitless power, reminding them that God can do what people cannot.

The Greek behind Luke 18:27

• ἀδύνατα (adynata, “impossible”): This word means things that are powerless or unable to happen. Jesus uses it to describe things that humans simply cannot accomplish on their own.
• δυνατά (dynata, “possible”): This word means things that are powerful or able to happen. The contrast between ἀδύνατα and δυνατά is central, showing that what humans cannot do, God can.
• παρὰ ἀνθρώποις (para anthrōpois, “with men”): This phrase means “in the realm of humans” or “from a human perspective.” It stresses that the impossibility is true only for people, not for God.
• παρὰ θεῷ (para theō, “with God”): This phrase shifts the perspective to God, emphasizing that God’s abilities are not bound by human limits.

Why Luke 18:27 matters

• Luke 18:27 clears up the misunderstanding that salvation or other seemingly impossible things depend on human effort; Jesus points to God’s ability, not ours.
• The verse highlights a key theme in Jesus’ teaching: God’s power is different from and greater than human power, especially in matters of faith and salvation.
• In the wider passage, this statement reassures the disciples (and readers) that even when something looks hopeless by human standards, God is not limited by those same standards.