And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

MARK 10:22KJV
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Mark 10:22 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:22 mean?

Mark 10:22 describes how the rich man became deeply saddened and left in sorrow after hearing Jesus’ words, because he owned many possessions. The verse highlights the man’s emotional struggle when faced with the challenge of giving up his wealth.

In this scene, Jesus has just told the man to sell all he owns and give to the poor if he wants to follow Him. The man, who had asked Jesus about inheriting eternal life, reacts with visible grief because his wealth is very important to him. The verse captures a moment of real human emotion and the difficulty of choosing between material security and spiritual commitment.

The Greek behind Mark 10:22

  • The word translated as “sad” is στυγνάσας (stugnásas), which often means to become gloomy or dark in expression. This suggests the man’s reaction was not just mild disappointment but a deep, visible sorrow.
  • The word for “grieved” is λυπούμενος (lypoumenos), meaning to be distressed or pained. The Greek here carries the sense of real inner turmoil, not just a passing regret.
  • “Possessions” comes from the Greek κτήματα (ktēmata), which refers to property or holdings. This emphasizes that the man’s wealth was substantial and likely a central part of his identity.

Why Mark 10:22 matters

  • Mark 10:22 clears up the idea that following Jesus was always easy or joyful; it shows that Jesus’ demands could cause real, painful decisions for people.
  • The verse highlights the grip that wealth can have on a person’s heart, making it clear why Jesus warned about riches being a barrier to spiritual life.
  • This moment sets up Jesus’ following teaching about how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God, connecting the man’s personal struggle to a broader lesson for all listeners.

Where else these words appear

“sad” Greek G4768 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

“possessions” Greek G2933 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
  • Acts 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
  • Acts 5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

“grieved” Greek G3076 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 14:9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.
  • Mark 14:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
  • 2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

“away” Greek G565 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 5:17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
  • Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.