And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

MARK 10:23KJV
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Mark 10:23 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:23 mean?

Mark 10:23 records Jesus telling His disciples that it is very difficult for people who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God. The verse highlights the challenge that riches can pose to someone’s relationship with God and their ability to fully embrace God’s ways.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to His disciples after a conversation with a wealthy man who walked away sad because he did not want to give up his possessions. Jesus looks around at His followers and makes this statement, emphasizing how wealth can become an obstacle to entering God’s kingdom. The verse points to the spiritual dangers of relying on riches instead of trusting God.

The Greek behind Mark 10:23

  • The word translated “hardly” is μόλις (molis), here tagged as G1423, which means “with difficulty” or “barely.” This word stresses that entering God’s kingdom is not just unlikely for the rich, but especially hard—though not impossible.
  • The Greek word for “riches” is χρήματα (chrēmata, G5536), which refers specifically to material possessions or wealth. This clarifies that Jesus is talking about those whose lives are centered on having and keeping wealth.
  • The phrase “enter into the kingdom of God” uses the word εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai, G1525) for “enter,” and βασιλεία (basileia, G932) for “kingdom.” This combination points to the idea of truly becoming part of God’s reign or rule, not just a future place but a present reality under God’s authority.

Why Mark 10:23 matters

  • Mark 10:23 makes clear that Jesus saw wealth as a real spiritual challenge, not just a neutral fact of life. This corrects any idea that riches automatically mean God’s favor or make following God easier.
  • The verse connects to the larger story, where a rich man’s unwillingness to part with his possessions leads to this teaching. It shows that Jesus’ warning is rooted in a real-life example, not just a general principle.
  • By addressing His disciples, Jesus is teaching those already committed to following Him to be aware of the subtle ways wealth can pull someone’s heart away from God’s kingdom.

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.
  • Luke 18:24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

“about” Greek G4017 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 3:5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
  • Mark 5:32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
  • Mark 11:11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

“riches” Greek G5536 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to 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 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
  • 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.