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!

MARK 10:24KJV
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Mark 10:24 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:24 mean?

Mark 10:24 shows Jesus telling his disciples that it is very difficult for people who rely on wealth to enter God’s kingdom. The disciples are surprised by this, and Jesus calls them “Children” as he explains how trusting in riches creates a barrier to truly following God.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples after a wealthy man has just walked away sad because he did not want to give up his possessions. The disciples are shocked because, in their culture, wealth was often seen as a sign of God’s blessing. Jesus’ words challenge this idea and stress that depending on riches can keep someone from fully embracing God’s way.

The Greek behind Mark 10:24

  • “Children” (τέκνα, tekna): Jesus uses a gentle, almost parental term for his disciples, highlighting their need to learn and their vulnerability in understanding spiritual things.
  • “Trust in riches” (πεποιθότας ἐπὶ χρήμασιν, pepoithotas epi chrēmasin): The Greek phrase means to put confidence or reliance on wealth, not just to possess it. Jesus is not condemning wealth itself, but the attitude of depending on it for security or status.
  • “Kingdom” (βασιλεία, basileia): This word refers to God’s reign or rule, not just a physical place. Entering the kingdom means participating in God’s way of life, which requires a different set of values than those centered on wealth.

Why Mark 10:24 matters

  • Mark 10:24 corrects the common belief that wealth is always a sign of God’s favor, showing that it can actually be a spiritual obstacle.
  • The verse highlights Jesus’ compassion and patience with his disciples, calling them “Children” as he guides them through a difficult teaching.
  • This verse connects to the broader passage where Jesus teaches about the dangers of riches and the true cost of following him, setting the stage for his later statements about what is possible with God.

Where else these words appear

“astonished” Greek G2284 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
  • Mark 10:32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
  • Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

“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.

“trust” Greek G3982 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
  • Acts 23:21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.
  • Galatians 5:10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

“Children” Greek G5043 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Luke 19:44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;