Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

MATTHEW 19:21KJV
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Matthew 19:21 (KJV)

What does Matthew 19:21 mean?

Matthew 19:21 describes Jesus telling a man that if he wants to be "perfect," he should sell his possessions, give to the poor, and then follow Jesus, promising that he will have treasure in heaven. This verse highlights the idea that true devotion may require giving up earthly wealth for spiritual rewards.

In this scene, Jesus (G2424) is speaking to a wealthy young man who has asked what he must do to have eternal life. The conversation shifts from keeping commandments to a deeper challenge: Jesus invites the man to let go of his material security and join him as a follower. The word "perfect" here is often understood as being complete or mature in faith, not flawless.

The Greek behind Matthew 19:21

  • τέλειος (teleios, G5046): Translated "perfect," this word often means "complete" or "fully developed." Jesus is not demanding flawlessness, but calling the man to wholehearted commitment.
  • πώλησον (pōlēson, G4453): This is the word for "sell." The instruction is concrete—Jesus asks for a real, costly action, not just a general attitude.
  • θησαυρὸν (thēsauron, G2344): "Treasure" here points to something valuable stored up, emphasizing the lasting worth of heavenly rewards compared to earthly riches.

Why Matthew 19:21 matters

  • Matthew 19:21 clarifies that Jesus is not only interested in outward obedience to rules but calls for a deeper, inward surrender that may involve real sacrifice.
  • The verse helps explain why the young man goes away sad in the next verse—he is challenged at the point of his greatest attachment, his wealth.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing that following Jesus can mean a radical reordering of priorities, especially regarding material possessions.

Where else these words appear

“come” Greek G1204 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
  • John 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
  • Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you,(but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

“hast” Greek G5224 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 24:47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
  • Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
  • Luke 16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

“treasure” Greek G2344 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
  • Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

“perfect” Greek G5046 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
  • Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
  • Hebrews 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;