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 19:21KJVWhat 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.