But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

MATTHEW 19:22KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 19:22 (KJV)

What does Matthew 19:22 mean?

Matthew 19:22 describes how a young man became very sad and walked away after hearing Jesus’ response, because he owned a lot of possessions. The verse highlights the young man’s emotional struggle when faced with the idea of giving up his wealth.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a young man who had asked what he must do to have eternal life. When Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and give to the poor, the young man reacts with sorrow and leaves, showing how attached he is to his wealth. The verse captures a real, personal moment of decision and difficulty.

The Greek behind Matthew 19:22

  • The word for "sorrowful" is λυπούμενος (lypoumenos), which often means deeply grieved or distressed. This suggests the young man’s sadness was not casual disappointment but a real, heavy grief.
  • The word for "possessions" is κτήματα (ktēmata), which refers to property or holdings, not just money. This points to the young man’s wealth being tied up in land or assets, making the sacrifice even more significant.
  • The word for "great" is πολλά (polla), meaning many or much. The text emphasizes that the man’s possessions were not just a little, but a great amount, adding to the weight of his decision.

Why Matthew 19:22 matters

  • Matthew 19:22 clarifies that the young man’s sorrow was directly connected to his many possessions, not just to Jesus’ words in general.
  • The verse highlights the challenge of prioritizing spiritual values over material wealth, which is a key theme in Jesus’ teachings throughout this chapter.
  • This moment sets up Jesus’ following comments about how difficult it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven, helping readers understand the broader lesson Jesus is about to teach.

Where else these words appear

“possessions” Greek G2933 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 10:22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: 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,

“man” Greek G3495 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • Acts 5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

“sorrowful” 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 5:20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
  • 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.