When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

MATTHEW 19:25KJV
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Matthew 19:25 (KJV)

What does Matthew 19:25 mean?

Matthew 19:25 describes the disciples’ shock and confusion after hearing Jesus’ teaching about how hard it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. The disciples, amazed and troubled, ask, “Who then can be saved?” showing their concern about whether anyone at all can meet God’s standards.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after his conversation with a wealthy man who walked away sad because he was unwilling to give up his possessions. The disciples’ question reflects the common belief of their time that wealth was a sign of God’s favor, so if even the rich struggle to be saved, they wonder who possibly could. This moment sets up Jesus’ next teaching about God’s ability to do what seems impossible for people.

The Greek behind Matthew 19:25

  • ἐξεπλήσσοντο (exēplēssonto, “amazed”): This word carries a sense of being utterly astonished or overwhelmed, not just mildly surprised. The disciples’ reaction is one of deep shock, highlighting how unexpected Jesus’ teaching is to them.
  • σῳθῆναι (sōthēnai, “be saved”): The Greek word here means to be rescued or delivered, often with the sense of being saved from danger or destruction. The disciples are not just asking about spiritual salvation but about who can possibly be rescued from the difficulty Jesus describes.

Why Matthew 19:25 matters

  • Matthew 19:25 clears up the idea that wealth or status guarantees a place in God’s kingdom, challenging a common assumption of the time.
  • The verse highlights the disciples’ honest confusion and the radical nature of Jesus’ teaching, showing that even his closest followers struggled to understand.
  • This question sets the stage for Jesus’ famous response in the next verse, emphasizing that salvation is ultimately possible only with God’s help, not human effort.

Where else these words appear

“exceedingly” Greek G4970 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • Matthew 18:31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
  • Mark 16:4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

“amazed” Greek G1605 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
  • Mark 6:2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
  • Luke 2:48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

“then” Greek G686 · used in 51 verses

  • Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
  • Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

“saved” Greek G4982 · used in 103 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
  • Romans 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.