Question 1

What does Matthew 19:26 mean?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 19:26 means that while some things are impossible for people to accomplish by their own ability, nothing is beyond God’s power. Jesus is teaching that God can do what humans cannot, no matter how difficult or unlikely it seems. In this scene, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after a conversation about how hard it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. The disciples are amazed and wonder who can be saved. Jesus looks at them and explains that salvation is not something people can achieve on their own, but with God, all things are possible.

Question 2

The Greek behind Matthew 19:26

Accepted Answer

ἄνθρωποι (anthrōpoi, G444): This word means “people” or “humans.” Jesus is emphasizing the limits of human ability compared to God. ἀδύνατος (adynatos, G102): This word is translated as “impossible.” It carries the sense of something being powerless or unable to be done by human means. δυνατός (dynatos, G1415): This word is translated as “possible.” It means something is powerful or able to be done, highlighting God’s unlimited ability. θεός (theos, G2316): This is the word for “God.” The contrast is drawn between what humans cannot do and what God can do.

Question 3

Why Matthew 19:26 matters

Accepted Answer

Matthew 19:26 clears up the misunderstanding that anyone can earn salvation or achieve the impossible by their own effort; Jesus points out that only God can do what people cannot. This verse highlights the main point of the surrounding passage: entering God’s kingdom is not about human achievement, but about God’s power and grace. By stating “with God all things are possible,” Jesus reassures the disciples that what seems hopeless from a human perspective is not hopeless with God.

Matthew 19:26 (KJV)