Luke 18:24 Meaning and Explanation
“And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Watching his sorrow, Jesus says how hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God.
What Does Luke 18:24 Mean?
Jesus speaks with grief, not contempt — he is watching a man he loves walk away sorrowful. His words overturn a settled assumption of the age: that wealth signaled God's favor, and that the rich therefore stood nearest the kingdom. Jesus says the advantage runs the other way.
Riches are not condemned as evil here, but they are named as heavy. Wealth feeds the illusion of needing nothing — and the kingdom, Jesus has just said, is received like a child, with open and empty hands. The warning travels well beyond the rich man's tax bracket: whatever persuades me that I do not need grace will make grace nearly impossible to receive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 18:24
What does Luke 18:24 mean?
Watching his sorrow, Jesus says how hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God.