Matthew 19:21
What does Matthew 19:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 19:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 19:21 means
Jesus, perceiving the young man's lack, gave him a direct and radical command: 'If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.' This was not a universal command for all believers but a specific challenge to this individual, exposing his idolatrous attachment to wealth. Jesus called him to let go of his earthly security for heavenly riches and to embrace complete discipleship.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said to him, If you have a desire to be complete, go, get money for your property, and give it to the poor, and you will have wealth in heaven: and come after me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus said to him, `If thou dost will to be perfect, go away, sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come, follow me.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus saith to him: If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus said to him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell what thou hast and give to [the] poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.
Context
Building upon the rich young ruler's confident statement in verse 20 that he lacked nothing, Jesus delivers a direct and highly personal challenge. This command to sell possessions and follow Him reveals the young man's true obstacle to eternal life, shifting the focus from outward obedience to inward surrender and allegiance, and immediately setting up his sorrowful departure.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 3:12
Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus.
- Luke 6:40
The disciple is not above his teacher: but every one when he is perfected shall be as his teacher.
- Matthew 6:19
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal:
- Genesis 6:9
These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, andperfect in his generations: Noah walked with God.
- Luke 12:33
Sell that which ye have, and give alms; make for yourselves purses which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief draweth near, neither moth destroyeth.
- Acts 2:45
and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 19
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 19.
Devotionals
Devotional
Small Faith, Real Faith
A mustard seed is enough. Not a mountain of certainty — a seed of trust.
Devotional
The Weight We Were Not Built to Carry
Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
Devotional
Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About God's Omnipotence
God's omnipotence means He is all-powerful, sovereign, and able to do anything that is consistent with His perfect nature
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Praying for a Sick Loved One
When someone you love is suffering — verses to pray over their healing.
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.