Devine Scripture

Matthew 19:22

What does Matthew 19:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 19:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 19:22 means

The young man's reaction to Jesus's command was one of profound sorrow and departure, 'for he was one that had great possessions.' His sadness revealed that his wealth was not merely a convenience but an idol, holding a grip on his heart stronger than his desire for eternal life or his willingness to follow Jesus completely. His inability to part with his riches demonstrated his ultimate unwillingness to surrender all to Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But hearing these words the young man went away sorrowing: for he had much property.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the young man, having heard the word, went away sorrowful, for he had many possessions;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when the young man had heard this word, he went away sad: for he had great possessions.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the young man, having heard the word, went away grieved, for he had large possessions.

Context

This verse depicts the immediate and sorrowful reaction of the rich young ruler to Jesus's radical command in verse 21. His departure underscores the difficulty of surrendering earthly attachments for the sake of the Kingdom, setting the stage for Jesus's subsequent teaching on the perils of wealth for entering God's Kingdom.

v.21Jesus 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.

v.22This passage

v.23And Jesus said unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, It is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Colossians 3:5

    Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;

  • Matthew 13:22

    And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

  • Daniel 6:14

    Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to rescue him.

  • Mark 6:26

    And the king was exceeding sorry; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat, he would not reject her.

  • Judges 18:23

    And they cried unto the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company?

  • Psalms 17:14

    From men by thy hand, O Jehovah, From men of the world, whose portion is inthislife, And whose belly thou fillest with thy treasure: They are satisfied with children, And leave the rest of their substance to their babes.

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