Devine Scripture

Matthew 19:26

What does Matthew 19:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 19:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 19:26 means

Jesus looked directly at His astonished disciples and declared, 'With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.' This profound statement clarified that human effort, wealth, or self-righteousness cannot secure salvation. Instead, entry into God's kingdom is a divine work, entirely dependent on God's power and grace, rather than human ability or possessions. Salvation is a supernatural act, not an earned reward.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jesus looking upon them said to them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jesus looking upon them said to them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus, looking at them, said, With men this is not possible; but with God all things are possible.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus having earnestly beheld, said to them, `With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus beholding, said to them: With men this is impossible: but with God all things are possible.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus, looking on [them], said to them, With men this is impossible; but withGod all things are possible.

Context

This verse provides Jesus's direct and comforting answer to the disciples' despairing question in verse 25, 'Who then can be saved?' It succinctly shifts the focus from human inability to divine omnipotence, assuring them that salvation, though impossible for man, is entirely possible through God, setting the stage for Peter's question about their reward.

v.25And when the disciples heard it, they were astonished exceedingly, saying, Who then can be saved?

v.26This passage

v.27Then answered Peter and said unto him, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee; what then shall we have?

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 62:11

    God hath spoken once, Twice have I heard this, That power belongeth unto God.

  • Zechariah 8:6

    Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith Jehovah of hosts.

  • Luke 18:27

    But he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

  • Luke 1:37

    For no word from God shall be void of power.

  • Numbers 11:23

    And Jehovah said unto Moses, Is Jehovah’s hand waxed short? now shalt thou see whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

  • Mark 10:27

    Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for all things are possible with God.

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