Mark 10:23
New International Version
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

New Living Translation
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!”

English Standard Version
And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”

Berean Standard Bible
Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus having looked around, says to His disciples, "How difficultly those having riches will enter into the kingdom of God!"

King James Bible
And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

New King James Version
Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!”

New American Standard Bible
And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!”

NASB 1995
And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!”

NASB 1977
And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!”

Amplified Bible
Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who are wealthy [and cling to possessions and status as security] to enter the kingdom of God!”

Christian Standard Bible
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”

American Standard Version
And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Contemporary English Version
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "It's hard for rich people to get into God's kingdom!"

English Revised Version
And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for rich people to enter the kingdom of God!"

Good News Translation
Jesus looked around at his disciples and said to them, "How hard it will be for rich people to enter the Kingdom of God!"

International Standard Version
Then Jesus looked around and told his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!"

Majority Standard Bible
Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

NET Bible
Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"

New Heart English Bible
Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples, "How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Jesus looked around, and saith to his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Weymouth New Testament
Then looking round on His disciples Jesus said, "With how hard a struggle will the possessors of riches enter the Kingdom of God!"

World English Bible
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into God’s Kingdom!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jesus having looked around, says to His disciples, “How hardly will they who have riches enter into the Kingdom of God!”

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus having looked around, says to His disciples, "How difficultly those having riches will enter into the kingdom of God!"

Young's Literal Translation
And Jesus having looked round, saith to his disciples, 'How hardly shall they who have riches enter into the reign of God!'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jesus having looked round, said to his disciples, With what difficulty shall they having property enter into the kingdom of God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Jesus looking round about, saith to his disciples: How hardly shall they that have riches, enter into the kingdom of God!

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Jesus, looking around, said to his disciples, “How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the kingdom of God!”

New American Bible
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”

New Revised Standard Version
Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Jesus looked at his disciples and said to them, How hard it is for those who have wealth, to enter into the kingdom of God!

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But Yeshua gazed at his disciples and he said to them, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples: With what difficulty will those who have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Godbey New Testament
And Jesus looking around, says to His disciples; How hardly shall those having riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Haweis New Testament
And Jesus looking round, said to his disciples, How difficultly shall they who have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Mace New Testament
then Jesus looking round about, said to his disciples, how difficult a thing is it for those who have riches to enter into the gospel kingdom!

Weymouth New Testament
Then looking round on His disciples Jesus said, "With how hard a struggle will the possessors of riches enter the Kingdom of God!"

Worrell New Testament
And, looking around, Jesus saith to His disciples, "With what difficulty shall those who have riches enter into the Kingdom of God!"

Worsley New Testament
And Jesus looking round about saith to his disciples, How difficultly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Rich Young Man
22But the man was saddened by these words and went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth. 23Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” 24And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!…

Cross References
Matthew 19:23-24
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. / Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Luke 18:24-25
Seeing the man’s sadness, Jesus said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! / Indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

1 Timothy 6:9-10
Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

James 5:1-3
Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days.

Proverbs 11:28
He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage.

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 12:15-21
And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ...

1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-11
He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. / When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?

Psalm 49:6-7
They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. / No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God.

Matthew 13:22
The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Luke 16:13
No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Proverbs 23:4-5
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. / When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.

Revelation 3:17-18
You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. / I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

Jeremiah 9:23-24
This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.


Treasury of Scripture

And Jesus looked round about, and said to his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

looked.

Mark 3:5
And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

Mark 5:32
And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.

How.

Matthew 19:23-26
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven…

Luke 18:24
And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

1 Corinthians 1:26
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

enter.

Mark 10:15
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

Matthew 18:3
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

John 3:5
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

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Mark 10
1. Jesus disputes with the Pharisees concerning divorce;
13. blesses the children that are brought unto him;
17. resolves a rich man how he may inherit everlasting life;
23. tells his disciples of the danger of riches;
28. promises rewards to those who forsake all for the gospel;
32. foretells his death and resurrection;
35. bids the two ambitious suitors to think rather of suffering with him;
46. and restores to Bartimaeus his sight.














Jesus looked around
This phrase indicates a moment of intentional observation by Jesus. The Greek word used here is "periblepō," which means to look around or survey. This action suggests that Jesus is taking a moment to assess the reactions of those around Him, particularly His disciples. It underscores His role as a teacher who is deeply aware of His surroundings and the hearts of those He is addressing. In a historical context, this moment of looking around signifies the importance of the teaching He is about to impart, ensuring that His disciples are fully attentive.

and said to His disciples
The phrase highlights the direct communication between Jesus and His closest followers. The Greek word for "disciples" is "mathētēs," meaning learners or students. This indicates that the message is intended for those who are committed to learning from Jesus and following His teachings. In the scriptural context, the disciples often represent the early Church, and thus, this teaching is foundational for Christian understanding. It emphasizes the importance of discipleship and the responsibility of those who follow Christ to grasp the deeper truths of His message.

How hard it is
This expression conveys a sense of difficulty or challenge. The Greek word "duskolos" is used here, which means hard or difficult. It sets the tone for the teaching that follows, indicating that what Jesus is about to say is not just a casual observation but a profound truth that requires serious consideration. Historically, this would have been a counter-cultural statement, as wealth was often seen as a sign of God's favor. Jesus is challenging this notion, urging His followers to rethink their understanding of wealth and spiritual prosperity.

for the rich
The term "rich" refers to those who possess an abundance of material wealth. In the Greek, the word "plousios" is used, which denotes someone who is wealthy or affluent. In the historical and cultural context of the time, wealth was often associated with power and influence. However, Jesus is highlighting a spiritual truth that transcends cultural norms. The challenge for the rich is not in their wealth itself but in the potential for it to become a barrier to spiritual growth and dependence on God.

to enter the kingdom of God
This phrase is central to Jesus' teaching. The "kingdom of God" refers to the reign and rule of God, both in the present spiritual sense and the future eschatological fulfillment. The Greek word "basileia" is used for kingdom, indicating a realm or dominion. Jesus is emphasizing that entry into God's kingdom is not based on earthly status or wealth but on spiritual readiness and humility. This teaching would have been radical, as it redefines the criteria for entering God's kingdom, focusing on spiritual values rather than material wealth. It serves as a call to prioritize one's relationship with God above all else.

(23) And Jesus looked round.--The glance and gesture are mentioned by St. Mark only.

Verse 23. - And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples (καὶ περιβλεψάμενος ὁ Ιησοῦς λέγει). St. Mark frequently uses this word περιβλέπω. Our Lord turned from the young man, who was now going away, and looked round about, no doubt with a sad and disappointed look, and said to his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! Why is this? Partly because the love of riches tempts men to heap them up, whether lawfully or unlawfully. Partly because the love of riches binds the soul to earth, so that it is less likely to think of Partly because riches are an incentive to pride and luxury and other sins. The heathen poet Ovid could speak of riches "irritamenta malorum." Poverty and contempt of riches often open that heaven which wealth and covetousness close.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Then
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

looked around
περιβλεψάμενος (periblepsamenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4017: To look around on, survey. From peri and blepo; to look all around.

[and] said to
λέγει (legei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

disciples,
μαθηταῖς (mathētais)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

“How
Πῶς (Pōs)
Adverb
Strong's 4459: Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!

hard {it is}
δυσκόλως (dyskolōs)
Adverb
Strong's 1423: With difficulty, hardly. Adverb from duskolos; impracticably.

for the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

rich
χρήματα (chrēmata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5536: Money, riches, possessions. Something useful or needed, i.e. Wealth, price.

to enter
εἰσελεύσονται (eiseleusontai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kingdom
βασιλείαν (basileian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932: From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.

of God!”
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


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