LUKE 18:25 EYE OF A NEEDLE

Q: This saying (also found in Matt. 19:24 and Mark 10:25) sounds rather harsh. What does it really mean?

Obviously Jesus is using hyperbolic (exaggerated) language, such as when he talks about taking the log out of your own eye first, or pluck out your eye if it offends you.

The rich are condemned in many passages in OT and NT, mainly because they are said to have gotten their wealth at the expense of the poor. Also, because their possessions usually rule them and there is no room for God.

Regarding the immediate context, this saying is preceded by the rich young ruler refusing to give away his goods to the poor. The actual quote is identical in all three gospels, followed by the incredulity of the apostles, who seem to assume that the rich will automatically enter into the Kingdom—WHY? Perhaps because possession of riches was assumed to be a blessing from God, showing his favor on the possessor.

Jesus discounts their possessions as not only not helping them spiritually, but as actually hindering them (Serving God and Mammon). For another example of this idea, see James 5:1-6. Jesus concludes by saying that the impossible (passing through the eye of a needle) is nonetheless possible through God.

There is another rabbinical saying about an elephant passing through the eye of a needle to express impossibility.

Another explanation is that word should be kamilos (cable or rope) rather than kamelos (camel). Only a few late manuscripts have this reading. This reading makes sense in the context but does not alleviate the problem of understanding.

Alternative, popular explanation: There is a very small gate in Jerusalem called “the needle's eye.” A man can enter, but only after dismounting from his camel. A camel must be small and unloaded of all his burden before he can enter. There is absolutely no historical evidence for such an entrance.