Written by Paul J Bucknell on November, 10, 2023
The Eye of a Needle: A Warning for the Rich
What did Christ mean when He said, “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for the rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" (Mat 19:24)? Was Christ referring to a sewing needle or something else?
A Synoptic Overview
After conversing with a wealthy young man, Jesus uses the metaphor of a camel passing through the eye of a needle three times in the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), to convey the difficulty of rich people entering the kingdom of heaven.
- Matthew 19:24
Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” - Mark 10:25
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” - Luke 18:25
For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Does the “eye of a needle” refer to a gate or passageway?
Ever since I was young, I have read and heard that “eye of a needle” referred to a gate where a camel, before entering, first had to have its cargo taken off before it could walk or crawl through. This would be an apt picture describing how we need to give up our riches or baggage before entering the kingdom of God, but there is no evidence for this gate in Jesus’ time.
The meaning of an “eye of a needle”
Luke 18:18-27, Matthew 19:16-26, and Mark 10:17-27 all use this phrase in the context of the rich young ruler’s discussion with Jesus. After the discussion, the disciples alarmingly said, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23)
Jesus told the rich man,
“One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.” (Mark 10:21-22)
Note how Jesus’ words explained the meaning of this phrase.
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 They were even more astonished and said to Him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Looking at them, Jesus *said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:25-27)
Jesus used the phrase, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle” to affirm how difficult it is for a rich man to enter His kingdom. They would have to give up what meant much to them. Having heard Jesus’ illustration, His disciples could only reply, “Then who can be saved?”
The issue, however, did not trouble Jesus as He said God can save even the rich—even in such difficult straits: “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” God changes the heart!
Support for the Meaning
The phrase, no doubt, refers to an eye or small opening through which thread or string goes through for sewing or weaving. Judaism has records of such usage, quoting from Wiki (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_of_a_needle).
The Babylonian Talmud applies the aphorism to unthinkable thoughts. To explain that dreams reveal the thoughts of a man's heart and are the product of reason rather than the absence of it, some rabbis say: They do not show a man a palm tree of gold, nor an elephant going through the eye of a needle.[2]
A midrash on the Song of Songs uses the phrase to speak of God's willingness and ability beyond comparison to accomplish the salvation of a sinner: The Holy One said, open for me a door as big as a needle's eye and I will open for you a door through which may enter tents and camels.[3]
Rav Sheishet of Nehardea applied the same aphorism to the reasoning for which the sages of Pumbedita were evidently famous: "Are you from Pumbedita, where they push an elephant through the eye of a needle?" (Baba Metzia, 38b).
Summary
An “eye of a needle” represents a tiny hole through which large items, especially a camel, could not enter. Neither can a rich person enter God’s kingdom, unless the Spirit of God miraculously shapes a man’s heart, allowing him, like Zacchaeus, to forsake his riches for the greater possession of God’s kingdom.
Other References to Zacchaeus
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Luke 18:18-27 False Confidence - Bible Study Questions
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