Meaning, commentary and cross references
Matthew 19:26
“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
NIV · New International Version
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
WEB · World English Bible
Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
What does Matthew 19:26 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld them,.... Looking wishfully and earnestly at them; signifying thereby, that he knew their reasonings among themselves, though they did not speak out so as to be heard by him; and that there was no reason why they should be in so much concern, as their countenances showed, or possess themselves with such fears: and said unto them, with men this is impossible. Mark adds, "but not with God; for with God all things are possible"; to be done by him, if he will, which are consistent with the glory and perfections of his nature: for as he could, by his almighty power, if he would, reduce a camel to so small a size, as to be able to go through the eye of a needle, which, with men…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Matthew 19:23–26
26. With men this is impossible. Christ does not entirely free the minds of his disciples from all anxiety; for it is proper that they should perceive how difficult it is to ascend to heaven; first, that they may direct all their efforts to this object; and next, that, distrusting themselves, they may implore strength from heaven. We see how great is our indolence and carelessness; and what the consequence would be if believers thought that they had to walk at ease, for pastime, along a smooth and cheerful plain.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Matthew 19:23–29 (WEB)
23Jesus said to his disciples, “Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.” 25When the disciples heard it, they were exceedingly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27Then Peter answered, “Behold, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive one hundred times, and will inherit eternal life.
Cross references
- Jeremiah 32:27
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?
- Luke 1:37
For nothing spoken by God is impossible.”
- Job 42:2
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be restrained.
- Luke 18:27
But he said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
- Mark 10:27
Jesus, looking at them, said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.”
- Jeremiah 32:17
“Ah Lord GOD! Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for you.
- Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes around, and Sarah will have a son.”
- Psalms 62:11