2006-10-26 01:26:47 · 15 answers · asked by Graham B 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
It means that it's practically impossible for a camel to go through such a small space. Hence, a rich man has about the same odds of entering the kingdom of heaven. God tells man to share his wealth, care for his fellow man and not be greedy.
2006-10-26 01:33:03 · answer #1 · answered by stretch 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The eye of a needle was the name of an entrance into Jerusalem. The opening was designed for a people only entrance. It is possible to get a camel through that entrance but only with great difficulty(and a lot of hard work).
It doesn't say it's impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, just that it is hard. This is my opinion only and should be taken as such. The pitfalls of obtaining wealth are many and the temptation for indulgence is great. And when you think about it what determines rich? Many lower class people in the US would be rich in other countries.
No where in the text does it say being poor will get you into heaven, but some use that as an excuse for not getting rich.
Probably the most misquoted text in the Bible is, 'the love of money is the root of all evil'. Most who use this leave off 'the love of'. Money itself is not evil. Money is a tool. It's how you use it that makes the difference. A hammer used to drive nails to build a house is a good use. You use a hammer to bash someone's head in that's not a good use.
If you see someone in need it's a good possibility that money can help the situation. If you have no money you can't help. If you do have money the choice is yours to help or not.
If greed (the love of money) is greater than your desire to help someone else then the problem isn't money. And greed is the downfall of many a rich person.
2006-10-26 02:28:15 · answer #2 · answered by namsaev 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
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" (Matthew 19:24).
This is part of Jesus' teachings and relates to the time a rich young man approached Him and asked "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get into the Kindom of Heaven?" Jesus told him to keep the Commandments which the rich man confirmed that he did. Jesus then said "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor and then you will have treasures in Heaven. Then come, follow me." At this the young man was saddened as he had great wealth and went away. Jesus then said to his disciples "I tell you the truth, 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." This astonished the disciples who asked who could be saved. Jesus told them that as they had left all to follow Him they would sit on twelve thrones in Heaven representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
This story has been likened to the gate of Jerusalem as representing the 'eye of a needle' but has been discredited as false. Jesus meant the story literally and as it is impossible for anyone, let alone a camel, to pass through the eye of a needle He was explaining that rich people need to give to the poor and not be obsessed with worldy wealth to be able to enter Heaven. He also said that 'Nothing is impossible in the kingdom of God." so that even if one were rich then by following Jesus' teachings and sharing their wealth with the poor, the Gates of Heaven may still be opened to them.
2006-10-26 06:28:00 · answer #3 · answered by quatt47 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ditto for the camel stuff. As for the rich man, Jesus gravitated to the poor and broken people. If a person has riches and doesn't use them to help the least in society/the world, his lack of compassion indicates that he has not adopted the teachings of Jesus and is not a true Christian; and we know the consequences of that!
The majority of the world's wealth resides in the hands of very few people. Jesus came to us to be the great equalizer.
2006-10-26 05:24:31 · answer #4 · answered by sushi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
incorrect on all counts. Jesus did no longer say no rich guy gets into heaven, what he stated became "that's greater handy for a camel to get by a needle's eye than for a rich guy to get into the dominion of God." meaning that it would be difficult yet no longer impossible. reason being what it takes in life to alter into rich. a super form of the rich have injury many human beings with the intention to alter into rich. cheating their workers out of an outstanding salary and giving them no longer something in reward (no coverage) cheating them out of over the years etc.. Having money isn't the sin, it extremely is the affection of money it extremely is the sin. one million Timothy 6:9 "despite the fact that, people who're desperate to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and a super form of mindless and hurtful needs, which plunge adult males into destruction and wreck." God would not bless those with money. you could't purchase your way into heaven or paradise.
2016-11-25 21:32:35 · answer #5 · answered by paschal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means that the rich are too attacked to their goods to be willing to part with them, this is greed. If a person is greedy he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven because he will do no good with the wealth he was granted. Thus Jesus here wanted to say that it is virtually impossible for the greedy man to go to heaven.
2006-10-26 02:33:23 · answer #6 · answered by MAC C 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It means all money is bad and they prevent you from entering heaven 'cause all rich people are sinners. Camel and the eye of the needle it's a metaphor
2006-10-26 01:41:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Chances are, a rich man would be focusing his energies on keeping or making money. He would not be giving a lot of thought or expressing faith to the kingdom.
2006-10-26 07:58:44 · answer #8 · answered by beez 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lifeIn Biblical times many cities had walls around them. The openings to enter the city was very low so that for their camels to get through they had to get very low on the ground.
A rich man went to Jesus and asked him what he must do to be saved and Jesus told him he must sell all his possessions and follow him. The man went away very sad because he didn't want to give up his riches and Jesus was sad too because so many keep their earthly riches and lose eternal life.
So Jesus compared the camel and the rich man
2006-10-26 01:54:14 · answer #9 · answered by phyllisdianeshipp 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
The "eye of a needle" was a passage that was too small for a camel to walk through. They could go through it but they had to get on their knees to do it. A rich man can get into heaven, but he must get on his knees to do it. Rich people many times have a difficult time humbling themselves to do anything.
2006-10-26 04:23:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋