New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 19:22

The Cost of Following

When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth. Matthew 19:22 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 19:22, in plain English

The young man walks away sad, because he had a lot of wealth and couldn't let it go.

Why it's here

He didn't leave angry — he left grieving. He knew what Jesus offered was real, but the cost was too high for him.

Who's speaking

The narrator captures one of the saddest moments in the Gospels.

Where it sits in the story

He came seeking life and left holding onto the very thing keeping him from it. His sadness shows he knew what he was giving up.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

The young man departs in sorrow (lypoumenos), because he had many possessions (ktēmata polla) — his wealth proved to be the chain he could not break.

Language and setting

This is one of the saddest departures in the Gospels; the man's grief shows he understood the cost but could not pay it.

Voice

The narrator describes the young man's sorrowful retreat from the call of Jesus.

Significance

The man walks away grieving. He wanted eternal life but loved his possessions more. His sorrow reveals he knew what he was losing.

In context

Matthew 19:20–24

20“All these I have kept,” said the young man. “What do I still lack?”

21Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

22When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth.

23Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

24Again 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.”

Read all of Matthew 19 — A rich young man walks away sad, children are welcomed, and the disciples wonder who can possibly be saved. Jesus redefines what it costs to follow him.

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