What does Matthew 19:24 mean?

Scholars sometimes disagree on whether Jesus meant this as a hyperbole—an exaggeration for effect—or a reference to something more common. The less-poetic explanation suggests that "the eye of a needle" refers to a smaller gate within the city walls, used at night to prevent invasion. For a camel to pass through this, the animal would have to be stripped of its load, and even then, it might not fit. The more reasonable and context-supported explanation is that Jesus means this as a dramatic metaphor, with all the implications that it carries.

This refers to the largest animal most people in that era would know, contrasted with the smallest opening most people would think of. Jesus means it is impossible for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God, not just tricky. That truth is tied to what Scripture teaches about salvation, as well as the idea of spiritual poverty.

Jesus is emphasizing a few things. As the disciples' reaction to this statement will show, a common misunderstanding of the times was that wealthy people were more favored by God. Jesus insists that is not true. He is also doubling down on what He has said to the disciples about little children (Matthew 19:13–15). Unless someone turns and becomes humble and trusting like a child, that person cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Humility and trust are not the natural traits of those with great wealth and security. Spiritually, as well, those who think themselves "rich" are wrong about their relationship to God (Matthew 5:3).

This also establishes that it is impossible for anyone, rich or poor, to enter the kingdom of heaven based on their own merit, their own goodness, their own worthiness (Titus 3:5). He is establishing the truth that Paul will state so clearly in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." The solution to this problem is given immediately (Matthew 19:25–26).