Eye of a needle?

[jaralenio]

In Luke 18:25, Mark 10:25 and Matt 19:24 we read “Again I tell 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." I have always understood that the eye of a needle was one of outer perimeter gates into Jerusalem and the needle gate was where live stock and goods were brought in, thus the camel’s owner had the hard task of unloading the camel to fit through the gate thus making it very difficult but not impossible. I have understood this story to be that we have to unload our sins (baggage) to enter into Gods holy city. Does anyone know if the eye of the needle was a real gate or just a story or parable to make people understand Gods message?

 

[asquared]

I did see an explanation in a discussion of this Gospel intended for RCIA, which I have never seen before, and I would like to hear the opinion of some knowledgeable person:

The “camel” refers to a rope made of camel hair, evidently a common product in the middle east, (just as instead of saying nylon stockings, you just say nylons) so the reference is saying “it is easier to thread a rope through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get to heaven”. Anybody ever hear this definition?

 

[Des]

I heard differently. My priest once said the eye of the needle was the tiny gates or arches that you had to enter through to get into the city back in that time. Camels often had to crawl through to get in. It was usually difficult for them to do this. Hence the verse: “Again I tell 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”

 

[Christy_Beth]

I’ve heard both. But I think the one thing we should get out of this is that we need God’s help. We can’t “unload” our sins ourselves.

 

[stumbler]

asquared:

The “camel” refers to a rope made of camel hair, evidently a common product in the middle east, (just as instead of saying nylon stockings, you just say nylons) so the reference is saying “it is easier to thread a rope through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get to heaven”. Anybody ever hear this definition?

Yes. With the additional commentary that since Jesus was around fisherman who used needles and heavy ropes (“lines”, for you nautical types ), this phrasing may be closer to His actual words.

 

[Fidelis]

All these are interesting speculations, and while it is true that most of what we see in Scripture can legitimately have several layers of meaning, does anyone have a problem with taking this expression at face value–that “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”? First of all, read the episode this saying occurs in to get the entire context, in Matthew 19:

16 And behold, one came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which?” And Jesus said, “You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have observed; what do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell 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."

The impression that it gives it that it is impossible, humanly speaking. But why? Jesus warns us in many places the dangers of relying on material goods, how, just like they were for the rich young man in the story, they can be an impediment to the self-sufficient to entering the Kingdom of God.

The way to understand this lies in the reaction of the disciples who clearly saw the impossibility of the camel-needle scenario:

25 When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”

‘My goodness,’ they think, ‘if such a blessed person as this can’t be saved, well, who the heck can?’

Jesus’ answer makes all the difference and is the entire point of the episode:

26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, **“With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” ** 27 Then Peter said in reply, “Lo, we have left everything and followed you. What then shall we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30 But many that are first will be last, and the last first.

In other words, while riches, considered to be a sign of God’s earthly blessing can, paradoxically be an impediment to entering his heavenly kingdom, with total reliance on God, even this can be overcome.