Few Bible verses are quoted as often as Matthew 19:26: “With God all things are possible.” But most people aren’t aware it comes right after a rich young man walks away from Jesus because he couldn’t part with his wealth. That context, as BibleRef (Bible study resource) explains, changes the meaning entirely—it’s not a blank check for anything you want, but a promise about the ultimate impossibility of salvation. In this guide we’ll explore what the verse really says, what it doesn’t, and how to live it out.

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Verse Reference: Matthew 19:26 ·
Bible Book: Gospel of Matthew ·
Speaker: Jesus Christ ·
Context: The rich young ruler ·
Key Phrase: “With God all things are possible”

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • The precise nature of how “all things” are possible is subject to theological interpretation—whether it means God can do literally anything or only what is consistent with his character (Rethink Bible (theological commentary)).
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Six facts about Matthew 19:26, one pattern: the verse sits at a crisis point where human inability meets divine power. The implication: the disciples’ shock at Jesus’ teaching about the rich reveals a recurring blind spot.

Label Value
Book Matthew
Chapter 19
Verse 26
Speaker Jesus
Audience The disciples
Immediate Context After the encounter with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16‑25)

What is the meaning of Matthew 19:26?

The context of the rich young ruler

  • A wealthy young man asks Jesus what good deed he must do to have eternal life (BibleRef).
  • Jesus tells him to sell everything, give to the poor, and follow—and the man goes away grieving (BibleHub).
  • Jesus then tells his disciples how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom, which shocks them (Enduring Word).

The disciples’ question, “Who then can be saved?” (Matthew 19:25), is the immediate trigger for verse 26. Jesus answers by contrasting human impossibility with God’s capability. The implication: as BibleRef notes, Jesus agrees that it’s impossible for humans to save themselves—only God can make it happen.

The meaning of the phrase “with God all things are possible”

Bottom line: Matthew 19:26 is not a blanket endorsement of any human desire. Its primary meaning is that the salvation of a rich person—or any person—is utterly beyond human power but completely within God’s reach.
The catch

If you use this verse to claim that God will give you a new job, heal every cold, or solve all your problems, you’re skipping the story that gave it force. The “impossible” in view is the obstacle of a self‑sufficient heart—not a broken car or a missed promotion.

What is the lesson of Matthew 19:26?

The lesson about salvation

  • Human effort is insufficient for salvation; faith in God is required (BibleRef).
  • The rich young ruler had kept the commandments but still lacked surrender (BibleHub Commentaries).
  • Salvation is a work of grace, not a reward for moral performance.

The pattern: every human attempt to earn eternal life fails. The only solution is divine intervention.

The lesson about relying on God’s power

  • God’s power is not limited by human impossibilities (Bible Gateway (NIV text)).
  • The verse calls for humility in recognizing dependence on God (Knowing Jesus).
  • It’s a reminder that the hardest thing—a changed life—is possible only through God’s action.

What this means: the lesson isn’t “try harder,” but “trust deeper.”

What to watch

In popular culture, Matthew 19:26 is often reduced to a motivational slogan divorced from its salvation context. That shift weakens the radical claim Jesus actually made: that the kingdom is closed to those who trust their own resources and open only to those who rely entirely on God.

How can I apply Matthew 19:26 to my life?

Applying the verse in everyday challenges

  • The verse encourages believers to trust God in difficult situations (Lord’s Guidance (devotional commentary)).
  • It is a source of hope when facing personal obstacles like addiction, relationship issues, or financial problems.
  • Application involves prayerfully surrendering problems to God rather than trying to solve them alone.

The trade‑off: trusting God means letting go of control—and that’s uncomfortable for most people.

Applying the verse to personal faith

  • Use the verse as a prayer prompt: “Lord, I cannot fix this. You can.”
  • Meditate on the contrast between “with man this is impossible” and “with God all things are possible.”
  • Ask yourself: Where am I acting like the rich young ruler, clinging to something that blocks my trust?
Bottom line: Application means identifying the places where you feel helpless—and then intentionally handing those areas over to God, not as a passive wish but as an active act of faith.
The upshot

A step‑by‑step practice: (1) Name your “impossible” situation. (2) Confess that you cannot change it. (3) Ask God to work. (4) Look for his action—often through small, unexpected means—and thank him when you see it.

What are the key translations of Matthew 19:26 (KJV, NIV, NLT)?

King James Version (KJV)

“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”

  • Uses the archaic “beheld” and “unto”; retains the formal “with men.”
  • Source: BibleHub (KJV text)

New International Version (NIV)

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”

New Living Translation (NLT)

“Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.’”

  • Adds “intently”; paraphrases “with man this is impossible” as “Humanly speaking, it is impossible.”
  • Source: Bible.com (NLT text)

Each translation preserves the core contrast between human inability and divine capability, though the NLT makes the phrase slightly more conversational. The pattern across all three is consistent: impossibility shifts from human effort to divine action.

How to Apply Matthew 19:26 in Your Life

Four steps to move from reading to living this verse:

  1. Identify your impossible. What situation in your life feels beyond your control? Write it down.
  2. Check your attachment. The rich young ruler’s wealth was his obstacle. What’s yours—money, pride, a relationship, a fear? (Enduring Word)
  3. Pray the verse. Say: “Lord, I can’t do this. Please do what only you can.”
  4. Watch for God’s work. Don’t wait for a miracle if a small provision appears; thank him for it.
Bottom line: For believers struggling with a seemingly hopeless situation, the practice is not passive waiting but active surrender—a daily choice to trust that God can do what you cannot.

What We Know and What’s Uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • The verse is a direct quote of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew (BibleHub).
  • The context involves a discussion about salvation after the rich young ruler’s departure (BibleRef).
  • Jesus explicitly contrasts “with man” and “with God” (Bible Gateway).

What’s unclear

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

— Jesus (according to BibleHub)

“This verse teaches that good works and riches cannot earn salvation. It is a call to trust in God’s power alone.”

— Knowing Jesus (daily devotional site)

Summary

The biggest mistake readers make with Matthew 19:26 is tearing it away from its story. It’s not a rallying cry for self‑help; it’s an admission that human efforts—even good ones—cannot save anyone. For the person who feels trapped by their own inability, the verse is a lifeline. But it demands humility: you must first admit you can’t, before you can truly believe God can. For believers in any situation, the choice is clear: cling to your own resources and walk away sorrowful, or surrender and discover what God can do. The believer who grasps this paradox stops trying harder and starts trusting deeper.

Additional sources

youtube.com, bible.com, lifehopeandtruth.com

For a broader look at how this phrase appears across Scripture, see the article on all things are possible meaning.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “with God all things are possible” mean?

It means that salvation—the ultimate human impossibility—is possible through God’s power. The phrase is not a promise that God will fulfill every wish, but a declaration that nothing is too hard for him, especially the work of redemption.

What is the context of Matthew 19:26?

The verse comes immediately after the story of the rich young ruler, who walked away from Jesus because he could not give up his wealth. The disciples are astonished, and Jesus explains that while salvation is humanly impossible, God can accomplish it.

Did Jesus say that everyone who is rich cannot be saved?

No. Jesus said it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom, but he immediately added “with God all things are possible.” The point is not that wealth automatically condemns, but that trust in riches can block the surrender required for salvation.

How is Matthew 19:26 different in the King James Version (KJV)?

The KJV uses older language: “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” The core meaning is identical to modern translations.

Can Matthew 19:26 be applied to financial problems?

Yes, but carefully. The verse encourages trusting God in impossible circumstances, which can include financial crises. However, its primary application is spiritual, not material.

What is the lesson of the rich young ruler?

That human effort and material wealth cannot secure eternal life. The only path is wholehearted surrender to Jesus, which the young man was unwilling to make.

What does “with God all things are possible” mean in Greek?

The Greek phrase “πάντα δυνατὰ παρὰ τῷ θεῷ” (panta dynata para tō theō) literally means “all things are possible with God.” The emphasis is on God’s ability, not on the nature of the “things.”

How can I memorize Matthew 19:26?

Repeat the verse aloud several times a day, write it on a card, and reflect on its context. Pair it with a short prayer that acknowledges your inability and God’s power.

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