Matthew 19:22

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 19:22 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions.
Matthew 19:22 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
22But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But when the young man heard that saying. etc.] That he must sell his estates, and all his worldly substance, and the money made of them, give away to the poor; and become a follower of Christ, deny himself, and submit to hardships very disagreeable to the flesh: he went away sorrowful; not with a godly sorrow for his sin and imperfections, but with the sorrow of the world, which worketh death: he was ashamed and confounded, that he could not perform what he had just now so briskly promised, at least tacitly, that whatever else was proper he would do; as also grieved, that he had not arrived to perfection, which he had hoped he had, but now began to despair of, and of obtaining eternal life;…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“This account is found also in Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-39. Matthew 19:16 One came - This was a young man, Matthew 19:20. He was a ruler (Luke); probably a ruler in a synagogue, or of the great council of the nation; a place to which he was chosen on account of his unblemished character and promising talents. He came running (Mark); evincing great earnestness and anxiety, He fell upon his knees (Mark); not to worship him, but to pay the customary respectful salutation; exhibiting the highest regard for Jesus as an extraordinary religious teacher. Good Master - The word “good” here means, doubtless, most excellent; referring not so much to the moral character of Jesus as to his character as a…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he went: Mat 13:22, Mat 14:9; Jdg 18:23, Jdg 18:24; Dan 6:14-17; Mar 6:26, Mar 10:22; Luk 18:23; Joh 19:12-16 for: Mat 6:24, Mat 16:26; Psa 17:14; Eze 33:31; Eph 5:5; Col 3:5 Matthew 19:23”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification