THE EYE OF A NEEDLE
Lk 18:25 For 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. (Matt 19:24; Mk. 10:25)
This myth and misunderstanding has a long history. For the most part it is taken to mean that wealthy people cling to things which they find more valuable than God as does the self righteous person in the broader context (vss. 9-17).
Aramaic primacists have long held to an alternative linguistic explanation as shown in George Lamsa’s English translation of the Syro-Aramaic Peshitta which renders the word usually translated “camel” as “rope”. He footnotes the Matthean parallel (Matt 19:24) saying, the Aramaic word gamla means rope and camel, perhaps due to the fact mooring ropes were made from camel hair. Aramaic lexicography does indicate a large rope, ܓܲܡܠܵܐ was used to secure large fishing vessels.
Additionally others have scoured the geography of the area looking for such a gate in which camels are stripped of their goods so that they may pass through a hole in the wall, referred to as the “eye of the needle”, as the city gates were shut for protection from marauders. There are a few problems with this proposal not the least of which is the reference to “needle” is in the indeterminate state rather than the definite state as expected if referring to something in particular. Except for some variants in the Markan text the definite state is avoided. Additionally the archaeological and historical record is silent regarding such a definition of “eye of a needle” contrary to popular opinion. This seems to be a Medieval imposition on the scriptures well after the transmission of the gospels.
However Hebraic hyperbole is prevalent in Haggadic Midrash as we see in the Rabbah on Song of Songs:
“God says to Israel: My sons, open for Me an aperture of repentance as narrow as the eye of a needle, and I will open for you gates through which wagons and coaches can pass”(Song R. 5:2 . 2).
What gates are in view here, perhaps the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven (God) as we see in Jesus’ Haggadic rendering above? It always seems best to return to the Jewish sources for an explanation if at least to gain a linguistic, cultural, and religious context for his audience. He was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel as we recall. (Matt 15:24)
So repentance, תשובה, opens the way for a rich man to enter the Kingdom as it is not on his own wealth, strength, or righteousness but in humility that he is justified. This may be a vice of a poor man as well seeking the goods of the rich man but such is not the lesson Jesus is teaching. What ever you think of your own abilities as gain for the Kingdom, count them as loss, he will justify and do things not possible under your own power.
Way of the Nazarene 