Commentaries:
Adam Clarke
A camel - Instead of , camel, six MSS. read , cable, a mere gloss inserted by some who did not know that the other was a proverb common enough among the people of the east.
There is an expression similar to this in the Koran. "The impious, who in his arrogance shall accuse our doctrine of falsity, shall find the gates of heaven shut: nor shall he enter there till a camel shall pass through the eye of a needle. It is thus that we shall recompense the wicked." Al Koran. Surat vii. ver. 37.
It was also a mode of expression common among the Jews, and signified a thing impossible. Hence this proverb: A camel in Media dances in a cabe; a measure which held about three pints. Again, No man sees a palm tree of gold, nor an elephant passing through the eye of a needle. Because these are impossible things. "Rabbi Shesheth answered Rabbi Amram, who had advanced an absurdity, Perhaps thou art one of the Pembidithians who can make an elephant pass through the eye of a needle; that is, says the Aruch, ' who speak things impossible.' " See Lightfoot and Schoettgen on this place.
Go through - But instead of , about eighty MSS. with several versions and fathers, have , to enter in; but the difference is of little importance in an English translation, though of some consequence to the elegance of the Greek text.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Luke 18:24
Luke 18:25
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