The events in 10:23–31 probably happened immediately after the events in 10:17–22. In some languages, it is natural to begin this part of the story with a time word or phrase. For example, the NET Bible has “Then.”
In other languages, a time word or phrase is not necessary. Introduce this part of the story in a natural way in your language.
10:23a
Then: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Then indicates that the conversation in 10:23–27 began immediately after the events in 10:20–22. In some languages, it is natural to begin this part of the story with a time word or phrase like Then.
In other languages, a time word or phrase is not necessary. Introduce this part of the story in a natural way in your language.
Jesus looked around: The verb phrase looked around probably indicates that Jesus looked at each of the disciples. He probably did this to make sure that all of them were ready to listen to him. The Revised English Bible says:
Jesus looked round at his disciples
disciples: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as disciples means “learners” who are in a relationship with a teacher. The learners commit themselves to their teacher in order to learn from him and live according to his teaching and example. In the New Testament disciples often lived with their teacher and followed him wherever he went.
Here are some other ways to translate this:
students/learners
-or-
apprentices
-or-
followers
See how you translated this word at 2:15b or 10:10b. See also disciple in the Glossary.
10:23b
How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!: This expression is an exclamation.
Here are some other ways to translate this expression:
It is very hard/difficult for rich people to enter the kingdom of God!
-or-
Rich people will enter the kingdom of heaven only with great difficulty!
enter the kingdom of God: The phrase kingdom of God refers to God’s activity of ruling and caring for his people as their king. It does not refer to a land or country that he rules over. It refers to the relationship that he has with his people. He leads, protects, and cares for them. They obey, trust, and submit to him as their king.
The phrase enter the kingdom of God refers to becoming one of the people of God and beginning to live under his rule.
Here are some other ways to translate this expression:
be included in the kingdom of God
-or-
submit to God’s rule/reign
-or-
belong to God’s people and be under His rule
The expression enter the kingdom of God does not just mean “go to heaven” or “enter heaven” after one dies. It involves belonging/submitting to God in this life. See also kingdom of God, Context 1, in the Glossary.
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