ῥαφίς (rhaphis)
rhaphis
needle
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun rhaphis refers simply to a needle, derived from the verb for sewing. In the New Testament, this small tool appears in only two verses, both recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. It serves as the concrete image Jesus uses to illustrate the difficulty of entering the kingdom of God.
Jesus states that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a rhaphis than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24; Mark 10:25). The word highlights an impossibility in human terms. A needle’s eye is tiny and rigid, while a camel is large and flexible. No amount of human effort can force one through the other.
Translators render this consistently as "needle." The term carries no mystical or hidden meaning beyond its physical reality. It emphasizes that what is impossible for people is possible for God. The contrast between the massive animal and the tiny instrument underscores the need for divine intervention rather than human wealth or power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word rhaphis simply means 'needle.' Jesus uses this small, everyday object in a striking comparison. He says it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s Kingdom. This image highlights a human impossibility. No amount of wealth or effort can force such a passage.
This teaching reminds us that salvation is not achieved by our resources or status. It is a work of divine power alone. When we feel overwhelmed by the gap between our condition and God’s holiness, this word points us to hope. What is impossible for us is possible for God. We rest in His grace, not our own ability.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of a needle1×
- needle1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ῥαφίδος2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 19:24
Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.”
This verse places the needle image in the context of Jesus’ direct conversation with His disciples about the dangers of wealth.
-
Mark 10:25
It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.”
Mark records this saying to emphasize the absolute impossibility of human effort saving a person reliant on riches.