τρυμαλιά

the eye of a needle

Definition

τρυμαλιά (trymalia) specifically means the eye or opening of a needle. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively in a vivid proverbial expression found in the Gospels of Mark and Luke. The phrase 'it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle' (Mark 10:25, Luke 18:25) employs this word to create an image of an impossible or absurdly difficult task. This usage does not refer to a literal sewing needle but serves as a powerful metaphor within Jesus' teaching.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in parallel accounts of the same teaching of Jesus. In both Mark 10:25 and Luke 18:25, it appears in the identical proverbial saying directed at the disciples after Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler. The usage is strictly metaphorical, forming the central image in a statement about the spiritual danger of wealth and the necessity of divine grace for salvation.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb τρυμαίνω (trymainō), meaning 'to bore through' or 'to perforate.' The noun τρυμαλιά (trymalia) thus refers to a hole or opening made by boring, which naturally extended to the 'eye' of a needle. This root connection emphasizes the concept of a pierced or narrow aperture.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as the centerpiece of one of Jesus' most striking teachings on wealth and salvation. The metaphor underscores the impossibility of self-sufficient entry into God's kingdom, especially for those trusting in riches (Mark 10:24). It highlights the necessity of God's miraculous grace ('With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible' – Matthew 19:26, which parallels the saying) for salvation. Understanding the specific Greek term enriches the reading by clarifying that Jesus chose a precise word for a tiny, manufactured opening, intensifying the contrast with the large animal.

In the ancient world, needles had eyes, much like modern ones, making the image immediately understandable. The camel was the largest animal commonly encountered in Judea, making the hyperbole effective. Some later interpretations suggested 'eye of a needle' referred to a small gate in Jerusalem, but there is no historical evidence for this; the proverb was a known hyperbolic expression in Jewish and other ancient literature to denote impossibility. Jesus used a culturally resonant image of extreme contrast.

τρῆμα (trēma, G5169) — A very close synonym also meaning 'hole' or 'perforation,' used in the parallel saying in Matthew 19:24 ('the eye of a needle'). The terms are virtually interchangeable in this context.

Word Details

Scripture References