Needle
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Needle in the Bible?
The term 'needle' appears three times in the New Testament within the proverb concerning a camel passing through the eye of a needle, serving as a metaphor for the extreme difficulty of a wealthy individual entering the kingdom of God.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the needle as a common, small sewing instrument clarifies the hyperbolic nature of the biblical proverb, emphasizing the perceived impossibility of the task rather than suggesting a specific historical gate or architectural feature.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Needle were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Needle in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Needle clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Needle." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/needle/