The Village Idiom

camel through the eye of a needle

The idiom "camel through the eye of a needle" refers to a very difficult or impossible task, as it is extremely challenging for a large object like a camel to pass through the small eye of a needle.

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In a sentence

  • He tried to convince the jury that his client was innocent, but it was like trying to squeeze a camel through the eye of a needle.
  • Getting everyone to agree on the project's final design is going to be difficult. It feels like trying to thread a camel through the eye of a needle.
  • She attempted to fit all her belongings into her small backpack, but it was as challenging as threading a camel through the eye of a needle.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "camel through the eye of a needle" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It describes a task or situation that is extremely difficult or practically impossible to accomplish. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the New Testament of the Bible, specifically a verse in the Gospel of Matthew.

In Matthew 19:24, Jesus uses the analogy of a camel going through the eye of a needle to illustrate the difficulty of a wealthy person entering the kingdom of heaven. He states, "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."

There is some debate and ambiguity surrounding the exact meaning of the phrase "camel through the eye of a needle" as used in the Bible. Some interpretations suggest that the "eye of a needle" refers to a small gate in ancient cities that would require camels to unload their cargo and enter on their knees. Others assert that it refers to an actual sewing needle.

Regardless of the precise meaning in biblical times, the idiom has evolved to convey the idea of an exceedingly difficult or nearly impossible task. It is used metaphorically to describe situations that require exceptional effort or overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

The idiom "camel through the eye of a needle" has its origins in biblical scripture and has come to represent a task or situation that is extremely challenging or seemingly impossible. While the exact meaning has evolved over time, the essence of the idiom remains rooted in its biblical origin. Its continued use in modern language speaks to its enduring relevance and the enduring search for ways to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.