needle than for a rich person to come to God's kingdom." In modern times, the scripture has been used as a counterargument to the prosperity gospel, the belief that accruing wealth is a virtue favored by God. Gate The "Eye of the Needle" has been claimed to be a gate in Jerusalem, which opened after the main gate was closed at night. A camel could not pass through the smaller gate unless it was stooped and had its baggage removed. The story has been put forth since at least the 11th century and possibly as far back as the 9th century. However, there is no widely accepted evidence for the existence of such a gate. Islam According to the English interpretation of the Quran: The camel, in Arabic , can also be translated as "twisted rope". See also Christian views on poverty and wealth Epistle of James, 5:1-6 Eyelet Matthew 7:13, about the broad gate and the narrow gate Simple living Notes References External links "What's the meaning of Jesus' teaching about the camel going through the eye of a needle?" from The Straight Dope Doctrines and teachings of Jesus Biblical phrases Sewing Metaphors referring to objects Metaphors referring to animals Quranic words and phrases Animals in the Bible