PrevMatthew 19:27Next

Matthew 19

And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;

And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

What does Matthew 19:27 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 19:27 captures a moment of inquiry from the Apostle Peter, who has just heard Jesus speak of the difficulties for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.

Prompted by this teaching, Peter seeks to understand what rewards await those like himself and the other disciples, who have given up everything to follow Jesus.

The verse suggests a deeper questioning of personal sacrifice and the nature of discipleship. Peter is essentially asking what the return on their spiritual investment will be, having left behind homes, families, occupations, and possessions.

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

This conversation happens in the context of first-century Judaism, where following a rabbi meant adhering to the teacher's interpretation of the Torah and embodying his teachings in daily life.

Peter’s question also reflects the common Jewish belief of the period that God would vindicate the righteous and that they would be rewarded, possibly in a messianic kingdom.

The disciples, having already committed their lives to following Jesus, expected that their sacrifices would be recognized and compensated in this forthcoming kingdom.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Peter's question opens a dialogue about reward in heaven as opposed to earthly riches.

Christian interpretations often emphasize that Jesus' teaching is about the nature of reward in the kingdom of heaven, suggesting that it is not to be measured by worldly standards.

This passage invites readers to consider the values of the kingdom of God as distinct from the values of the world and raises questions about the nature of discipleship, sacrifice, and eternal life.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can be used to reflect on personal motivations for following religious teachings or engaging in spiritual communities.

It can challenge individuals to consider whether they are seeking material rewards or deeper spiritual fulfillment.

For modern Christians, it may be a reminder to prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth and to trust that, regardless of sacrifices made for the faith, God’s rewards are ultimately greater and more fulfilling.

Cross-References

Mark 10:28-31: Peter again talks about the disciples leaving everything to follow Jesus and the consequent rewards.
Luke 18:28-30: Similar to Mark, showcasing the synoptic parallels.
Matthew 6:19-21: Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
Matthew 16:24-26: Jesus talks about denying oneself and the value of one's soul over worldly gain.

Language Study

The Greek verb "aphiemi" used in this verse for 'forsaken' can also mean 'to leave' or 'abandon.' The word "akoloutheo," translated as 'followed,' indicates a personal allegiance and continuous association with the person being followed, in this case, Jesus.

Lastly, the phrase "what shall we have therefore" uses the Greek word "ara," which can imply a consequence or compensation expected from previous actions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within the broader context of ancient religions, the concept of forsaking all for spiritual enlightenment or reward is not unique to Christianity.

For example, in Buddhism, there is the idea of leaving behind worldly attachments to achieve Nirvana.

Hinduism also teaches about renunciation of material desires for spiritual growth.

The question of post-life rewards is also common in other religions, where actions in this life are thought to have a direct impact on the nature of the afterlife or reincarnation.

Scientific Perspectives

Science, generally speaking, does not intersect with the spiritual or metaphysical claims made in this Bible verse as it deals with matters of faith and belief rather than empirical evidence.

However, the psychological aspects of sacrifice, reward anticipation, and group dynamics among religious followers are subjects of interest from a scientific point of view, and they might be studied to understand the human behaviors and motivations these beliefs influence.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer different perspectives on Matthew 19:27.

Some might argue Peter’s question is indicative of an early form of the "Prosperity Gospel," while others suggest Peter embodies the sincere, albeit human, instinct to seek assurance and reward for sacrifice.

Commentators like William Barclay note the honest, earnest nature of Peter's inquiry, reflecting the natural human concern for what the future holds for those who give up everything to follow a spiritual path.

Other scholars may focus on Jesus' subsequent teachings, which emphasize the unpredictable and often paradoxical nature of reward in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19

Matthew 19

What does Matthew 19:27 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 19:27 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?