Matthew 18 19

Matthew 18:19 kjv

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 18:19 nkjv

"Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

Matthew 18:19 niv

"Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.

Matthew 18:19 esv

Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.

Matthew 18:19 nlt

"I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.

Matthew 18 verses

Matthew 18 19 Meaning

This verse presents a profound promise from Jesus regarding the efficacy of united prayer within the community of believers. It asserts that when two or more disciples are in spiritual harmony and agree on earth concerning a specific request, it will be granted to them by God the Father in heaven. This highlights the power of corporate, aligned prayer offered in faith, signifying divine affirmation and action in response to the church's petitions when they are in conformity with His will and purposes.

Matthew 18 19 Context

Matthew chapter 18, often referred to as "The Discourse on the Kingdom" or "The Little Ones," addresses essential principles of life and relationships within the Christian community, the nascent church. The chapter begins with humility (v. 1-5), warns against causing spiritual harm (v. 6-9), teaches God's care for every individual (Parable of the Lost Sheep, v. 10-14), and then moves into the process of church discipline and reconciliation (v. 15-18). Verse 19 flows directly from the discussion of church discipline (v. 15-18) where "binding and loosing" authority is given to the collective church. The promise of prayer in verse 19 and the promise of Christ's presence in verse 20 together underpin the authority and efficacy of the gathered community in exercising spiritual functions and seeking God's will. The context is explicitly communal and relational, centered on the well-being and operation of the body of believers.

Matthew 18 19 Word analysis

• Again: (Gr. palin - πάλιν) Reinforces a point, drawing emphasis or connection to what was just stated. Here, it likely connects this promise of prayer directly to the authority granted in verse 18 regarding binding and loosing, indicating that communal prayer is instrumental in exercising that spiritual authority.
• I say to you: Emphasizes the solemnity and divine authority of Jesus' statement. It highlights this as a direct declaration from the Lord Himself.
• if two of you: The smallest possible gathering for corporate action. This shows that the power promised does not require a large congregation but applies even to a minimal group united in purpose.
• agree: (Gr. symphōnēsōsin - συμφωνήσωσιν) From symphōneō, meaning "to sound together," "to be in harmony," "to be of one mind or heart." This is not just intellectual consensus or democratic voting but a deeper spiritual accord, a resonance of spirits tuned to God's will. It implies spiritual unity, alignment of intention, and shared purpose in Christ.
• on earth: Refers to the physical realm where the church gathers and prayer is offered, yet its effect originates from the heavenly realm. It distinguishes the place of asking from the place of granting.
• concerning anything: (Gr. peri pantos pragmatos - περὶ παντὸς πράγματος) This phrase, when taken in isolation, might suggest an unlimited scope. However, in the biblical context, especially within Jesus' teachings and the immediate chapter (Matt 18), "anything" must be understood as being within the scope of God's revealed will, purposes for the Kingdom, and consistent with the nature and glory of God. It's not a license for selfish or frivolous requests but pertains to the concerns and needs of the Kingdom community.
• that they ask: (Gr. aitēsōntai - αἰτήσωνται) A common Greek verb for "to ask," "to beg," "to request." It denotes a petition or supplication.
• it will be done: (Gr. genēsetai - γενήσεται) Future passive of ginomai, "to come to pass," "to happen," "to be." This is a strong, definitive promise of divine action, a guarantee that the Father will bring it into being.
• for them: Specifically for the individuals or the group who have united in prayer.
• by My Father in heaven: Identifies the ultimate source of power and authority, emphasizing the Father's omnipotence and willingness to act on behalf of His children, mediated through Christ. This also affirms Jesus' divine sonship and His intimate relationship with God.

Words-group analysis

• "Again I say to you, if two of you agree": Establishes the authoritative nature of this teaching and specifies the minimum requirement for the collective promise. The "two of you" grounds this powerful promise in relational unity rather than individual isolated prayer, underscoring communal strength.
• "agree on earth concerning anything that they ask": The core condition for the promise. The deep spiritual "agreement" or harmony (symphōnēsōsin) is vital, directing "anything" (Greek: pan pragma) towards matters relevant to the church's spiritual welfare and God's Kingdom, particularly within the Matt 18 context of discipline and reconciliation. It suggests agreement on matters where Christ's mind is sought.
• "it will be done for them by My Father in heaven": This absolute divine promise underlines God the Father's active involvement. It assures believers that their unified prayers, aligned with His will, invoke His power and receive His affirmation, resulting in tangible divine action from the ultimate authority.

Matthew 18 19 Bonus section

The promise in Matthew 18:19, while powerful, must be balanced with the conditions for answered prayer found elsewhere in Scripture. The true agreement (symphōnēsōsin) implied here is not merely external, but an internal spiritual harmony reflecting Christ's mind, a unity often born from the indwelling Holy Spirit. It presupposes prayer "in Jesus' name" (Jn 14:13-14), meaning by His authority, for His glory, and in accordance with His character and purposes. Therefore, the "anything" is constrained by "according to His will" (1 Jn 5:14). This collective promise often relates to matters that directly pertain to the building up of the church, the advancement of the Kingdom, and addressing spiritual concerns within the community, rather than purely individual, material desires. The context of church discipline and reconciliation immediately preceding this verse suggests that the power of corporate prayer is particularly effective in resolving relational and spiritual conflicts within the body of Christ.

Matthew 18 19 Commentary

Matthew 18:19 is a profound assurance of God's responsive nature to the united prayers of His people. It reveals that there is a special power released when believers are in true spiritual harmony, or "agreement," in their supplications. This "agreement" is more than simple intellectual consent; it signifies a deep spiritual alignment of mind, purpose, and heart, like musical notes blending into a symphony for God's glory.

This verse should be understood within the broader context of Matthew 18, which emphasizes the humility, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the overall spiritual health of the church community. Therefore, "anything that they ask" is not an unlimited blank check for selfish desires but rather pertains to requests that are consistent with God's Kingdom purposes, Christ's character, and the spiritual well-being of the body. The effectiveness of prayer is tied to divine will, faith, and righteous living, as reflected in other Scriptures (1 Jn 5:14, Jas 4:3, Jas 1:6). The presence of the "Father in heaven" signifies the direct divine intervention, validating the earnest and unified plea of His children. This verse empowers the church in its collective endeavors, whether in church discipline, seeking wisdom for ministry, or interceding for needs that align with God's heart.

Examples:

• Two church elders prayerfully agreeing on wisdom for a disciplinary issue within the congregation, seeking God's intervention.
• A small group of believers agreeing to intercede for the conversion of a lost loved one, or for specific missionaries on the field.
• Partners in ministry praying in unity for divine provision or breakthrough in a particular project that serves God's Kingdom.