Matthew 18 20

Matthew 18:20 kjv

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matthew 18:20 nkjv

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

Matthew 18:20 niv

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

Matthew 18:20 esv

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

Matthew 18:20 nlt

For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them."

Matthew 18 verses

Matthew 18 20 Meaning

Matthew 18:20 conveys a profound promise from Jesus Christ regarding His active, special presence within gatherings of His disciples. It assures believers that when a small group, even as few as two or three, unites under His authority and for His purposes, He is not merely observing but is personally and effectively present "in their midst." This verse highlights the significance of communal faith and action in Christ's name.

Matthew 18 20 Context

Matthew 18:20 stands as a summary promise within a discourse primarily focused on community life and church discipline. The preceding verses (Matthew 18:15-19) describe the process of reconciliation for an erring believer: first private confrontation, then with one or two witnesses, and finally, bringing the matter before "the church." The authority of "binding and loosing" is given to the church (18:18). Verse 19 then transitions to corporate prayer, emphasizing that when two or three "agree" (sumphoneō – to be in harmony, literally "symphony") about what they ask, it will be done. Therefore, verse 20 serves to underscore the divine validation and empowering presence for such gatherings—whether for discipline, reconciliation, or agreed-upon prayer. The "two or three" phrase also echoes Old Testament legal principles requiring multiple witnesses for a matter to be established (Deut 19:15), adding a dimension of validity and communal recognition. This chapter thus presents the early framework for the life and spiritual authority of the new covenant community, the Church.

Matthew 18 20 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): This is a causal conjunction. It links verse 20 directly to the preceding ideas in verses 18 and 19. It explains why the church's judgment (binding/loosing) is effective and why corporate prayer is potent—because of Christ's presence.
• where (οὗ - hou): A locative adverb, emphasizing the specific place or context of the gathering. It suggests a focused presence, not merely God's omnipresence.
• two or three (δύο ἢ τρεῖς - duo ē treis): This specific number, the smallest representation of a group, holds biblical significance. In Jewish tradition, it constitutes a valid number for legal testimony (Deut 19:15, "On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed") and for prayer or learning groups. It emphasizes that Christ's presence is not contingent on large crowds or formal structures but on genuine spiritual unity and purpose. It undercuts any notion that only large, powerful assemblies matter.
• are gathered (συνηγμένοι - synēgmenoi): This is a perfect passive participle from synago, meaning "to gather together" or "to assemble." The perfect tense emphasizes a completed action with continuing results—they have been gathered and remain gathered. The passive voice can imply that their gathering is a result of a divine initiative or drawing, or simply a descriptor of their assembled state. This is the root of the word "synagogue" and implies an intentional coming together.
• in My name (εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα - eis to emon onoma): This is arguably the most crucial phrase. "Name" (ὄνομα - onoma) in biblical context refers not just to a label but to the very person, authority, character, and mission of Jesus. "In My name" means:
  • By My authority: Acting under His delegated power.
  • According to My character: Reflecting His nature and will.
  • For My purposes: Driven by His kingdom agenda.
  • As My disciples: Allegiant to Him, belonging to Him.It distinguishes a casual meeting from a true gathering of believers aligned with Christ.
• there (ἐκεῖ - ekei): Another demonstrative adverb, emphatically pointing to the place where the condition is met. It reiterates the specific focus of His presence.
• am I (εἰμί - eimi): This is the Greek verb "to be," in the first person singular, emphasizing the direct and personal presence of Jesus ("I myself am there"). It echoes divine declarations of presence in the Old Testament, such as "I AM" (Exo 3:14).
• among them (ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν - en mesō autōn): Literally "in the midst of them." This implies an active, participant presence—not just nearby, but within the group, overseeing, leading, empowering, and actively involved in their affairs. It denotes intimacy and centrality.

Words-group analysis

• "For where two or three are gathered": This phrase establishes the minimal valid unit for a recognized communal gathering in the sight of Christ. It's about genuine assembly, not isolation, and applies to contexts like prayer, church discipline, or fellowship. The "two or three" emphasizes quality and shared purpose over quantity.
• "in My name": This is the defining condition. The effectiveness of the gathering, and the promise of Christ's presence, hinges entirely on their allegiance to His character, authority, and purposes. It ensures that the gathering is Christ-centered and kingdom-focused. It rules out gatherings for selfish, ungodly, or purely social reasons.
• "there am I among them": This is the profound promise. Christ's presence is special, unique, and active within such a gathering. It's more than His omnipresence; it's a specific, manifest presence that validates, empowers, and directs the community. This presence makes prayer effectual, discipline authoritative, and fellowship transformative.

Matthew 18 20 Bonus section

• Not a quantitative formula: This verse is frequently misunderstood as a mathematical formula guaranteeing Christ's presence simply when a certain number of people gather, irrespective of their motive or alignment. The crucial qualifier "in My name" reorients the focus from quantity to quality—to the spiritual intent and allegiance of the gathering.
• Ecclesiastical, not exclusively individual: While the verse certainly encourages small group gatherings, its immediate context in Matthew 18 is about the church (v. 17) and its functions, particularly in discipline and corporate prayer. It highlights the divine validation for legitimate functions of the local church or its representative smaller groups, not merely any social get-together.
• Continuity of divine presence: This promise finds continuity with Old Testament themes of God dwelling "in the midst" of His people (e.g., Ex 33:14; Zech 2:10-11). It emphasizes that in the new covenant, Christ Himself fulfills this promise of presence, particularly in the assembled community of believers.
• Assurance for difficult tasks: Given its placement after discussions of church discipline and difficult decisions, this verse provides immense comfort and assurance that even when addressing contentious or challenging issues, if done "in His name," Christ Himself is present to guide and validate the process.

Matthew 18 20 Commentary

Matthew 18:20 is not merely a numerical minimum for prayer to be heard, nor is it an endorsement of any random gathering. It is a profound assurance to the emerging Christian community regarding the active, central presence of their Lord. Within the chapter's discourse on humility, avoiding stumbling blocks, pursuing the lost, and especially, practicing church discipline and corporate prayer, Jesus offers His guaranteed presence as the ultimate validation and empowering force.

The phrase "in My name" is paramount; it means gathering under Christ's authority, aligned with His character and purposes. It's not a magical incantation but a statement of spiritual allegiance and intention. Such a gathering, even if small, possesses true spiritual significance and divine backing. This presence of Christ is not just spiritual proximity but an active, effectual presence in their midst, enabling them to fulfill their collective responsibilities—whether in resolving conflict, praying in agreement, or worshiping. The promise transforms a simple gathering into a potent display of Christ's spiritual authority and headship over His Church.

Practical examples:

• A small group meeting for prayer, truly seeking God's will according to Christ's teachings.
• A church committee discerning a challenging matter with humility and reliance on Scripture.
• Two believers earnestly reconciling a dispute in accordance with biblical principles.