Matthew 19 28

Matthew 19:28 kjv

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.

Matthew 19:28 nkjv

So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Matthew 19:28 niv

Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Matthew 19:28 esv

Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Matthew 19:28 nlt

Jesus replied, "I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Matthew 19 verses

Matthew 19 28 Meaning

Matthew 19:28 is Jesus' direct response to Peter's question about the disciples' reward for sacrificing everything to follow Him. Jesus solemnly declares that a future cosmic "renewal" or "regeneration" of creation will occur. At that time, when Jesus, the Son of Man, returns in glory to establish His full sovereign rule, He will sit on His glorious throne. Concurrently, the twelve disciples, having faithfully followed Him, will be granted a unique position of authority, sitting on twelve thrones to govern and administer justice over the totality of the renewed people of God, symbolized by the "twelve tribes of Israel." This verse confirms the future glory and responsible role awaiting those who make radical sacrifices for the Kingdom.

Matthew 19 28 Context

This verse stands as a profound promise within the broader context of Jesus' teaching on discipleship and the Kingdom of God. Immediately preceding it is the sobering encounter with the rich young man (Mt 19:16-22), who struggled to fully follow Jesus due to his possessions. This prompted Jesus' stark statement that it is difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt 19:23-26). Peter then voices a legitimate concern on behalf of the disciples, asking about the reward for their radical sacrifice—leaving "everything" to follow Jesus (Mt 19:27). Matthew 19:28 is Jesus' emphatic and direct assurance, providing a glimpse into the glorious future for those who truly deny themselves and follow Him. Historically and culturally, this teaching challenges the prevalent Jewish expectation of an immediate, political Messiah who would restore earthly Israel to power. Instead, Jesus points to a future, divinely inaugurated, cosmic renewal under His own global rule, with His faithful followers participating in that sovereign administration.

Matthew 19 28 Word analysis

• "Truly I tell you" (ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν - amēn legō hymin): A solemn, authoritative formula frequently used by Jesus to underscore the truthfulness and divine certainty of His declaration, highlighting the crucial importance of the statement that follows.
• "at the renewal of all things" (ἐν τῇ παλιγγενεσίᾳ - en tē palingenesiai): Palingenesia, meaning "regeneration" or "new birth," in this context, refers to a future cosmic, global transformation and recreation of the heavens and earth. It signifies the complete restoration of creation to God's intended, glorified state, marking the dawn of a perfect age beyond the current fallen world.
• "when the Son of Man" (ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου - ho Huios tou Anthrōpou): Jesus' favorite self-designation, deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy (esp. Dan 7:13-14). It highlights His humanity while paradoxically emphasizing His supreme authority, ultimate glory, and divine right as the universal King and Judge in His coming kingdom.
• "sits on his glorious throne": Signifies Christ's undisputed establishment of His royal authority, His supreme kingship, and His role as the ultimate judge and sovereign. The "glorious throne" speaks of unparalleled majesty, power, and universal dominion over a renewed creation, contrasting with His earthly humility.
• "you who have followed me": Directly addresses the twelve disciples, specifying that their past commitment, sacrifice, and radical discipleship are the prerequisite for their future reward, linking their earthly service directly to their heavenly recompense.
• "will also sit on twelve thrones": Promises a shared rule and authority with Christ. The number "twelve" is highly symbolic, connecting to the twelve tribes of Israel and representing the administrative completeness and spiritual totality of God's chosen people. This signifies a position of high honor and governing authority.
• "judging the twelve tribes of Israel": "Judging" (κρίνοντες - krinontes) here encompasses ruling, governing, discerning, and administering justice, rather than merely condemning. It indicates an active, authoritative role in the future kingdom. "The twelve tribes of Israel" refers to the totality of God's people in their eschatologically restored form, indicating the disciples' unique administrative oversight within the kingdom, particularly concerning Israel.

• Words-group: "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne": This comprehensive phrase establishes the divine authority of the speaker, the precise cosmic timeline (the regenerated world), and the central figure of the eschatological age (Jesus in His Kingly glory). It sets the majestic stage for the ensuing promise to the disciples.
• Words-group: "you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel": This forms the core of the promise, highlighting the direct reward for faithful discipleship: shared authority, royal privilege, and a specific administrative role within the glorious future kingdom of Christ, directly related to the people of God in their entirety.

Matthew 19 28 Bonus section

The promise of co-reigning found in Matthew 19:28, while specifically addressing the twelve apostles in their foundational role concerning Israel, principle-wise extends to all faithful believers who persevere (Rev 3:21; 2 Tim 2:12). This broader application ensures that every genuine follower of Christ who endures in discipleship will partake in His future kingdom, though their specific capacities and levels of authority may vary. The vision of future glory validates present suffering and reinforces the ultimate worth of devoted obedience to Christ. The phrase "twelve tribes of Israel" carries multi-layered meaning in eschatology, referring possibly to a literal, re-gathered physical nation of Israel, or symbolizing the entire redeemed body of God's people (spiritual Israel), signifying the scope of their administrative rule.

Matthew 19 28 Commentary

Matthew 19:28 offers a profound promise of future glory and co-reign to Jesus' faithful disciples, responding directly to Peter's query about their reward for self-sacrifice. The phrase "renewal of all things" (palingenesia) anticipates a comprehensive cosmic regeneration when Christ returns to establish His Messianic kingdom. At this future event, Jesus, as the glorified Son of Man, will be enthroned in supreme majesty. His twelve closest followers, distinguished by their radical obedience in forsaking all to follow Him, are assured a unique, exalted position of authority. Their role of "judging the twelve tribes of Israel" signifies their active participation in the governance and administration of the restored people of God. This verse provides immense comfort and motivation, assuring that self-denial and costly discipleship in this age will lead to unparalleled honor and responsibility in God's eternal Kingdom, under the supreme reign of Christ.