Matthew 26 32

Matthew 26:32 kjv

But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

Matthew 26:32 nkjv

But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."

Matthew 26:32 niv

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."

Matthew 26:32 esv

But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee."

Matthew 26:32 nlt

But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there."

Matthew 26 verses

Matthew 26 32 Meaning

This verse contains Jesus' post-resurrection promise to His disciples, assuring them He will meet them in Galilee after His triumph over death. It stands as a beacon of hope and restoration following His prediction of their scattering during His Passion. Jesus' words underscore His ongoing leadership and shepherd care, preparing His disciples for a new phase of ministry following His resurrection.

Matthew 26 32 Context

This verse is uttered by Jesus during the last Passover meal (Last Supper) with His disciples, shortly before He and they go to the Mount of Olives. It immediately follows Jesus' sobering prediction that all His disciples will fall away and be scattered (Mt 26:31), quoting the Old Testament prophecy from Zech 13:7 about striking the Shepherd and scattering the sheep. Despite the impending betrayal, crucifixion, and the disciples' desertion, Jesus offers a profound promise of re-gathering and reassurance through His resurrection. Galilee was Jesus' primary base of operations for His ministry and where most of His disciples were from and first called. The promise to meet there signifies a return to the foundational roots of their relationship and a place of fresh commissioning away from the hostile atmosphere of Jerusalem.

Matthew 26 32 Word analysis

• But after: Greek: "Μετὰ δὲ" (Meta de). "Μετὰ" (meta) means "after, with," often implying a sequence or accompaniment. "Δὲ" (de) means "but" or "and," indicating a contrast or transition. It highlights a definitive shift from the predicted scattering to a promised reunion and triumph. This phrase marks a pivotal turning point, emphasizing that the promised gathering follows a significant, world-changing event—His resurrection.
• I have been raised: Greek: "ἐγερθῆναι" (egerthenai). This is the aorist passive infinitive of "ἐγείρω" (egeirō), meaning "to raise, to awaken." The passive voice is crucial; it implies divine action. Jesus is "raised" by God the Father, not by His own power. This highlights the sovereignty of God in the resurrection, affirming it as a work of God. It underlines the supernatural, divine validation of Jesus' claims and sacrifice.
• I will go ahead of you: Greek: "προάξω" (proaxō). This is the future active indicative of "προάγω" (proagō), meaning "to go before, to lead, to precede." This verb is highly significant. It's not merely "I will meet you," but "I will lead you" or "I will be ahead of you." It vividly evokes the imagery of a shepherd leading his sheep. Jesus, as the Shepherd (reversing the scattering of Zech 13:7), will gather and lead His flock once more, guiding them into the next phase of their mission. It speaks of His initiative, leadership, and divine guidance.
• into Galilee: Greek: "εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν" (eis tēn Galilaian). This specific geographical destination is intentional.
  • A Place of Beginning: Galilee was the primary region of Jesus' public ministry and where He called most of His disciples (Mt 4:18-22). The return signifies a re-establishment of their relationship and calling at its roots.
  • A Place of Restoration: After their failure and scattering in Jerusalem, Galilee provides a fresh start, a safe haven away from the religious and political hostilities of Jerusalem.
  • A Place of Commissioning: It is in Galilee where Jesus later gives the Great Commission (Mt 28:16-20), highlighting its significance for the global outreach of the gospel.
  • Symbolic Significance: Often considered "Galilee of the Gentiles" (Isa 9:1), this region, distinct from Jerusalem, might subtly point to the expanded, worldwide scope of the resurrected Lord's ministry beyond the confines of Jewish law and tradition.

Matthew 26 32 Bonus section

The promise of meeting in Galilee foreshadows Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to the eleven disciples mentioned specifically in Matthew 28:16-20, where the Great Commission is given. This highlights that the meeting in Galilee was not merely a physical reunion but a significant moment of spiritual renewal and the imparting of divine mandate. The disciples would face the shame of their desertion, but Jesus' prior declaration about Galilee shows His understanding and grace, ready to restore and equip them. The term "go ahead of you" not only signifies leading but also preparing the way, indicating that Jesus would already be there, ready to receive them and initiate their next phase of ministry. This echoes the concept of Christ as the trailblazer, forging a new path for His followers through His resurrection.

Matthew 26 32 Commentary

Matthew 26:32 encapsulates Jesus' unwavering promise amidst His foretold suffering and the disciples' anticipated failure. It serves as an anchor of hope and a profound testament to Jesus' sovereignty over death and His faithfulness to His own. By stating He "will go ahead" as a shepherd leads his flock, Jesus provides reassurance that despite the immediate future of scattering, a re-gathering and re-commissioning are guaranteed. The specified location of Galilee is rich with meaning, pointing to a return to foundations, a place of safety and new beginnings for the disciples, and perhaps a foreshadowing of the gospel's broader reach beyond Jerusalem's initial focus. This verse comforts the listener that even in failure, Christ's leadership and restoration remain steadfast.