Matthew 28 20

Matthew 28:20 kjv

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28:20 nkjv

teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Matthew 28:20 niv

and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 28:20 esv

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Matthew 28:20 nlt

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Matthew 28 verses

Matthew 28 20 Meaning

This verse encapsulates the ongoing mission and enduring promise of Jesus to His followers after His resurrection. It details the imperative for disciples to faithfully instruct others in the complete scope of Jesus' teachings and commands, emphasizing practical obedience. Crucially, it concludes with Jesus' assuring declaration of His continuous, empowering presence with His disciples through all generations, until the ultimate culmination of this present age, signifying His constant divine support for the universal mission.

Matthew 28 20 Context

Matthew 28:20 forms the culminating sentence of Jesus' "Great Commission" in Matthew 28:18-20. This pivotal declaration follows Jesus' resurrection from the dead and His definitive assertion of "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matt 28:18). Addressed directly to His eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee, this instruction transforms their limited previous ministry into a universal, comprehensive, and enduring mission for the church. It is the definitive mandate given before His ascension, structuring the core activity of His followers until His return. Historically and culturally, the Jewish context of the disciples would have understood "commanded" as inherently linked to covenant obedience, extending the paradigm of God's revealed will in the Torah to the new, embodied will in Christ. This command implicitly counteracts any limited views of salvation or a church based solely on a specific ethnic group or immediate geographical confines, pushing towards a global reach based on Christ's ultimate authority.

Matthew 28 20 Word analysis

• teaching (didaskontes, διδάσκοντες): A participle implying continuous action – "while teaching," or "by teaching." It signifies more than mere instruction; it encompasses comprehensive training, mentorship, and formation of character, shaping beliefs and behavior in line with kingdom values. This is core to discipleship, which is making followers.
• them: Refers to "all nations" from Matthew 28:19. The mandate is universal, extending the circle of discipleship beyond the original Jewish context.
• to observe (tērein, τηρεῖν): Means "to keep," "to guard," "to heed," "to obey," or "to put into practice." It emphasizes active, diligent adherence and living out the commands, rather than mere intellectual knowledge or casual hearing. It denotes a careful watching and preserving.
• all things whatsoever I have commanded you: This signifies the complete corpus of Jesus' teachings, encompassing His ethical instructions (e.g., Sermon on the Mount), His parables, His kingdom principles, His commandments regarding love, forgiveness, humility, service, mission, and the essence of the new covenant life. It's a holistic demand for allegiance and practice.
• and, lo, I am with you: The "lo" or "behold" (kai idou, καὶ ἰδοὺ) introduces a sudden, significant, and reassuring promise. "I am with you" (egō meth' hymōn eimi, ἐγὼ μεθ’ ὑμῶν εἰμι) is a profound statement. "I am" (egō eimi) echoes God's self-revelation to Moses (Ex 3:14), subtly asserting Christ’s divine nature and identity as the omnipresent, covenant-keeping God. It is a promise of empowering, sustaining, and guiding presence.
• always: (pasas tas hēmeras, πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας): Literally "all the days." This indicates an uninterrupted, continuous presence. It means every day, without exception, throughout the entire period of their mission and indeed throughout history.
• even unto the end of the world: (heōs tēs synteleias tou aiōnos, ἕως τῆς συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος): More accurately translated "until the consummation of the age" or "to the end of the age." This refers to the completion of God's redemptive plan in history, the close of the current epoch, which culminates in Christ’s return and the final establishment of His eternal kingdom. It denotes the duration of the church's mission and Christ's active involvement in it.

• Words-Group analysis:
• "teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you": This phrase details the content and method of discipleship. The church's mission isn't just to make converts, but mature, obedient followers of Jesus, integrating His comprehensive teachings into every facet of life. It’s a lifelong process of learning and obeying, reflecting His character and mission.
• "And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.": This serves as the empowering assurance for the Great Commission. It moves beyond human strength and resources, rooting the success of the mission in Christ’s unfailing divine presence. This promise underscores His deity, sovereignty, and faithfulness, providing courage and confidence for a task that would otherwise be humanly impossible and overwhelmingly daunting. It signifies His presence both directly and through the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28 20 Bonus section

The promise of Jesus' constant presence "even unto the end of the world" subtly intertwines with the outpouring and work of the Holy Spirit. While Jesus promises "I am with you," the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4) is the primary means by which His active presence is maintained in believers and through the church on earth. The Holy Spirit empowers believers for this teaching and observing mission, illumines Christ's commands, and guides the church "into all truth" (Jn 16:13). Thus, Jesus' personal, divine presence is tangibly experienced and actualized through the Spirit whom He sent. This promise elevates the mission from a human undertaking to a divinely superintended work, ensuring that no generation or era of the church will lack the authority or the sustaining power of its Lord.

Matthew 28 20 Commentary

Matthew 28:20 stands as the church's enduring mandate and ultimate comfort. The commission to "make disciples" in verse 19 is elaborated by the ongoing imperative of "teaching them to observe all that I have commanded." This defines discipleship not as a mere intellectual assent or initial conversion, but as a continuous process of formation rooted in faithful obedience to Christ’s entire body of teaching. This comprehensive discipleship impacts every area of a believer's life and extends across generations and cultures.

The profound assurance, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age," shifts the focus from human capability to divine enablement. Jesus, the resurrected and authoritative King, promises His active, uninterrupted, and empowering presence. This presence is not just a comforting thought but the very power source and guarantor of the mission's success and the church's endurance. It counters fear, inadequacy, and opposition, rooting the church’s strength in Christ’s unwavering sovereignty until His final return when the current age reaches its culmination. This verse provides both the grand scope of the church’s task and the divine promise ensuring its fulfillment.

For practical usage, this means:

• Every believer is called to a lifestyle of learning and living out Christ's teachings, not just once but continually.
• Churches should prioritize comprehensive discipleship programs that teach practical obedience to Christ's commands.
• Missionaries and ministers can find courage and strength in Christ’s promised presence, knowing they are never alone in their endeavors, regardless of the challenges.
• Individual believers facing daily struggles are assured of Christ's active presence and support.