Matthew 10:32
What does Matthew 10:32 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 10:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 10:32 means
Jesus now presents a crucial truth with eternal implications: "Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven." To "confess" Jesus means to openly acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior, identifying with Him despite potential opposition. This act of public allegiance carries a profound promise: Jesus Himself will acknowledge and advocate for that person before God the Father in heavenly judgment. This provides immense motivation for courageous faithfulness, assuring disciples that their loyalty to Christ on earth will be eternally rewarded with His saving affirmation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949To everyone, then, who gives witness to me before men, I will give witness before my Father in heaven.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Every one, therefore, who shall confess in me before men, I also will confess in him before my Father who is in the heavens;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Every one therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, I also will confess him before my Father who is in [the] heavens.
Context
Following the exhortation to fearlessness based on God's care, this verse introduces the eternal consequences tied to open profession of faith. It provides the positive consequence for those who courageously confess Christ. This truth is immediately balanced by the severe negative consequence for those who deny Him, creating a complete picture of accountability for their allegiance.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 12:8
And I say unto you, Every one who shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
- John 9:22
These things said his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man should confess him to be Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
- 1 John 4:15
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God.
- Psalms 119:46
I will also speak of thy testimonies before kings, And shall not be put to shame.
- 2 Timothy 1:8
Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God;
- Revelation 3:5
He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
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