Matthew 12:30
What does Matthew 12:30 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 12:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 12:30 means
Jesus states bluntly that whoever is not with him is against him, and whoever does not gather with him scatters. The verse establishes an uncompromising boundary: neutrality is impossible. It calls for decisive alignment; one’s stance toward Jesus determines one’s spiritual position. This is a call to committed discipleship—Jesus’ mission unifies, and those outside it contribute to division. The statement also warns that half measures lead to fragmentation and spiritual failure.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Whoever is not with me is against me; and he who does not take part with me in getting people together, is driving them away.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`He who is not with me is against me, and he who is not gathering with me, doth scatter.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He that is not with me, is against me: and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He that is not with me is against me, and he that gathers not with me scatters.
Context
This assertion follows the strong man metaphor and summarizes the stakes of response to Jesus’ mission. It clarifies that Jesus’ ministry compels a definitive response: either partnership or opposition. The following verses develop themes of accountability and the unforgivable sin in light of this partition.
v.29Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
v.30This passage
v.31Therefore I say unto you, Every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 9:50
But Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against you is for you.
- Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.
- 2 Corinthians 6:15
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever?
- 1 John 2:19
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they all are not of us.
- Luke 11:23
He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
- Matthew 6:24
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
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