Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:20

What does Matthew 18:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:20 means

Jesus makes a profound declaration about His presence among His followers: wherever even a small number—two or three—are gathered together in His name, He Himself is there in their midst. This verse assures believers of Christ's active, spiritual presence in their communal life, prayer, and worship, regardless of the size of the gathering. It underscores that the validity of a Christian assembly is not dependent on numbers or grandeur, but on sincere devotion to Jesus and His purposes.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For where two or three are come together in my name, there am I among them.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for where there are two or three gathered together--to my name, there am I in the midst of them.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For where two or three are gathered together unto my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Context

This verse immediately follows the promise of answered corporate prayer in verse 19, providing the ultimate assurance and basis for that power. It grounds the church's authority and the efficacy of its prayers in the actual presence of Christ amongst His people. This strong emphasis on community and Christ's presence then sets the context for Peter's question about forgiveness, shifting the focus to interpersonal relationships within this divinely supported community.

v.19Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven.

v.20This passage

v.21Then came Peter and said to him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Zechariah 2:5

    For I, saith Jehovah, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and I will be the glory in the midst of her.

  • Matthew 28:20

    teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

  • Revelation 1:11

    saying, What thou seest, write in a book and send it to the seven churches: unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

  • John 8:58

    Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was born, I am.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:4

    in the name of our Lord Jesus, ye being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus,

  • Revelation 21:3

    And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and betheir God:

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