Devine Scripture

Matthew 3:9

What does Matthew 3:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 3:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 3:9 means

John warns the religious leaders not to rely on their lineage as descendants of Abraham for salvation. He asserts that God is not limited by human bloodlines and can raise up new "children unto Abraham" from even inanimate stones. This emphasizes that true spiritual relationship with God is not inherited but requires personal faith and genuine repentance, a message that challenged their deep-seated ethnic and religious pride.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And say not to yourselves, We have Abraham for our father; because I say to you that God is able from these stones to make children for Abraham.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and do not think to say in yourselves, A father we have--Abraham, for I say to you, that God is able out of these stones to raise children to Abraham,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham for our father. For I tell you that God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And do not think to say within yourselves, We have Abraham for [our] father; for I say unto you, thatGod is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham.

Context

This verse directly expands on John's call for "fruit worthy of repentance" from verse 8, directly countering the Pharisees' and Sadducees' probable reliance on their Abrahamic heritage. It further explains why their lineage is insufficient and sets the scene for John's broader warning about impending judgment for those who do not truly repent.

v.8Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance:

v.9This passage

v.10And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 19:40

    And he answered and said, I tell you that, if these shall hold their peace, the stones will cry out.

  • John 8:39

    They answered and said unto him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:27

    but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;

  • Romans 9:7

    neither, because they are Abraham’s seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

  • Galatians 3:27

    For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.

  • Romans 4:1

    What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, hath found according to the flesh?

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