Devine Scripture

Matthew 7:29

What does Matthew 7:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 7:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 7:29 means

This verse explains *why* the multitudes were astonished: Jesus 'taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.' Unlike the scribes, who typically cited rabbinic traditions and interpretations, Jesus spoke with inherent divine authority. His words were direct, definitive, and carried the weight of ultimate truth and divine command. His teaching was not based on external references but on His own person and revelation, deeply impressing the crowds and marking Him as distinct from all previous teachers.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for he taught them asonehaving authority, and not as their scribes.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for he taught them asonehaving authority, and not as their scribes.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

for he was teaching as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for he was teaching them as having authority, and not as the scribes.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For he was teaching them as one having power, and not as the scribes and Pharisees.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for he taught them as having authority, and not as their scribes.

Context

This verse provides the critical explanation for the crowds' astonishment, serving as the conclusive statement of the entire chapter and the Sermon on the Mount. It draws a clear distinction between Jesus' teaching and that of the scribes, highlighting Jesus' unique divine authority. This final observation firmly establishes Jesus as the ultimate teacher and prophet, solidifying the profound impact of His words on His original audience and on all generations since.

v.28And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these words, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching:

v.29This passage

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 23:2

    saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat:

  • Matthew 5:20

    For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.

  • Acts 6:10

    And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake.

  • Luke 20:8

    And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

  • Matthew 28:18

    And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.

  • Deuteronomy 18:18

    I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

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