Devine Scripture

Matthew 8:11

What does Matthew 8:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 8:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 8:11 means

Jesus prophesies that many Gentiles, represented as coming from the east and the west, will be welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven to fellowship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This statement powerfully signifies the inclusion of non-Jews into God's ultimate covenant blessings, shattering nationalistic assumptions about salvation. It highlights the universality of God's redemptive plan, fulfilled through Jesus.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I say to you that numbers will come from the east and the west, and will take their seats with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I say to you, that many from east and west shall come and recline (at meat) with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the reign of the heavens,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I say to you that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I say unto you, that many shall come from [the] rising and setting [sun], and shall lie down at table with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of the heavens;

Context

This teaching directly follows Jesus' commendation of the centurion’s faith, expanding on the spiritual implications of a Gentile’s belief. It prepares the reader for the subsequent warning to the "sons of the kingdom," establishing a stark contrast between those who presume their place in God's plan and those who embrace it through faith, regardless of their heritage.

v.10And when Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

v.11This passage

v.12but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast forth into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9

    Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men,

  • Malachi 1:11

    For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the Gentiles, saith Jehovah of hosts.

  • Isaiah 11:10

    And it shall come to pass in that day, that the root of Jesse, that standeth for an ensign of the peoples, unto him shall the nations seek; and his resting-place shall be glorious.

  • Isaiah 59:19

    So shall they fear the name of Jehovah from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come as a rushing stream, which the breath of Jehovah driveth.

  • Acts 11:18

    And when they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then to the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life.

  • Isaiah 2:2

    And it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Jehovah’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

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