Devine Scripture

Matthew 8:19

What does Matthew 8:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 8:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 8:19 means

A scribe, a learned man of the law, approaches Jesus with a declaration of his intent to follow Him everywhere. His eagerness seems commendable on the surface, expressing a fervent desire for discipleship. However, the context of Jesus' reply suggests that this scribe may have underestimated the true cost and sacrifice involved in following Jesus, possibly seeking worldly advantages or prestige.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And there came a scribe, and said unto him, Teacher, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And there came a scribe, and said unto him, Teacher, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And there came a scribe and said to him, Master, I will come after you wherever you go.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and a certain scribe having come, said to him, `Teacher, I will follow thee wherever thou mayest go;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And a certain scribe came and said to him: Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou shalt go.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And a scribe came up and said to him, Teacher, I will follow thee whithersoever thou mayest go.

Context

This verse introduces the first of two encounters concerning the cost of discipleship, immediately following Jesus' decision to cross the sea. It sets up Jesus' direct teaching on the sacrifices required to follow Him, which contrasts with the eager yet potentially superficial commitment expressed here and prepares the readers for a deeper understanding of true discipleship.

v.18Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

v.19This passage

v.20And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 12:32

    And the scribe said unto him, Of a truth, Teacher, thou hast well said that he is one; and there is none other but he:

  • Luke 14:25

    Now there went with him great multitudes: and he turned, and said unto them,

  • Luke 22:33

    And he said unto him, Lord, with thee I am ready to go both to prison and to death.

  • Luke 9:57

    And as they went on the way, a certain man said unto him, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

  • Luke 14:33

    So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

  • John 13:36

    Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow afterwards.

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