King James Version

What Does Matthew 10:2 Mean?

Matthew 10:2 in the King James Version says “Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

Matthew 10:2 · KJV


Context

1

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. against: or, over

2

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

3

Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

4

Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Matthew begins the apostolic list with 'the first, Simon, who is called Peter' (πρωτος Σιμων ο λεγομενος Πετρος). 'First' (πρωτος) indicates both chronological primacy and leadership position. Peter's prominence throughout the Gospels confirms his role as spokesman and leader among the Twelve. His given name 'Simon' connects to his Jewish heritage, while 'Peter' (Πετρος, rock) reflects Jesus' renaming (16:18), signifying transformed identity. Paired with 'Andrew his brother,' the list emphasizes relationships—these aren't isolated individuals but a community called together. The Twelve represent reconstituted Israel (19:28), with twelve apostles corresponding to twelve tribes. Their commissioning extends Jesus' ministry, demonstrating kingdom multiplication through sent servants.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Twelve were diverse: fishermen (Peter, Andrew, James, John), tax collector (Matthew), zealot (Simon), and others. This cross-section of Galilean society—some educated, others not; some wealthy, others poor—showed Jesus' kingdom transcends social boundaries. Jewish expectation of Messiah included gathering and restoring the twelve tribes. Jesus' selection of twelve apostles signaled messianic restoration. Early church recognized apostolic authority as foundational (Ephesians 2:20). The apostles' eyewitness testimony authenticated the gospel and established doctrine.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the diversity of the twelve apostles teach about God's kingdom?
  2. How does Peter's transformation from Simon to Peter encourage us about identity change in Christ?
  3. Why did Jesus choose twelve apostles specifically rather than some other number?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
1 of 27

the son of

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 27

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

δώδεκα3 of 27

of the twelve

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

ἀποστόλων4 of 27

apostles

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

5 of 27

the son of

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀνόματά6 of 27

the names

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

ἐστιν7 of 27

are

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ταῦτα·8 of 27

these

G5023

these things

πρῶτος9 of 27

The first

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

Σίμων10 of 27

Simon

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

11 of 27

the son of

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λεγόμενος12 of 27

is called

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Πέτρος13 of 27

Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

καὶ14 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἀνδρέας15 of 27

Andrew

G406

manly; andreas, an israelite

16 of 27

the son of

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφὸς17 of 27

brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοῦ18 of 27

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ἰάκωβος19 of 27

James

G2385

jacobus, the name of three israelites

20 of 27

the son of

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

21 of 27

the son of

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ζεβεδαίου22 of 27

Zebedee

G2199

zebedaeus, an israelite

καὶ23 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἰωάννης24 of 27

John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

25 of 27

the son of

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφὸς26 of 27

brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοῦ27 of 27

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 10:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 10:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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