King James Version

What Does Matthew 11:26 Mean?

Matthew 11:26 in the King James Version says “Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.”

Matthew 11:26 · KJV

Context

24

But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

25

At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

26

Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

27

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

28

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Read Matthew 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.' Jesus continues His prayer with remarkable statement: 'Even so, Father' (ναὶ ὁ πατήρ/nai ho patēr)—affirmation and acceptance. He doesn't question or apologize for God's sovereign choice to hide truth from some and reveal it to others. Instead, He affirms it: 'for so it seemed good in thy sight' (ὅτι οὕτως εὐδοκία ἐγένετο ἔμπροσθέν σου/hoti houtōs eudokia egeneto emprosthen sou). The word εὐδοκία (eudokia) means God's good pleasure, will, purpose. This verse establishes that divine election flows from God's sovereign good pleasure, not human worthiness or foreseen faith. God chooses according to His own criteria and purposes, which are inherently good because He is good. Reformed theology sees this as foundational: God's sovereignty in salvation isn't arbitrary cruelty but wise, purposeful, good. We may not understand all reasons, but we trust God's character. Jesus models proper response to divine sovereignty: not objection but worship, not questioning but trust.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This affirmation follows Jesus's thanksgiving for divine election (v.25). In contemporary Judaism, election was understood corporately (Israel chosen) and conditionally (obedience required). Jesus reveals election as individual, gracious, and according to God's pleasure rather than human merit. This teaching contradicted rabbinical emphasis on study and works as earning divine favor. The phrase 'seemed good in thy sight' echoes Old Testament language of divine sovereignty (Psalm 115:3, 135:6, Daniel 4:35). Jesus affirms what Scripture consistently teaches: God acts according to His own good pleasure, and His pleasure is by definition right and good. Early church fathers (especially Augustine against Pelagius) defended this teaching: grace is sovereignly given, not universally offered and humanly chosen. Reformation recovered this emphasis against medieval works-righteousness. Every generation must reaffirm: salvation depends entirely on God's sovereign grace, not human will or effort (Romans 9:16).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond emotionally and theologically to the reality that God's choices flow from His good pleasure rather than human merit?
  2. What does Jesus's worship of God's sovereignty (rather than questioning it) teach about proper response to divine election?
  3. How does understanding that God's will is inherently good help you trust His sovereignty even when you don't understand His choices?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
ναί,1 of 9

“Even so”

G3483

yes

ὁ2 of 9
G3588

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

πατήρ,3 of 9

“Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ὅτι4 of 9

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὕτως5 of 9

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ἐγένετο6 of 9

“it seemed”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

εὐδοκία7 of 9

“good”

G2107

satisfaction, i.e., (subjectively) delight, or (objectively) kindness, wish, purpose

ἔμπροσθέν8 of 9

“sight”

G1715

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

σου9 of 9

“in thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

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 11:26 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 11:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 1:9Luke 10:21Ephesians 1:11Romans 9:18Romans 11:33-36Job 33:13

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