King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:19 Mean?

Matthew 18:19 in the King James Version says “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be don... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 18:19 · KJV


Context

17

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

18

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

19

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

20

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

21

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus promises that two believers agreeing in prayer will receive answers from 'my Father which is in heaven.' This isn't blank-check prayer but corporate prayer aligned with God's will. The context of church discipline shows this particularly applies to restoration and kingdom purposes. Reformed theology emphasizes prayer's efficacy when offered in faith according to God's will (1 John 5:14-15). The 'two or three' number establishes witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15) and demonstrates that Christ's presence empowers corporate prayer.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish tradition required two or three witnesses to establish truth (Deuteronomy 19:15). Jesus applies this to prayer—corporate prayer carries special authority. The 'agreeing' (Greek 'symphōneō'—harmonize, from which 'symphony' derives) emphasizes unity of purpose. Early church practice emphasized corporate prayer (Acts 1:14, 2:42, 4:24).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does praying with other believers strengthen faith and effectiveness?
  2. What hinders genuine agreement in corporate prayer?
  3. How can you cultivate unity in prayer with fellow Christians?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
Πάλιν1 of 26

Again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

λέγω2 of 26

I say

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

ὑμῖν3 of 26

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι4 of 26

That

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐὰν5 of 26

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

δύο6 of 26

two

G1417

"two"

ὑμῶν7 of 26

of you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

συμφωνήσωσιν8 of 26

shall agree

G4856

to be harmonious, i.e., (figuratively) to accord (be suitable, concur) or stipulate (by compact)

ἐπὶ9 of 26

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοῦ10 of 26

which

G3588

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

γῆς11 of 26

earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

περὶ12 of 26

as touching

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

παντὸς13 of 26

any

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

πράγματος14 of 26

thing

G4229

a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material)

οὗ15 of 26
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐὰν16 of 26

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

αἰτήσωνται17 of 26

they shall ask

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

γενήσεται18 of 26

it shall be done

G1096

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

αὐτοῖς19 of 26

for them

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

παρὰ20 of 26

of

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τοῦ21 of 26

which

G3588

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

πατρός22 of 26

Father

G3962

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

μου23 of 26

my

G3450

of me

τοῦ24 of 26

which

G3588

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

ἐν25 of 26

is in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

οὐρανοῖς26 of 26

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)


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 18:19 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 18:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study