King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:20 Mean?

Matthew 18:20 in the King James Version says “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 18:20 · KJV

Context

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?

22

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Read Matthew 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus promises corporate presence: 'For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them' (Greek: οὗ γάρ εἰσιν δύο ἢ τρεῖς συνηγμένοι εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα, ἐκεῖ εἰμι ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν, 'for where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them'). The context is church discipline (verses 15-20), but the principle extends to all corporate gathering. 'In my name' (εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα) means in His authority and for His purposes. Jesus promises real presence where believers gather, however small. 'I am' (ἐγώ εἰμι) echoes divine name. This transforms gathered believers into sacred space.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish teaching required ten men (minyan) for official synagogue prayer. Jesus radically reduces the number - even two or three suffice when gathered in His name. This democratizes sacred space beyond temple and synagogue to any Christian gathering. Early Christians, often meeting in house churches during persecution, found comfort in this promise. Christ's presence didn't require buildings, priests, or institutions - just believers gathered in His name. This shaped Protestant ecclesiology emphasizing priesthood of believers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this promise transform our understanding of corporate worship?
  2. What does it mean to gather 'in Jesus' name' versus merely being together?
  3. How should Christ's promised presence shape church gatherings?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
οὗ1 of 16

“where”

G3757

at which place, i.e., where

γάρ2 of 16

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

εἰσιν3 of 16

“are”

G1526

they are

δύο4 of 16

“two”

G1417

"two"

ἢ5 of 16

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τρεῖς6 of 16

“three”

G5140

"three"

συνηγμένοι7 of 16

“gathered together”

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

εἰς8 of 16

“in”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ9 of 16
G3588

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

ἐμὸν10 of 16

“my”

G1699

my

ὄνομα11 of 16

“name”

G3686

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

ἐκεῖ12 of 16

“there”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

εἰμι13 of 16

“am I”

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ἐν14 of 16

“in”

G1722

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

μέσῳ15 of 16

“the midst”

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

αὐτῶν16 of 16

“of 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

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 18:20 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 18:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 5:4Revelation 21:3Matthew 28:20Zechariah 2:5John 20:26John 20:19

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