King James Version

What Does Matthew 19:27 Mean?

Matthew 19:27 in the King James Version says “Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?”

Matthew 19:27 · KJV

Context

25

When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

26

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

27

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

28

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

Read Matthew 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee (ἰδοὺ ἡμεῖς ἀφήκαμεν πάντα καὶ ἠκολουθήσαμέν σοι, idou hēmeis aphēkamen panta kai ēkolouthēsamen soi)—Peter's response reflects a mixture of genuine commitment and self-justifying comparison. The perfect tense of ἀφίημι (aphiēmi, to leave, forsake) emphasizes the completed action with continuing results: they had abandoned their livelihoods and remained in that state. Following (ἀκολουθέω, akoloutheō) implies continuous discipleship, not merely physical accompaniment.

What shall we have therefore? (τί ἄρα ἔσται ἡμῖν, ti ara estai hēmin)—Peter's question reveals lingering transactional thinking: we've paid the price, what's our reward? Jesus doesn't rebuke this but graciously promises abundant recompense (vv. 28-30). Yet His answer includes a sobering warning: many that are first shall be last (v. 30). Peter's comparison with the rich young ruler contains subtle spiritual pride that Jesus addresses through the following parable (20:1-16), where laborers hired last receive equal pay.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The disciples had indeed made significant sacrifices—Peter left his fishing business (4:20), Matthew abandoned tax-collecting (9:9), and all forsook family ties and economic security. In a culture where vocation and family ties defined identity and provided survival, their commitment was costly. Yet Jesus's response both affirms their sacrifice and warns against merit-based calculation of spiritual rewards.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can Christians avoid Peter's subtle error of comparing our sacrifices favorably to others while still acknowledging the real costs of discipleship?
  2. What does Jesus's gracious answer to Peter's self-focused question reveal about how God responds to mixed motives in His followers?
  3. In what ways might we, like Peter, engage in spiritual scorekeeping that contradicts the grace-based nature of Kingdom rewards?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Τότε1 of 17

“Then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἀποκριθεὶς2 of 17

“answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

ὁ3 of 17
G3588

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

Πέτρος4 of 17

“Peter”

G4074

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

εἶπεν5 of 17

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ6 of 17

“unto him”

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

Ἰδού,7 of 17

“Behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἡμεῖς8 of 17

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἀφήκαμεν9 of 17

“have forsaken”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

πάντα10 of 17

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ11 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

ἠκολουθήσαμέν12 of 17

“followed”

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

σοι·13 of 17

“thee”

G4671

to thee

τί14 of 17

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἄρα15 of 17
G687

therefore

ἔσται16 of 17

“have”

G2071

will be

ἡμῖν;17 of 17

“shall we”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

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 19:27 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 19:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 3:8Luke 18:28Luke 5:11Mark 1:17-20Luke 15:29Mark 10:28

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