King James Version

What Does Matthew 19:29 Mean?

Matthew 19:29 in the King James Version says “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, ...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Matthew 19:29 · King James Version

Eternal Life

Context

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.

30

But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

Read Matthew 19 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Jesus promises that everyone who forsakes family or property 'for my name's sake' will receive 'an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.' This demonstrates kingdom economics—giving up earthly treasures for Christ yields infinite return. The 'hundredfold' blessing includes spiritual family (the church community) and eternal life. Reformed theology sees here the principle that God cannot be outgiven—sacrifices for Christ are investments with eternal dividends. The motivation must be 'for my name's sake,' not personal gain.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century disciples literally left family businesses, inheritance rights, and social security to follow Jesus. This cost was immense in kinship-based Mediterranean culture. Jesus promises restoration in church family and future kingdom. Early Christians experienced this, finding community support exceeding biological family ties. Persecution often meant literal loss of family and property.

Reflection Questions

  1. What would following Christ wholeheartedly cost you?
  2. How has the church family compensated for what discipleship cost?
  3. What eternal inheritance motivates present sacrifice?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
καὶ1 of 29

“And”

G2532

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

πᾶς2 of 29

“every”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὅς3 of 29

“one”

G3739

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

ἀφῆκεν4 of 29

“that hath forsaken”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

οἰκίας5 of 29

“houses”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

ἢ6 of 29

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἀδελφοὺς7 of 29

“brethren”

G80

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

ἢ8 of 29

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἀδελφὰς9 of 29

“sisters”

G79

a sister (naturally or ecclesiastically)

ἢ10 of 29

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

πατέρα11 of 29

“father”

G3962

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

ἢ12 of 29

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

μητέρα13 of 29

“mother”

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

ἢ14 of 29

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

γυναῖκά15 of 29

“wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἢ16 of 29

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τέκνα17 of 29

“children”

G5043

a child (as produced)

ἢ18 of 29

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἀγροὺς19 of 29

“lands”

G68

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

ἕνεκεν20 of 29

“sake”

G1752

on account of

τοῦ21 of 29
G3588

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

ὀνόματός22 of 29

“name's”

G3686

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

μου23 of 29

“for my”

G3450

of me

ἑκατονταπλασίονα24 of 29

“an hundredfold”

G1542

a hundred times

λήψεται25 of 29

“shall receive”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

καὶ26 of 29

“And”

G2532

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

ζωὴν27 of 29

“life”

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

αἰώνιον28 of 29

“everlasting”

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

κληρονομήσει29 of 29

“shall inherit”

G2816

to be an heir to (literally or figuratively)

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 19:29 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 19:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 18:29-30Mark 10:29-30Philippians 3:8Luke 14:26Matthew 16:25Matthew 10:37-38

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