King James Version

What Does Matthew 3:9 Mean?

Matthew 3:9 in the King James Version says “And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these sto...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”

Matthew 3:9 · KJV

Context

7

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

8

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: meet: or, answerable to amendment of life

9

And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

10

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

11

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Read Matthew 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
John attacks the foundational error of Judaism—presuming that Abrahamic descent guarantees salvation. His radical statement that 'God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham' demonstrates that true Abrahamic sonship is spiritual, not merely physical (Romans 9:6-8). God's sovereign election, not ethnic privilege, determines covenant membership. This principle undergirds Paul's later theology of justification by faith alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jews believed descent from Abraham assured covenant blessing. This ethnic confidence undergirded their rejection of Jesus. Paul later develops John's principle that the true Israel consists of those who have Abraham's faith (Galatians 3:7-9).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does John's statement anticipate Paul's teaching about spiritual versus ethnic Israel (Romans 2:28-29)?
  2. What false securities do people trust today instead of genuine faith in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
καὶ1 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

μὴ2 of 25

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

δόξητε3 of 25

“think”

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

λέγω4 of 25

“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

ἐν5 of 25

“within”

G1722

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

ἑαυτοῖς6 of 25

“yourselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Πατέρα7 of 25

“to our father”

G3962

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

ἔχομεν8 of 25

“We have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὸν9 of 25
G3588

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

Ἀβραάμ10 of 25

“Abraham”

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

λέγω11 of 25

“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

γὰρ12 of 25

“for”

G1063

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

ὑμῖν13 of 25

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι14 of 25

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δύναται15 of 25

“is able”

G1410

to be able or possible

ὁ16 of 25
G3588

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

Θεὸς17 of 25

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐκ18 of 25

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν19 of 25
G3588

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

λίθων20 of 25

“stones”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

τούτων21 of 25

“these”

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

ἐγεῖραι22 of 25

“to raise up”

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

τέκνα23 of 25

“children”

G5043

a child (as produced)

τῷ24 of 25
G3588

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

Ἀβραάμ25 of 25

“Abraham”

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

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 3:9 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 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 3:8Romans 9:7-8Galatians 3:27-29John 8:33Romans 4:1Acts 13:26

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