New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 19:28

The Cost of Following

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew 19:28 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 19:28, in plain English

Jesus promises: when everything is made new and He sits on His glorious throne, you who followed Me will sit on twelve thrones judging Israel.

Why it's here

Jesus doesn't just say 'it'll be worth it.' He paints a picture of a future so grand it dwarfs any sacrifice.

Who's speaking

Jesus gives Peter and the disciples a glimpse of the future that awaits them.

Where it sits in the story

The sacrifice is real, but the reward is staggering. Jesus promises them thrones in the world that is coming.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus promises the Twelve a role in the palingenesia ('regeneration/renewal of all things') — they will sit on twelve thrones judging Israel when the Son of Man takes His glorious throne.

Language and setting

Palingenesia appears only here and in Titus 3:5 in the NT; it describes the eschatological renewal of creation, drawing on Jewish restoration hope.

Voice

Jesus makes an extraordinary promise to the Twelve about their future role in the renewed creation.

Significance

Jesus reveals a breathtaking future: when all things are made new, the Twelve will share in His authority over Israel.

In context

Matthew 19:26–30

26Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

27“Look,” Peter replied, “we have left everything to follow You. What then will there be for us?”

28Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for the sake of My name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.

30But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.

Read all of Matthew 19 — A rich young man walks away sad, children are welcomed, and the disciples wonder who can possibly be saved. Jesus redefines what it costs to follow him.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad