Matthew 16:18

KJV

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} I say {G3004} also {G2504} unto thee {G4671}, That {G3754} thou {G4771} art {G1488} Peter {G4074}, and {G2532} upon {G1909} this {G5026} rock {G4073} I will build {G3618} my {G3450} church {G1577}; and {G2532} the gates {G4439} of hell {G86} shall {G2729} not {G3756} prevail against {G2729} it {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I also tell you this: you are Kefa," [which means `Rock,'] "and on this rock I will build my Community, and the gates of Sh'ol will not overcome it.

Berean Standard Bible

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

American Standard Version

And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 16:18 stands as a pivotal declaration by Jesus Christ, immediately following Simon Peter's Spirit-inspired confession of Jesus as the Messiah. In this verse, Jesus pronounces a profound truth about the future of His followers, promising to establish His "church" upon a foundational "rock" and assuring its ultimate invincibility against the formidable powers of death and spiritual darkness, thereby revealing His divine authority and the enduring nature of the community He would build.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This profound declaration by Jesus is situated at a crucial juncture in His ministry, specifically after His withdrawal to the region of Caesarea Philippi. The immediate preceding verses ([Matthew 16:13-17](/matthew/16-13-17 "Matthew 16:13-17 - Peter's Confession")) set the stage: Jesus first probes His disciples about popular opinions concerning His identity, then directly challenges them with the question, "But whom say ye that I am?" ([Matthew 16:15](/matthew/16-15 "Matthew 16:15 - Jesus Asks His Disciples")). It is Simon Peter who, by divine revelation, boldly confesses, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" ([Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession of Christ")). Jesus then blesses Peter, affirming that this revelation came directly from God the Father. Verse 18 is Jesus' direct, authoritative response to Peter's Spirit-led confession, unveiling His intention to build His "church" and guaranteeing its resilience against all opposition. This passage marks a significant shift, moving from the revelation of Jesus' identity to the revelation of His plan for the community of believers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Caesarea Philippi, a region known for its pagan worship and the "Gates of Hades" (a natural cave formation often associated with underworld deities), provides a dramatic backdrop for Jesus' declaration. In Jewish thought, the concept of a "rock" often symbolized God's faithfulness and strength (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God as the Rock")). The term "gates of hell" (or Hades) would have been understood as referring to the power of death, the grave, or the realm of the departed, often personified as a formidable, inescapable force. The "gates" themselves symbolized authority, power, and defense (as city gates were where decisions were made and defenses mounted). Jesus' use of "church" (Greek: _ekklesia_) would have resonated with the Greek concept of a "called-out assembly" but was also deeply rooted in the Old Testament concept of the _qahal_ or assembly of Israel, indicating a new, distinct, yet continuous community of God's people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes profoundly to several major themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **identity of Jesus Christ** as the divine Son of God, whose authority is absolute, capable of building and sustaining a spiritual body. Secondly, it introduces the pivotal theme of the **establishment and nature of the Church**, presenting it as a divinely initiated and constructed entity, not a human organization. Thirdly, it powerfully conveys the **invincibility and enduring strength of the Church**, promising that no force—not even death or the powers of evil—can ultimately overcome it. This promise provides profound assurance of God's sovereign protection over His people. Finally, the passage highlights the **role of confession and faith** as foundational to entry into this new community, as exemplified by Peter's Spirit-led declaration, which serves as the bedrock upon which the Church is built. These themes are foundational to understanding the mission and destiny of God's people throughout salvation history, from the initial call of Abraham in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Call of Abraham") to the ultimate triumph depicted in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Church (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** From a compound of _ek_ ("out of") and a derivative of _kaléō_ ("to call"), _ekklēsía_ literally means "a calling out." In ancient Greek contexts, it referred to a popular assembly or a gathering of citizens "called out" from their homes for public business. In the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), it often translated the Hebrew _qahal_, referring to the "assembly" or "congregation" of Israel. Jesus' use of this term here is highly significant, marking the first time He explicitly names the new community He is establishing, signifying a distinct, divinely "called-out" body of believers, set apart for His purposes.
* **Rock (Greek, _pétra'_):** This word refers to "a large rock," "bedrock," or "a cliff." It denotes a massive, immovable, and foundational stone. The distinction between _Pétros_ (Peter's name, meaning "a stone" or "a detached rock") and _pétra_ (the foundation rock) is crucial. While Peter is a "stone" (a foundational apostle), the Church is built upon the unshakeable, massive "rock" of Peter's confession of Jesus' true identity as the Christ, the Son of the living God, or ultimately, Christ Himself as the bedrock of that confession. This emphasizes the stability and divine nature of the Church's foundation.
* **Prevail against (Greek, _katischýō'_):** This verb means "to overpower," "to be strong against," or "to conquer." It implies a forceful, aggressive attempt to overcome or defeat. Jesus' promise here is not merely that the gates of hell will not succeed in a defensive stand, but that they will not be able to launch an effective offensive or hold their ground against the advancing Church. The Church is not merely enduring; it is destined to triumph over the forces of darkness and death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter,"**: This clause emphasizes Jesus' divine authority in making this pronouncement. The "also" (G2504, _kagṓ_) highlights the reciprocal nature of the declaration: just as Peter has confessed Jesus, Jesus now declares Peter's identity and role. Jesus' statement, "thou art Peter," directly links Peter's new name (given earlier in [John 1:42](/john/1-42 "John 1:42 - Jesus Renames Simon Peter")) to his pivotal role in the unfolding divine plan. Peter's name, _Petros_ (a stone), foreshadows his foundational, though not exclusive, place among the apostles.
* **"and upon this rock I will build my church;"**: This is the core declaration of the Church's establishment. The identity of "this rock" is a central theological debate, typically understood as either Peter himself (as a foundational apostle), Peter's confession of Christ's identity (the truth that Jesus is the Messiah), or Christ Himself (as the ultimate foundation upon which Peter's confession rests). Regardless of the precise interpretation, the verse unequivocally states that Jesus is the active builder ("I will build") of "my church," emphasizing His ownership and divine initiative in creating this new spiritual community.
* **"and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."**: This powerful promise assures the Church's enduring strength and ultimate victory. "Gates of hell" (Greek: _pylai háidou_) refers to the powers of Hades, the realm of the dead, symbolizing death, decay, and the forces of spiritual darkness and evil. The "gates" represent the strength and authority of these powers. Jesus' declaration means that these formidable forces, even death itself, will be utterly incapable of overcoming, destroying, or holding captive the Church He builds. It is a promise of divine protection and ultimate triumph over all opposition.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 16:18 is rich with **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The primary **Metaphor** is that of "building" a "church" upon a "rock," portraying the Church as a divinely constructed edifice with a strong, unshakeable foundation. The "rock" itself is a powerful **Symbol** of stability, truth, and divine revelation, contrasting with the shifting sands of human opinion. The phrase "gates of hell" employs potent **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical location but the concentrated power, authority, and destructive forces of death and the spiritual underworld. These "gates" are often interpreted as a **Metonymy** for the very power of Hades or death itself. The declaration also functions as a **Divine Pronouncement** or **Oracle**, spoken with absolute authority by Jesus, guaranteeing the future and invincibility of His Church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 16:18 encapsulates profound theological truths, establishing the Church as a divinely ordained institution, built by Christ Himself, and guaranteed eternal security against the forces of evil. It highlights the foundational importance of a true confession of Jesus' identity as the Christ, the Son of the living God, as the bedrock upon which genuine faith and the community of believers are established. This verse underscores Christ's sovereignty, not only over His Church but over the very powers of death and darkness, assuring believers of His ultimate victory and their secure place within His eternal kingdom. The Church, therefore, is not merely a human organization but a spiritual body with a divine origin and an indestructible destiny.

* [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")
* [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")
* [Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 16:18 offers immense comfort, profound assurance, and a clear call to action for believers today. It reminds us that the Church is not a fragile human construct susceptible to the whims of society or the attacks of its enemies, but a divine creation, built and sustained by the omnipotent Christ Himself. This truth should instill unwavering confidence in God's sovereign plan, even amidst persecution, cultural shifts, or internal challenges. Knowing that "the gates of hell shall not prevail" means that no force—whether spiritual darkness, ideological opposition, or even physical death—can ultimately thwart God's purposes for His people. This empowers us to live boldly, speak truth fearlessly, and engage in mission with unwavering hope, understanding that our efforts in Christ are eternally significant and will never be in vain. Furthermore, it calls us to examine the foundation of our own faith: is it built upon the unshakeable truth of Jesus Christ as the Son of the living God?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Jesus' promise that "the gates of hell shall not prevail" mean for your personal faith and your view of the Church's future in the world today?**
* **How does Peter's confession of Jesus' identity relate to your own understanding of who Jesus is, and how does that understanding serve as a foundation for your life?**
* **In what ways can you actively participate in Christ's work of "building His church," knowing that He is the ultimate architect and sustainer?**

### FAQ

**What does "this rock" refer to in Matthew 16:18?**

Answer: The identity of "this rock" (Greek: _pétra_) in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock") has been a subject of significant theological discussion. While Peter's name (_Pétros_) means "a stone," the word Jesus uses for "rock" (_pétra_) refers to a large, immovable bedrock. Interpretations generally fall into three main categories: 1) **Peter himself**, as the leading apostle and the first to confess Christ, serving as a foundational human figure. 2) **Peter's confession**, meaning the foundational truth that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God" ([Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession")), which is the essential bedrock of Christian faith. 3) **Christ Himself**, as the ultimate foundation and head of the Church, with Peter's confession pointing to Him. Most Protestant interpretations lean towards Peter's confession or Christ Himself as the true rock, while Roman Catholic theology emphasizes Peter's unique role and succession. Regardless, the verse clearly establishes a divinely appointed, unshakeable foundation for the Church.

**What are the "gates of hell," and what does it mean that they "shall not prevail against" the Church?**

Answer: The phrase "gates of hell" (Greek: _pylai háidou_) refers to the powers of Hades, the realm of the dead. In ancient cultures, city gates were symbols of strength, authority, and defense, often serving as places where decisions were made and power was exercised. Therefore, "gates of hell" symbolizes the full might, authority, and destructive power of death, the grave, and the spiritual forces of evil. Jesus' promise that these gates "shall not prevail against" His Church means that no force of darkness, no power of death, no persecution, and no evil scheme will ever be able to overcome, destroy, or ultimately defeat the Church He builds. It is a powerful assurance of the Church's divine protection, enduring strength, and ultimate triumph over all opposition, including the final enemy, death itself, as seen in [1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy, Death").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 16:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one who declares the Church's existence, but the very **foundation** upon which it is built. As the Apostle Paul declares, "no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")). Peter's confession, while pivotal, points directly to Christ as the Messiah, the Son of the living God, making Christ the true bedrock. Furthermore, Jesus is the **builder** of the Church, actively constructing His spiritual house through His redemptive work on the cross, His resurrection, and the outpouring of His Spirit. He is the **head** of this body, the Church, "who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent" ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as the Head of the Church")). The promise that "the gates of hell shall not prevail" is fulfilled in Christ's victory over death and the grave through His resurrection ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus from the Dead")), demonstrating His authority over Hades itself ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). Thus, the Church's invincibility is not inherent in its members or structures, but entirely derived from the living Christ, who conquered sin and death, guaranteeing His Church's eternal triumph and ultimate glory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 2:19

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Ephesians 2:22

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.

1 Corinthians 3:11

¶ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 28:16

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Colossians 1:18

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.

John 1:42

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.