Matthew 18:19

KJV

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

Again {G3825} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, That {G3754} if {G1437} two {G1417} of you {G5216} shall agree {G4856} on {G1909} earth {G1093} as touching {G4012} any {G3956} thing {G4229} that {G3739}{G1437} they shall ask {G154}, it shall be done {G1096} for them {G846} of {G3844} my {G3450} Father {G3962} which {G3588} is in {G1722} heaven {G3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To repeat, I tell you that if two of you here on earth agree about anything people ask, it will be for them from my Father in heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven.

American Standard Version

Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 18:19 is a profound declaration by Jesus, assuring His disciples of the potent efficacy of united prayer. It underscores the Father's divine responsiveness to petitions made in spiritual agreement by believers on earth, highlighting the extraordinary spiritual authority and privilege granted to the community of faith when they come together in shared purpose and fervent supplication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Jesus' "Kingdom Discourse" in [Matthew 18](/matthew/18 "Matthew 18 - The Kingdom Discourse"), a chapter primarily dedicated to the principles of life and conduct within the nascent community of believers. It follows immediately after Jesus' teaching on church discipline and reconciliation, specifically the granting of "binding and loosing" authority to the church (cf. [Matthew 18:18](/matthew/18-18 "Matthew 18:18 - The Authority of Binding and Loosing")). The promise of effective corporate prayer in verse 19 then serves as a foundational support for the exercise of this authority, implying that decisions made in accordance with God's will and in unity of spirit will be affirmed in heaven. It also forms a direct bridge to the well-known promise of Jesus' presence when believers gather, as stated in [Matthew 18:20](/matthew/18-20 "Matthew 18:20 - Jesus' Presence in the Midst"), thereby linking the church's spiritual authority, the power of corporate prayer, and the tangible presence of Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' discourse in [Matthew 18](/matthew/18 "Matthew 18 - Community Life in the Kingdom") is delivered to His disciples, preparing them for the establishment and operation of His church. The concept of "agreement" (Greek: _symphōnéō_) would resonate with the Jewish emphasis on communal prayer and the idea that God hears the prayers of a united people. While individual prayer was central (cf. [Matthew 6:6](/matthew/6-6 "Matthew 6:6 - Private Prayer")), there was also a strong tradition of corporate prayer within the synagogue and temple, often associated with a sense of shared identity and purpose before God. The phrase "on earth" contrasts with "in heaven," emphasizing that the actions and prayers of believers in the earthly realm have direct implications and responses from the divine, heavenly realm. This teaching would have been particularly significant for a fledgling community that would soon face opposition and require divine wisdom and intervention.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 18:19](/matthew/18-19 "Matthew 18:19 - The Power of Agreed Prayer") contributes to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader Gospel of Matthew. Foremost is **the power of agreement in prayer**, highlighting that unified supplication carries a unique efficacy before God. This is closely tied to the theme of **corporate prayer**, emphasizing the importance and spiritual potency of a community praying together, rather than solely focusing on individual petitions. The verse also powerfully affirms **God's responsiveness** to His children, particularly when they are united in purpose and seeking His will. Furthermore, in its immediate context, it reinforces the theme of **divine authority and presence within the church**, suggesting that the agreement in prayer is not merely for personal desires but is intrinsically linked to the spiritual authority entrusted to the community of believers for matters of faith, discipline, and the advancement of God's kingdom on earth, as seen in the preceding verse, [Matthew 18:18](/matthew/18-18 "Matthew 18:18 - Binding and Loosing Authority").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **agree (Greek, _symphōnéō'_):** To be harmonious, i.e., to accord (be suitable, concur) or stipulate (by compact). This word is the root of our English word "symphony," implying a "sounding together" or a harmony of voices, minds, and spirits. It suggests a deep, spiritual alignment and unity of purpose, not merely a casual consensus or a majority vote. For prayer to be truly "agreed," it must stem from a shared understanding of God's will and a common heart before Him.
* **earth (Greek, _gē'_):** Soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application). In this context, "on earth" emphasizes the locus of human activity and community. It contrasts with "in heaven," highlighting the connection between the earthly realm of human prayer and the heavenly realm of divine action. The promise is for agreement among believers in their physical, temporal existence.
* **done (Greek, _gínomai'_):** To cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being). This verb denotes an active, causative fulfillment. It signifies that the Father in heaven will bring into existence or cause to happen that which is requested in agreement. It's not merely a passive reception but a divine intervention that brings about the desired outcome.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Again I say unto you":** Jesus prefaces this statement with "Again," indicating a reiteration or emphatic restatement of a crucial truth. This signals the importance of the teaching that follows, building upon His previous declarations of authority and principles for the kingdom community.
* **"That if two of you shall agree on earth":** This clause sets the condition for the promise. The minimum number is "two," emphasizing the corporate nature of the prayer, not just individual supplication. The verb "agree" (symphōnéō) implies a deep spiritual unity and harmony of purpose among these individuals. Their agreement is "on earth," grounding the prayer in the tangible reality of human experience and community, yet with heavenly implications.
* **"as touching any thing that they shall ask":** The scope of the promise appears broad ("any thing"). However, the preceding context of church discipline and the nature of true spiritual agreement imply that this "anything" is implicitly limited by God's character, His revealed will, and the purposes of His kingdom. True agreement among believers will naturally align with what is righteous and pleasing to God.
* **"it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven":** This is the divine assurance. The fulfillment of the agreed-upon request is guaranteed by "my Father which is in heaven." This highlights God's sovereignty, His paternal care for His children, and His willingness to act in response to the united prayers of His people. The source of the action is divine, emphasizing the power and authority of God to bring about what is requested.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Hyperbole** in the phrase "any thing that they shall ask," which, while seemingly absolute, is understood within the theological framework of God's will and wisdom. It emphasizes the vastness of God's capacity and willingness to respond to unified prayer, rather than implying a blank check for any request, however capricious. **Contrast** is evident in the juxtaposition of "on earth" and "in heaven," highlighting the dynamic interplay between human action and divine response. The prayers initiated in the earthly realm are met with powerful intervention from the heavenly realm. The use of the word "agree" (symphōnéō) functions as a **Metaphor**, drawing on the concept of musical harmony to convey a spiritual unity of mind, purpose, and spirit among believers, suggesting that their prayers, when aligned, create a beautiful and powerful "symphony" before God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 18:19 powerfully articulates the divine principle of corporate prayer, emphasizing that a unique spiritual power is unleashed when believers unite in agreement. This promise is not a magical formula for personal desires but a profound assurance of God's active involvement when His people, aligned in spirit and purpose, seek His will together. It underscores the communal nature of the Christian faith and the importance of unity within the body of Christ, suggesting that our individual prayers gain added spiritual weight when offered in harmony with others. This unity reflects the very nature of God, who is one yet three, and it demonstrates the church's collective reliance on the Heavenly Father for the advancement of His kingdom and the resolution of earthly matters.

* [Acts 4:24-31](/acts/4-24-31 "The Early Church's United Prayer")
* [Philippians 2:1-2](/philippians/2-1-2 "Unity of Mind and Purpose")
* [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "Confidence in Prayer According to God's Will")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 18:19 calls believers to a deeper understanding and practice of corporate prayer. It reminds us that there is a unique power and divine responsiveness when we lay aside individual agendas and come together in genuine spiritual agreement, seeking God's will with a unified heart. This promise encourages us to cultivate deeper relationships within our faith communities, fostering an environment where shared burdens, common purposes, and collective faith can flourish. It challenges us to move beyond superficial consensus to a true harmony of spirit, rooted in Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit. When we pray in such unity, we are not merely expressing our desires but aligning ourselves with God's purposes, inviting His transformative power into our lives, our churches, and the world around us. This verse serves as a powerful incentive for intercessory prayer, church leadership decisions, and communal seeking of divine wisdom, reminding us that God delights in responding to the unified cries of His children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or church community do you most need to seek agreement in prayer with other believers?**
* **What does "agree" truly mean in the context of prayer, beyond simply saying "Amen" to someone else's request? How can you cultivate deeper spiritual unity with others in prayer?**
* **How does the promise of God's responsiveness in Matthew 18:19 encourage you to pray more boldly and consistently with others?**

### FAQ

**Does "any thing" mean God will grant literally any request, even if it's selfish or contrary to His will?**

Answer: No, the phrase "any thing" must be understood within the broader theological context of Scripture. While seemingly limitless, true agreement among believers, especially in the context of Jesus' teachings on kingdom principles and church discipline in [Matthew 18](/matthew/18 "Matthew 18 - Community and Kingdom Principles"), implies that the requests will align with God's character, His revealed will, and the advancement of His kingdom. As [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "1 John 5:14-15 - Praying According to God's Will") teaches, our confidence in prayer comes from knowing that we ask "according to His will." A genuine spiritual agreement among believers will naturally be shaped by the Holy Spirit, leading them to pray for things that honor God and serve His purposes, not for selfish or unrighteous desires.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 18:19 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. The "agreement" that Jesus speaks of is not merely a human consensus but a spiritual unity forged by the Holy Spirit, drawing believers into conformity with the mind of Christ. It is through Christ that we have access to the Father (cf. [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")), and it is in His name that we are empowered to ask (cf. [John 14:13-14](/john/14-13-14 "John 14:13-14 - Asking in Jesus' Name")). Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of perfect agreement with the Father's will, as demonstrated in His Gethsemane prayer (cf. [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Submission in Gethsemane")). Furthermore, Christ is the one who continually intercedes for us at the right hand of God (cf. [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")), ensuring that our prayers, when aligned with His divine purposes, are heard and answered. The promise of the Father's responsiveness to agreed prayer is a reflection of Christ's mediatorial work and His ongoing presence within His church, fulfilling His promise to be with His disciples "always, to the very end of the age" (cf. [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")).

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

Matthew 7:7

¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

1 John 5:14

¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

1 John 5:16

If any man see his brother sin a sin [which is] not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

Mark 11:24

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them].

John 14:13

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

John 14:14

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do [it].

John 16:23

¶ And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you.