Matthew 19:27

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

Then {G5119} answered {G611} Peter {G4074} and said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Behold {G2400}, we {G2249} have forsaken {G863} all {G3956}, and {G2532} followed {G190} thee {G4671}; what {G5101} shall we {G2254} have {G2071} therefore {G686}?

Kefa replied, "Look, we have left everything and followed you. So what will we have?"

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

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee; what then shall we have?

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 19:27 (KJV)

Matthew 19:27 captures a pivotal moment of interaction between Peter and Jesus, immediately following the challenging encounter with the rich young ruler. This verse reveals the disciples' perspective on their commitment to Christ and their very human inquiry about the outcome of their sacrifice.

Context

This verse comes directly after Jesus' interaction with a rich young ruler who was unwilling to give up his great possessions to follow Christ, going away sorrowful (Matthew 19:22). Jesus had just emphasized the extreme difficulty for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, stating that "with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). Peter, observing this contrast and reflecting on their own choices, voices a practical question about their reward, setting the stage for Jesus' profound promises to His dedicated followers.

Key Themes

  • Radical Discipleship and Sacrifice: Peter's statement, "Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee," highlights the significant personal cost incurred by the first disciples. They literally abandoned their livelihoods, families, and familiar comforts to commit fully to Jesus' ministry. This exemplifies the call to radical self-denial for Christ.
  • The Human Desire for Recompense: Peter's follow-up question, "what shall we have therefore?", reflects a natural human inclination to seek reward for sacrifice. While true service to God should stem from love, God Himself promises a just and generous recompense for faithfulness, as Jesus will elaborate in the subsequent verses (Matthew 19:28).
  • Contrast with Worldly Attachments: The disciples' willingness to forsake all stands in stark contrast to the rich young ruler's inability to detach from his wealth, underscoring the spiritual danger of idolatry and the liberating power of wholehearted devotion to God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "forsaken all" comes from the Greek word ἀφίημι (*aphiēmi*), which means to send away, leave, or abandon. It conveys a complete and decisive act of letting go of their former lives and possessions. "Followed thee" (ἀκολουθέω - *akoloutheō*) signifies not just walking behind, but adhering to, accompanying, and becoming a disciple of Jesus, indicating a deep, ongoing commitment to His teachings and person. Peter's question, "what shall we have therefore?" (τί ἄρα ἔσται ἡμῖν - *ti ara estai hēmin*), is a direct and honest inquiry about the future benefits of their profound dedication.

Practical Application

Matthew 19:27 invites believers to reflect on their own level of commitment to Jesus Christ. What "all" have we been called to forsake in following Him? This may not always be material possessions, but could include personal ambitions, worldly comforts, or sinful habits that hinder our devotion. The verse reassures us that while there is a cost to genuine discipleship, there is also a promised, abundant reward from God. Our motivation should primarily be love for Christ, but it is biblical to recognize that God honors faithfulness and promises treasures in heaven for those who serve Him wholeheartedly. This passage encourages us to trust in God's ultimate justice and generosity, knowing that no sacrifice made for His kingdom goes unnoticed or unrewarded.

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Cross-References

  • Philippians 3:8 (11 votes)

    Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,

  • Luke 5:11 (7 votes)

    And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

  • Luke 18:28 (7 votes)

    Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

  • Mark 1:17 (6 votes)

    And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

  • Mark 1:20 (6 votes)

    And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

  • Mark 10:28 (5 votes)

    Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

  • Deuteronomy 33:9 (5 votes)

    Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.