Matthew 19:29

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

And {G2532} every {G3956} one {G3739} that hath forsaken {G863} houses {G3614}, or {G2228} brethren {G80}, or {G2228} sisters {G79}, or {G2228} father {G3962}, or {G2228} mother {G3384}, or {G2228} wife {G1135}, or {G2228} children {G5043}, or {G2228} lands {G68}, for my {G3450} name's {G3686} sake {G1752}, shall receive {G2983} an hundredfold {G1542}, and {G2532} shall inherit {G2816} everlasting {G166} life {G2222}.

Everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times more, and he will obtain eternal life.

And 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.

And every one that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life.

Commentary

Matthew 19:29 (KJV) offers a profound promise from Jesus to those who make significant sacrifices for His sake and the Kingdom of God. This verse directly addresses the rewards awaiting true disciples who prioritize Christ above all earthly ties and possessions.

Context

This powerful statement from Jesus comes immediately after a pivotal exchange. Earlier in the chapter, the rich young ruler sorrowfully turned away from Jesus because he was unwilling to part with his great wealth. This led to Jesus' teaching on how difficult it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 19:23-26). Peter then, perhaps thinking of the disciples who had left everything, asked Jesus, "Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?" (Matthew 19:27). Matthew 19:29 is part of Jesus' comprehensive answer, reassuring His disciples of the immense blessings that accompany such commitment.

Key Themes

  • Radical Discipleship: The verse highlights the demanding nature of following Jesus, which may require forsaking even the most cherished relationships and possessions. It emphasizes a complete reorientation of priorities, placing Christ at the absolute center.
  • Divine Compensation: Jesus promises an astounding "hundredfold" return for sacrifices made for His name. This is not necessarily a literal material gain, but an abundant blessing that manifests spiritually, relationally (a new family in Christ), and in divine favor, often experienced in this life and certainly in the life to come.
  • Everlasting Life: The ultimate and most significant reward promised is everlasting life. This spiritual inheritance transcends all earthly losses and represents eternal fellowship with God in His Kingdom.
  • Motivation: The phrase "for my name's sake" is crucial. It underscores that the sacrifices are not for personal gain or human approval, but out of sincere devotion, allegiance, and identification with Jesus Christ and His mission.

Linguistic Insights

  • "For my name's sake": This phrase, heneken tou onomatos mou (ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματός μου) in Greek, signifies that the sacrifices are made out of loyalty to Jesus, for the advancement of His Kingdom, and because one identifies as His follower. It speaks to the deep personal commitment and the core motivation of true discipleship.
  • "Hundredfold": The Greek word is hekatontaplasiona (ἑκατονταπλασίονα). This term implies an overflowing, abundant return, far surpassing what was given up. While it can include spiritual and relational blessings in this life (e.g., new spiritual family, joy, peace), its full realization is often understood in the context of the coming Kingdom and the age to come.

Practical Application

Matthew 19:29 challenges believers to evaluate their own priorities. Are we willing to place Christ above all earthly comforts, relationships, and possessions? This verse reassures those who have made significant sacrifices for their faith—whether it's giving up career opportunities, enduring family disapproval, or leaving behind familiar surroundings for ministry—that their investment in God's Kingdom is never in vain. It promises a divine return that far outweighs any worldly loss, culminating in the ultimate gift of eternal life. It encourages us to trust in God's abundant provision and His faithfulness to His promises, knowing that true riches are found in following Him.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 18:29

    And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

  • Luke 18:30

    Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

  • Mark 10:29

    And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,

  • Mark 10:30

    But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

  • Philippians 3:8

    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 14:26

    If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

  • Matthew 16:25

    For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.