Matthew 19:29

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Matthew 19:29 presents a profound promise from Jesus, assuring abundant recompense and eternal inheritance to those who radically prioritize Him above all earthly attachments—including family, possessions, and security—for the sake of His name and the advancement of His Kingdom. This verse underscores the demanding yet infinitely rewarding nature of true discipleship, where present sacrifice yields immeasurable spiritual and eternal gain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration by Jesus is situated within a crucial dialogue following the encounter with the [rich young ruler](/matthew/19-16-22 "Matthew 19:16-22 - The Rich Young Ruler"). The ruler, unwilling to part with his great wealth, sorrowfully departed from Jesus, prompting Jesus to teach on the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of Heaven ([Matthew 19:23-26](/matthew/19-23-26 "Matthew 19:23-26 - Jesus on Wealth and the Kingdom")). Observing this, Peter, perhaps reflecting on the disciples' own sacrifices, asks Jesus, "Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?" ([Matthew 19:27](/matthew/19-27 "Matthew 19:27 - Peter's Question")). Jesus first assures them of their future role in the regeneration ([Matthew 19:28](/matthew/19-28 "Matthew 19:28 - The Twelve's Future Role")), and then, in [Matthew 19:29](/matthew/19-29 "Matthew 19:29 - The Promise of Reward"), expands the promise to "every one" who makes such sacrifices, providing a comprehensive answer that extends beyond the twelve to all disciples.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, family ties, land ownership, and inheritance were foundational to one's identity, security, and social standing. Land was often seen as a divine gift and a symbol of covenant blessing, passed down through generations. To "forsake" such deeply ingrained societal structures—houses, lands, and especially family members (father, mother, wife, children, brethren, sisters)—was an act of immense social and economic upheaval, often leading to ostracization and destitution. Jesus' call here was revolutionary, challenging the prevailing cultural norms that placed ultimate value on these earthly connections. It highlighted that allegiance to the Kingdom of God demanded a reorientation of one's entire life, placing spiritual family and eternal inheritance above all else.

* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 19:29](/matthew/19-29 "Matthew 19:29 - The Promise to Disciples") contributes significantly to several major themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It powerfully articulates the **Cost of Discipleship**, emphasizing that following Jesus may require radical detachment from even the most cherished earthly relationships and possessions, echoing Jesus' earlier calls to take up one's cross ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Taking Up the Cross")). Simultaneously, it highlights the theme of **Divine Recompense and Abundant Grace**, promising an "hundredfold" return that vastly outweighs any earthly loss, demonstrating God's generosity. The ultimate reward, **Everlasting Life**, underscores the eschatological focus of Jesus' teaching, pointing to a future, eternal inheritance that transcends all temporal blessings. Finally, the crucial phrase "for my name's sake" emphasizes the theme of **Motivation and Allegiance**, clarifying that these sacrifices are not for personal merit but out of sincere devotion to Christ and His Kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **forsaken (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** From G863, meaning "to send forth," but in various applications, including "to forgive, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up." In this context, it signifies a deliberate act of relinquishment or detachment. It's not necessarily abandonment in a neglectful sense, but a conscious choice to release one's grip on these earthly ties and possessions, prioritizing Christ above them. This implies a reordering of loyalties and affections.
* **hundredfold (Greek, _hekatontaplasíōn'_):** From G1542, meaning "a hundred times." This term denotes an overflowing, abundant return, far surpassing what was given up. It is often understood not as a literal material multiplication (e.g., 100 houses), but as an abundant spiritual, relational, and divine blessing that manifests both in this life (e.g., a new spiritual family in the church, joy, peace, divine favor) and, most fully, in the life to come within the Kingdom of God.
* **inherit (Greek, _klēronoméō'_):** From G2816, meaning "to be an heir to (literally or figuratively); to obtain by inheritance." This word carries significant theological weight, linking the disciples to the concept of an "inheritance" in God's Kingdom. It implies a legal right and a secure possession, not earned but received as a gift through one's relationship with Christ. This inheritance is specifically defined as "everlasting life" (G166 _aiṓnios_, G2222 _zōḗ_), signifying a quality of life that is eternal, characterized by fellowship with God, and belonging to the age to come.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands,"**: This lengthy list emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the potential sacrifices. "Houses" and "lands" represent material security, economic well-being, and rootedness in a community. The inclusion of "brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children" highlights the profound personal and relational cost. In a collectivist society where family was paramount, such a "forsaking" implied a radical reorientation of allegiance, potentially leading to social ostracism or disinheritance. Jesus is not commanding the abandonment of family duties, but rather a willingness to prioritize His call above even the most fundamental human attachments, if they hinder one's discipleship.
* **"for my name's sake,"**: This crucial phrase defines the motivation for the sacrifice. It signifies that the relinquishment of earthly ties is not arbitrary or for personal asceticism, but is done out of loyalty, allegiance, and identification with Jesus Christ Himself. To act "for my name's sake" means to act for His honor, His mission, His authority, and because one belongs to Him. It ensures that the sacrifice is rooted in devotion to Christ, not in a desire for reward.
* **"shall receive an hundredfold,"**: This is the immediate, abundant promise. As discussed in "Key Word Analysis," the "hundredfold" is not necessarily a literal material multiplication, but a divine overflowing of blessings. This can include spiritual joy, peace, a new spiritual family in the church (often more supportive than biological family), divine provision, and a profound sense of purpose and belonging that far surpasses what was given up. It speaks to God's generosity in recompensing those who faithfully follow Him.
* **"and shall inherit everlasting life."**: This is the ultimate, climactic promise and the supreme reward. "Everlasting life" is not merely endless existence, but a quality of life characterized by fellowship with God, participation in His Kingdom, and eternal blessedness. It is an inheritance, a gift secured by God, which transcends all earthly losses and represents the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for His people. This eternal reality is the ultimate motivation and the secure hope for those who make radical sacrifices for Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 19:29 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Anaphora**, seen in the repeated use of "or" (`G2228 ḗ`) to list the various things that might be forsaken (houses, brethren, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, lands). This repetition emphasizes the comprehensive and exhaustive nature of the sacrifice, highlighting that *nothing* is to be held back from Christ if He calls for it. Secondly, **Hyperbole** is evident in the promise of "an hundredfold." While not meant to be taken literally in a material sense, it vividly communicates the super-abundance of God's compensation, portraying it as far exceeding any earthly loss. This hyperbolic language assures the disciple that their sacrifice is not in vain but will be rewarded beyond measure. Finally, **Symbolism** is present in the items listed for forsaking. "Houses" and "lands" symbolize worldly security and material possessions, while "family" (brethren, sisters, father, mother, wife, children) symbolizes the deepest human attachments and social identity. By calling for the potential forsaking of these, Jesus symbolically demands a reordering of ultimate allegiance from earthly securities and relationships to Himself and His Kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 19:29 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the radical nature of discipleship and God's generous economy of grace. It underscores the biblical principle that true spiritual gain often necessitates earthly relinquishment. This is not a call to asceticism for its own sake, but a re-prioritization of ultimate loyalties, recognizing that Christ's Kingdom demands our supreme devotion. The "hundredfold" promise reveals God's character as a lavish giver who never allows sacrifice for Him to go unrewarded, often providing spiritual and relational blessings in this life that far outweigh material losses, culminating in the ultimate gift of eternal life. This verse challenges believers to trust in God's faithfulness and provision, understanding that true security and inheritance are found in Him alone, not in temporal attachments.

* [Mark 10:29-30](/mark/10-29-30 "Mark 10:29-30 - The Hundredfold Reward in Mark")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Gain is Christ")
* [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 19:29 serves as a profound call to self-examination for every believer. It challenges us to honestly assess what we truly prioritize and where our ultimate allegiance lies. In a world that often measures success by accumulation and security, Jesus invites us to embrace a counter-cultural value system where true gain comes through spiritual sacrifice. For some, this might mean a literal relinquishment of career opportunities, geographical location, or even strained family relationships for the sake of the Gospel. For others, it might involve a daily, internal forsaking of self-reliance, comfort, or the desire for worldly approval, choosing instead to obey Christ's commands and live for His glory. This verse offers immense comfort and reassurance to those who have already made significant sacrifices for their faith, affirming that their investment in God's Kingdom is never in vain. It encourages us to trust in God's abundant provision and His unwavering faithfulness, knowing that He will not only compensate us richly in this life but also grant us the ultimate, imperishable inheritance of everlasting life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What earthly "houses, brethren, or lands" might Jesus be calling me to hold loosely or even "forsake" in my life today, in order to prioritize Him more fully?**
* **How do I personally understand and experience the "hundredfold" reward that Jesus promises? Is it primarily spiritual, relational, or perhaps even material in unexpected ways?**
* **Does the promise of "everlasting life" genuinely shape my daily decisions and motivate my willingness to make sacrifices for Christ's name?**
* **Am I making my sacrifices truly "for my name's sake," out of pure devotion to Jesus, or are there other underlying motivations influencing my choices?**

### FAQ

**Does "hundredfold" mean I will literally get 100 times more money or family members?**

Answer: While God is certainly capable of literal multiplication, the "hundredfold" (G1542 _hekatontaplasíōn_) in [Matthew 19:29](/matthew/19-29 "Matthew 19:29 - The Hundredfold Promise") is generally understood as hyperbole, signifying an abundant, overflowing, and disproportionate return that far exceeds any earthly loss. This return is primarily spiritual and relational, though it can manifest in practical ways. For example, forsaking a biological family that opposes one's faith might lead to finding a much larger, more supportive, and spiritually rich family within the Body of Christ ([Mark 10:29-30](/mark/10-29-30 "Mark 10:29-30 - The Hundredfold in Mark's Gospel")). It speaks to the richness of God's Kingdom economy, where spiritual blessings, peace, joy, purpose, and divine favor are far more valuable than material possessions.

**Is this verse suggesting that Christians should abandon their families or neglect their responsibilities to them?**

Answer: No, [Matthew 19:29](/matthew/19-29 "Matthew 19:29 - Family and Discipleship") does not advocate for the irresponsible abandonment of family or the neglect of one's God-given responsibilities. The Bible consistently upholds the importance of family and honor for parents ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - Honor Your Parents"); [Ephesians 6:1-3](/ephesians/6-1-3 "Ephesians 6:1-3 - Children and Parents")). The phrase "forsaken" (G863 _aphíēmi_) here refers to a radical reordering of priorities and allegiances. It means that if one's family or possessions become an idol or a hindrance to following Christ, then Christ must take precedence. This might involve enduring family disapproval, choosing ministry over family expectations, or leaving one's homeland for the sake of the Gospel. It's about placing ultimate loyalty to Jesus above all other human ties, even when it comes at a great personal cost, trusting that God will provide a new, spiritual family and eternal rewards.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 19:29 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. He is the preeminent example of one who "forsakes" all for the Father's name's sake and for the sake of humanity's salvation. Though eternally rich, Christ "made himself poor" for our sakes ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")), leaving the glory of heaven to take on human form ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Kenosis of Christ")). He had "nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man's Homelessness")), experienced rejection from His own earthly family ([Mark 3:31-35](/mark/3-31-35 "Mark 3:31-35 - Jesus' True Family")), and ultimately "gave his life as a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Ransom for Many")). His radical self-emptying and sacrifice "for the Father's name's sake" (i.e., for God's glory and redemptive plan) is what secures the "everlasting life" for all who believe in Him. The "hundredfold" reward promised to disciples is realized in their union with Christ, becoming co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")) in His Kingdom and part of the new spiritual family, the Church, which He established through His own ultimate sacrifice. Thus, the call to forsake all for Christ is a call to participate in His own pattern of self-giving, leading to a share in His ultimate triumph and eternal inheritance.

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

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.