Matthew 19:30

KJV

But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} many {G4183} that are first {G4413} shall be {G2071} last {G2078}; and {G2532} the last {G2078} shall be first {G4413}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

Berean Standard Bible

But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.

American Standard Version

But many shall be last that are first; and first that are last.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 19:30 serves as a profound summary statement of a core Kingdom principle, declaring a radical divine reversal: "But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first." This powerful proverb encapsulates Jesus' redefinition of status and reward, challenging conventional human notions of greatness and highlighting God's distinctive economy where humility, sacrificial service, and genuine faith are prioritized above worldly prestige, wealth, or self-righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a pivotal section in Jesus' ministry, immediately following His encounter with the [rich young ruler](/matthew/19-16-22 "Matthew 19:16-22 - The Rich Young Ruler"). The ruler's inability to forsake his great possessions for eternal life prompted Jesus' teaching on the extreme difficulty for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, famously stating that it is [easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle](/matthew/19-23-26 "Matthew 19:23-26 - The Camel and the Needle's Eye"). Astonished by this, Peter then asks what reward the disciples, who had left everything, would receive for following Jesus ([Matthew 19:27](/matthew/19-27 "Matthew 19:27 - Peter's Question About Reward")). Jesus assures them of significant future rewards, including sitting on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel, and promises eternal life to all who sacrifice for His name's sake. Matthew 19:30 then acts as a crucial caveat and a transitional bridge, introducing the [Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard](/matthew/20-1-16 "Matthew 20:1-16 - The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard") in the subsequent chapter, which vividly illustrates the very principle of the first being last and the last being first, particularly in the context of divine grace and reward.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, wealth was often perceived as a sign of God's favor and blessing, and religious leaders (like the Pharisees and Sadducees) held positions of high esteem and authority. There was a strong emphasis on outward observance of the Law and adherence to tradition, which often led to a hierarchical social structure where those who appeared most righteous or successful were considered "first." Jesus' teaching directly challenged this prevailing worldview. His ministry consistently embraced the marginalized, the poor, the sick, and the "sinners" (tax collectors, prostitutes), who were considered "last" by society. By declaring that the "first shall be last and the last shall be first," Jesus was not merely reversing social standing but overturning a deeply ingrained theological assumption that equated earthly success or outward piety with divine approval, asserting that God's evaluation differs radically from human judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 19:30 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Matthew and Jesus' broader teaching. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Reversal of Values**, a recurrent motif where God's Kingdom operates on principles contrary to worldly systems. What is esteemed by humans (power, wealth, status) is often devalued by God, and what is overlooked or despised by humans (humility, self-sacrifice, service) is highly prized by God. This is powerfully articulated in Jesus' teaching on [the least of these](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - The Least of These My Brothers"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Humility and Service** as the true measures of greatness in God's Kingdom. Jesus frequently taught that true leadership is found in servanthood, as seen in His declaration that [whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant](/matthew/20-26 "Matthew 20:26 - Greatness Through Service") and that [whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation"). Finally, it emphasizes **Spiritual Priorities** over worldly ones. The verse encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, valuing God's commendation and eternal rewards above temporary earthly acclaim or personal gain, reinforcing the call to [seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **first (Greek, _prōtos'_):** This word, derived from a contracted superlative, means "foremost" not only in time or place but also in order or importance. In this context, it refers to those who are considered superior, pre-eminent, or privileged in human estimation, whether due to their social status, wealth, religious piety, or perceived righteousness. It signifies a position of advantage or perceived merit.
* **last (Greek, _éschatos'_):** This superlative term denotes "farthest" or "final," referring to those who are at the very end, lowest in rank, or utterly marginalized. It encompasses those who are overlooked, disadvantaged, or considered insignificant by societal standards. The contrast with _prōtos_ is stark, highlighting a complete inversion of conventional hierarchy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But many [that are] first shall be last":** The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a strong contrast, signaling a surprising and counter-intuitive truth. "Many" (G4183, _polýs_) indicates that this is a general principle, a prevalent characteristic of God's justice and grace, rather than an absolute, universal rule for every single individual. Those who are esteemed, privileged, or self-righteous in the eyes of the world, or even in their own eyes, will find their positions reversed in God's Kingdom. This reversal can apply to those who rely on their own works, wealth, or status for salvation or favor, only to discover they are far from God's true standard.
* **"and the last [shall be] first":** The copulative "and" (G2532, _kaí_) connects the two clauses, completing the divine inversion. Those who are marginalized, humble, persecuted, or considered insignificant by human standards—those who have sacrificed earthly advantages for Christ's sake, or who have simply recognized their spiritual poverty and relied on God's grace—will be exalted and honored in God's Kingdom. This clause offers immense hope and encouragement to the humble and the downtrodden, assuring them of God's recognition and reward.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 19:30 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Chiasmus**, a rhetorical device where two or more clauses are related to each other through a reversal of structures in order to make a larger point. The structure "first shall be last; and the last shall be first" perfectly exemplifies an ABBA pattern (A=first, B=last, B=last, A=first). This chiastic structure creates a sense of balance and emphasizes the complete and decisive nature of the reversal. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Paradox**, presenting a statement that seems self-contradictory but contains a deeper truth. On the surface, it defies logical expectation that the "first" would become "last" and vice versa, yet it reveals the counter-intuitive logic of God's Kingdom, where human values are inverted. This paradox forces the listener to reconsider their assumptions about status, merit, and divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the radical nature of God's Kingdom, where human metrics of success and status are subverted by divine values. It speaks to God's impartial justice and His preferential option for the humble and the marginalized. The "first" often refers to those who are self-sufficient, proud, or rely on their own works or earthly advantages, while the "last" are those who recognize their need for grace, embrace humility, and are willing to sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom. This principle underscores that true greatness in God's eyes is not measured by worldly achievements or social standing, but by one's posture of humility, faith, and sacrificial service to God and others. It serves as both a warning against spiritual pride and a profound encouragement to those who feel overlooked or insignificant in the world.

* [Mark 10:31](/mark/10-31 "Mark 10:31 - The First Will Be Last")
* [Luke 13:30](/luke/13-30 "Luke 13:30 - Many Who Are Last Will Be First")
* [Matthew 20:16](/matthew/20-16 "Matthew 20:16 - The Parable's Conclusion")
* [Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 19:30 stands as a timeless challenge and comfort to every believer. It compels us to critically examine our own motivations, priorities, and perceptions of success. Are we striving for earthly recognition, status, or wealth, or are our hearts truly set on eternal rewards and God's commendation? This verse warns against spiritual pride and complacency, reminding those who feel "first" in their faith journey, perhaps due to knowledge, giftedness, or outward piety, that true spiritual standing is measured by humility and service, not by self-exaltation. Conversely, for those who feel overlooked, marginalized, or insignificant in the eyes of the world or even within the church, this verse offers immense encouragement and hope. It assures them that their quiet faithfulness, humble service, and sacrificial devotion are deeply valued and seen by God, and that their ultimate reward and recognition will come from Him. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, seeking to please God rather than striving for human approval or worldly status, trusting that God’s economy of grace will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to seek to be "first" in the eyes of others or myself?**
* **How does the principle of the "first being last" challenge my understanding of success, status, or spiritual achievement?**
* **What are specific ways I can practice humility and sacrificial service, embracing the posture of being "last" in order to truly serve Christ?**
* **How does this verse offer me comfort or challenge me in my current circumstances, especially if I feel overlooked or, conversely, if I am tempted by pride?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that everyone who is successful in this life will be unsuccessful in the next?**

Answer: Not necessarily. The verse, particularly with the inclusion of "many" (G4183, _polýs_), expresses a general principle rather than an absolute, universal rule for every single individual. It highlights a common characteristic of God's Kingdom values, which often invert human expectations. The context of the [rich young ruler](/matthew/19-16-22 "Matthew 19:16-22 - The Rich Young Ruler") shows that earthly success, particularly wealth, can be a significant obstacle to entering the Kingdom if it becomes an idol or a source of self-reliance. The principle is about the *attitude* and *source of trust*—those who are proud, self-righteous, or rely on their own merits (the "first" in their own eyes) will find themselves humbled, while those who are humble, dependent on God, and willing to sacrifice (the "last" in human estimation) will be exalted. It's a reordering of priorities and values, not a blanket condemnation of all earthly success.

**How does this verse relate to the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard?**

Answer: Matthew 19:30 serves as the direct introduction and thematic summary for the [Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard](/matthew/20-1-16 "Matthew 20:1-16 - The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard") in the very next chapter. The parable vividly illustrates this principle of "the first shall be last, and the last shall be first" by depicting a landowner who pays all his laborers the same wage, regardless of how long they worked. Those hired first (who bore the burden of the day) felt they deserved more, while those hired last received an unexpected, generous reward. This parable is not primarily about economic justice but about God's sovereign grace and generosity. It teaches that God's rewards are not based on human concepts of merit or duration of service, but on His gracious will. The "first" (those who feel entitled) are humbled, and the "last" (those who receive unexpected grace) are exalted, perfectly embodying the reversal stated in Matthew 19:30.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 19:30 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Though eternally "first" as the Son of God, pre-existent and co-equal with the Father ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")), Jesus willingly embraced the position of "last." He did not cling to His divine prerogatives but [emptied himself, taking the form of a servant](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation"), born in humble circumstances and serving the marginalized and outcast of society. He came [not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). His journey culminated in the ultimate act of humility and self-sacrifice on the cross, where He, the blameless Lamb of God, was counted among the transgressors, becoming "last" in the eyes of the world. Yet, it was precisely through this act of profound humility and obedience unto death that God highly exalted Him, granting Him [the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation"). Thus, Jesus perfectly embodies the divine reversal: the one who was "first" became "last" through His incarnation and crucifixion, only to be made "first" again through His resurrection and ascension, reigning as [Lord of all](/acts/10-36 "Acts 10:36 - Jesus is Lord of All"), demonstrating that true greatness in God's Kingdom is found through humble, sacrificial service.

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 13:30

And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

Matthew 20:16

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Mark 10:31

But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last first.

Luke 18:13

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

Luke 18:14

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Romans 5:20

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

Romans 5:21

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.