Matthew 28:18

KJV

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} came {G4334} and spake {G2980} unto them {G846}, saying {G3004}, All {G3956} power {G1849} is given {G1325} unto me {G3427} in {G1722} heaven {G3772} and {G2532} in {G1909} earth {G1093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua came and talked with them. He said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

American Standard Version

And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 28:18 stands as a pivotal declaration from the resurrected Jesus Christ to His disciples, serving as the foundational assertion of His absolute, universal authority over all creation. This statement, delivered just prior to the Great Commission, establishes the divine mandate and comprehensive power upon which the global mission of the church is predicated, affirming Christ's supreme Lordship and His triumph over all opposing forces.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This profound declaration immediately precedes the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"), forming its indispensable preamble. The narrative places Jesus' words on a mountain in Galilee, a location He specifically appointed for this post-resurrection encounter ([Matthew 28:16](/matthew/28-16 "Matthew 28:16 - Jesus Appears on a Mountain")). The disciples, some of whom still doubted ([Matthew 28:17](/matthew/28-17 "Matthew 28:17 - Disciples Worship and Some Doubt")), are gathered to receive their final, authoritative instructions. This setting underscores the solemnity and significance of Jesus' pronouncement, transitioning from His earthly ministry to His exalted reign and the commencement of the church's global mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of a mountain often carried symbolic weight in biblical narratives, serving as a place of divine revelation, covenant, or significant encounter (e.g., Mount Sinai, Mount of Transfiguration). For the disciples, who had witnessed Jesus' crucifixion and now His miraculous resurrection, this encounter solidified their understanding of His identity and mission. In a world dominated by various earthly powers and religious authorities, Jesus' claim to "all power in heaven and in earth" was a radical assertion of cosmic sovereignty, challenging all competing claims to ultimate dominion. It affirmed His unique status as the Messiah, fulfilling ancient prophecies and inaugurating a new era.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 28:18 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the Gospel of Matthew and Christian theology. The most prominent is the **Sovereignty and Authority of Christ**, demonstrating that His resurrection was not merely a return to life but an exaltation to universal dominion. This echoes Old Testament prophecies, particularly [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receives Dominion"), where the "Son of Man" is given "dominion, glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him." Furthermore, the verse establishes the **Foundation for the Church's Mission**, as the subsequent command to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - Go and Make Disciples")) flows directly from Christ's supreme authority, not from human initiative or strength. It also highlights the theme of **Divine Commissioning**, where the Father has fully invested all authority in the Son, validating His redemptive work and empowering His ongoing rule.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **power (Greek, _exousía'_):** This term (G1849) signifies not merely raw strength or might (which would be _dynamis_), but rather "privilege," "force," "capacity," "competency," "freedom," or "mastery. " Crucially, it denotes "authority," "right," or "jurisdiction." In this context, it implies the inherent right to act, to rule, and to command. Jesus is declaring that He possesses the legitimate right to govern and control all things.
* **is given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** The verb (G1325) means "to give" in a very wide application, including "bestow," "commit," "deliver (up)," or "grant." The passive voice ("is given") is significant, indicating that this authority was bestowed upon Jesus by another, specifically God the Father. This divine bestowal underscores that Jesus' authority is not self-assumed but divinely ordained, particularly in light of His completed redemptive work, death, and resurrection.
* **earth (Greek, _gē'_):** This word (G1093) refers to "soil," "a region," or "the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe." When paired with "heaven," it signifies the totality of creation—the entire cosmos, both the spiritual and physical realms. Jesus' authority is thus declared to be truly universal, encompassing every dimension of existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,"**: This opening clause sets the scene for a formal, authoritative pronouncement. The phrase "Jesus came" suggests a deliberate approach, emphasizing the intentionality and solemnity of His address to the disciples. "Spake unto them" indicates a direct, personal communication, ensuring that His followers understood the profound implications of His words.
* **"All power is given unto me"**: This is the core declaration. "All" (Greek, _pâs_) emphasizes the comprehensive and absolute nature of the authority. There is no power or authority remaining outside of Christ's dominion. The passive voice "is given" highlights the divine origin of this authority, bestowed upon Him by the Father as a consequence of His redemptive work, particularly His resurrection and exaltation. It signifies His rightful position as the sovereign Lord.
* **"in heaven and in earth."**: This phrase specifies the universal scope of Jesus' newly declared authority. "Heaven" encompasses the spiritual realm, the angelic hosts, and all spiritual powers, including those of darkness. "Earth" refers to the physical world, all nations, human institutions, and every aspect of material creation. Together, "heaven and earth" constitute a merism, a literary device signifying the entirety of the cosmos, leaving no domain or dimension outside of Christ's supreme and comprehensive rule.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 28:18 is a powerful **Declaration of Authority** and a **Theological Proclamation**. Jesus' statement functions as a **Merism** ("in heaven and in earth"), signifying the totality and universality of His dominion, leaving no realm or sphere outside His control. The use of the **Passive Voice** ("is given") subtly points to the divine source of this authority, implying God the Father as the giver, thus lending ultimate divine weight to Jesus' claim. The verse also serves as a **Foundation** for the subsequent command, acting as a premise upon which the imperative of the Great Commission is built. It is a concise, yet comprehensive, **Summary Statement** of Christ's post-resurrection status and His rightful place as cosmic Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 28:18 is a cornerstone of Christology, asserting Jesus' supreme and universal authority following His resurrection. This declaration is not merely about power, but about the legitimate right to rule and command over all creation, both visible and invisible. It underscores the profound theological truth that Christ's victory over sin and death culminated in His exaltation to the highest position, where He now reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords. This comprehensive authority is the very basis for the church's global mission, as believers are sent forth not in their own strength, but under the sovereign mandate of the one who holds all dominion. It assures believers that their efforts in spreading the Gospel are backed by the ultimate power in the universe.

* [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "The Son of Man Receives Everlasting Dominion"): Foreshadows the Son of Man receiving an everlasting dominion and kingdom over all peoples, nations, and languages.
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Lordship"): Describes God highly exalting Christ and giving Him the name above every name, so that every knee should bow and every tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord.
* [Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20-23 "Ephesians 1:20-23 - Christ's Supremacy Over All Things"): States that God seated Christ at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and put all things under His feet.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 28:18 offers profound assurance and a clear call to action for every believer. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and competing claims to authority, this verse anchors our faith in the unshakeable truth of Christ's absolute sovereignty. Knowing that "all power is given" to Him provides immense comfort and confidence, reminding us that no earthly government, spiritual force, or personal trial can ultimately thwart His divine purposes. This truth liberates us from fear and empowers us to live with courage and conviction, understanding that our lives, our ministries, and the very future of the church are secure in His mighty hands. It compels us to surrender fully to His Lordship, trusting that His commands are not arbitrary but flow from His rightful position as the benevolent King over all, guiding us into His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' declaration of "all power" impact your understanding of His identity and your trust in His sovereignty in your personal life?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or the world do you need to remember that Christ holds ultimate authority, even when circumstances seem overwhelming?**
* **How should the knowledge of Christ's universal authority embolden your efforts to share the Gospel and participate in His mission?**

### FAQ
**What does "all power is given unto me" truly mean in the context of Jesus' resurrection?**

Answer: This phrase signifies Jesus' post-resurrection exaltation and the Father's full investiture of comprehensive authority in Him. It means that Jesus, having completed His redemptive work through His death and resurrection, has been granted legitimate and absolute dominion over every sphere of existence—spiritual, physical, and cosmic. It's not merely raw strength, but the right to rule, command, and judge, as He Himself states in [John 5:27](/john/5-27 "John 5:27 - Authority to Execute Judgment"). This authority is the divine validation of His identity as the Son of God and the Messiah.

**How does this verse relate to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?**

Answer: Matthew 28:18 is the indispensable foundation for the Great Commission. Jesus' declaration of "all power" is the premise upon which the command to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - Go and Make Disciples")) is built. The disciples are not sent out on their own strength, wisdom, or limited human authority, but under the explicit, universal, and divine authority of the resurrected Christ. Their mission derives its power and legitimacy directly from His supreme Lordship, assuring them that He is with them always, even to the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - I Am With You Always")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 28:18 represents the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's universal reign. In His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated glimpses of this authority through His teaching ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Teaching with Authority")), His power over disease and demons ([Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus Heals Many")), and even His ability to forgive sins ([Matthew 9:6](/matthew/9-6 "Matthew 9:6 - The Son of Man Has Authority to Forgive Sins")). However, it is through His death, resurrection, and ascension that He is fully invested with "all power in heaven and in earth." This fulfills the prophetic vision of the "Son of Man" in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "The Son of Man Receives Dominion"), who receives everlasting dominion. The New Testament consistently affirms this exalted status, portraying Christ as seated at the right hand of God, far above all rule and authority ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Exaltation and Supremacy")) and to whom every knee will bow ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, Matthew 28:18 is not merely a statement about future power, but a declaration of the realized, present, and complete authority of the resurrected Christ, the Lamb who was slain and is now worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb")).

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

John 3:35

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

1 Peter 3:22

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Matthew 11:27

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him].

Ephesians 1:20

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places],

Ephesians 1:22

And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church,

Hebrews 2:8

Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing [that is] not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

1 Corinthians 15:27

For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under [him, it is] manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.