Matthew 28:19

KJV

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

KJV (with Strong's)

Go ye {G4198} therefore {G3767}, and teach {G3100} all {G3956} nations {G1484}, baptizing {G907} them {G846} in {G1519} the name {G3686} of the Father {G3962}, and {G2532} of the Son {G5207}, and {G2532} of the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, go and make people from all nations into talmidim, immersing them into the reality of the Father, the Son and the Ruach HaKodesh,

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

American Standard Version

Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 28:19, often referred to as a core component of the Great Commission, encapsulates Jesus' post-resurrection mandate to His disciples, instructing them to embark on a global mission. This pivotal verse commands believers to "go" into all the world, actively "making disciples" of every nation, and initiating them into the Christian faith through "baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." It serves as the foundational charter for the Church's evangelistic and discipleship efforts, emphasizing both the universal scope of the Gospel and the Trinitarian nature of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 28:19 stands as the climax of Matthew's Gospel, forming the core of Jesus' final instructions to His disciples after His resurrection. It immediately follows Jesus' declaration in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - Jesus' Declaration of All Authority"), where He asserts, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." This assertion of absolute authority provides the divine warrant for the sweeping global mandate that follows. The verse is then complemented by [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Promise of Jesus' Presence"), which further elaborates on the content of discipleship ("teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you") and concludes with Jesus' comforting promise of His perpetual presence: "and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." This sequence establishes the mission's divine origin, its comprehensive scope, and the assurance of Christ's empowering presence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to "teach all nations" (make disciples of all nations) was a radical departure from the prevailing Jewish understanding of God's covenant people. Historically, God's special relationship was primarily with Israel, and while there were prophecies of Gentile inclusion (e.g., [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles")), the direct and universal mandate to actively seek out and disciple non-Jews was revolutionary. The disciples themselves were Jewish, deeply rooted in a culture that often viewed Gentiles as outside the covenant. This commission therefore marked a profound shift in the early Christian movement, transforming it from a sect within Judaism into a global religion. The practice of baptism, while having Jewish precedents (e.g., proselyte baptism, John's baptism), was here recontextualized as the initiatory rite into the new covenant community, uniquely defined by its Trinitarian formula.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is rich with foundational theological and narrative themes. Central among them is the **Global Mandate**, signifying that the Gospel is intended for all humanity, transcending ethnic and geographical boundaries, a theme foreshadowed in passages like [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - All Nations to Zion"). Another crucial theme is **Comprehensive Discipleship**, where the primary verb "teach" (make disciples) implies a holistic process of spiritual formation, not merely initial conversion, as further detailed in [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Teaching and Observing"). The **Significance of Baptism** is also prominent, serving as the symbolic and public act of identification with Christ and entrance into the Christian community. Finally, the explicit mention of "the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" introduces the profound theological theme of the **Triune Nature of God**, making this verse a cornerstone for Trinitarian doctrine. This divine authority underpins the entire mission, as Jesus Himself declares in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - Jesus' All Authority").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **teach (Greek, _mathēteúō'_):** From the root word for "disciple," this verb means "to make a pupil" or "to enroll as a scholar." It is not merely about imparting information but about guiding individuals into a committed relationship with Jesus Christ, fostering obedience, and training them to follow His ways. The primary command is thus to "disciple all nations," encompassing evangelism, teaching, and spiritual formation.
* **nations (Greek, _éthnos'_):** While it can mean "a race" or "tribe," in this context, especially when paired with "all" (G3956, _pâs_), it specifically refers to foreign, non-Jewish peoples, often with the implication of pagan or Gentile populations. This word underscores the universal, cross-cultural scope of the Great Commission, breaking down the historical barriers between Jew and Gentile.
* **in (Greek, _eis'_):** This preposition, meaning "to or into," indicates the point reached or entered. When used with "the name of," it signifies more than just an invocation; it implies being baptized *into* allegiance to, identification with, and possession by the Triune God. It speaks of entering into a new relationship and being dedicated to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** Derived from a word related to knowing, "name" here signifies not just a label but the authority, character, and very essence of the one named. To baptize "in the name of" the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost means to baptize into the very authority, identity, and relational reality of the Triune God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go ye therefore,"**: This is an imperative command, rooted in the preceding declaration of Jesus' absolute authority. It signifies an active, intentional movement outward from the disciples' current location and cultural sphere. The "therefore" links the mission directly to Jesus' universal authority (Matthew 28:18), indicating that the command is not a suggestion but a divinely authorized mandate.
* **"and teach all nations,"**: This is the primary verb and central command of the Great Commission, meaning "make disciples of all nations." It highlights the comprehensive nature of the mission: it's not just about converting individuals but about guiding them into a lifelong process of learning, growth, and obedience to Christ's teachings. The scope is explicitly global, extending to every ethnic and cultural group.
* **"baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"**: This clause specifies the initiatory rite for those who become disciples. Baptism serves as a public declaration of faith and identification with Christ, symbolizing repentance, new life, and inclusion into the Christian community. The explicit Trinitarian formula ("in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost") is a profound theological statement, signifying that new believers are brought into a relationship with, and under the authority of, the one God who eternally exists as three distinct persons.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 28:19 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, evident in the commands "Go," "teach," and "baptizing." These verbs convey a sense of divine authority, urgency, and non-negotiable mission, underscoring the weight of Jesus' final instructions. The verse also features a powerful **Triadic Structure** or **Trinitarian Formula** with the explicit mention of "the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." This formulation is not merely a list but a theological statement affirming the co-equal and co-eternal nature of the three persons within the Godhead, providing the divine identity into which new believers are initiated. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is inherent in the act of baptism, which represents purification, death to an old life, resurrection to a new life in Christ, and identification with His death and resurrection. The phrase "in the name of" also carries symbolic weight, representing allegiance to and the authority of the Triune God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 28:19 is a theological powerhouse, serving as the bedrock for Christian mission and Trinitarian doctrine. It reveals God's universal redemptive plan, demonstrating that His love and salvation are not confined to a single ethnicity or nation but are graciously extended to all humanity. The command to "make disciples" underscores the transformative nature of the Gospel, emphasizing that faith involves a lifelong journey of learning, obedience, and spiritual formation under the authority of Christ. The explicit Trinitarian formula in baptism is arguably the clearest New Testament declaration of God's tri-personal nature, inviting believers into a relational intimacy with the Father, through the Son, and by the power of the Holy Spirit. This verse thus defines the Church's identity as a sent people, empowered by the Triune God to participate in His global redemptive work.

* [Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission in Mark")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness to the Ends of the Earth")
* [1 Corinthians 12:13](/1_corinthians/12-13 "1 Corinthians 12:13 - Baptism into One Body by One Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 28:19 is not merely a historical command given to the first disciples; it is the enduring mission statement for every believer and for the Church throughout history. It calls us to move beyond passive faith to active participation in God's redemptive work in the world. This means recognizing our personal responsibility to share the Gospel, not just through words, but by living lives that exemplify Christ's teachings, thereby "making disciples" through our actions and witness. It challenges us to embrace the global scope of God's kingdom, praying for and supporting mission efforts in every nation, and perhaps even considering personal involvement in cross-cultural ministry. Furthermore, the emphasis on baptism reminds us of the significance of public declaration of faith and the communal aspect of our Christian journey, as we are initiated into the family of God. Ultimately, this commission is daunting, but it is undertaken with the assurance of Christ's "all authority" (Matthew 28:18) and His promise to be "with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20), empowering us for the task.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways am I personally participating in the Great Commission, both locally and globally?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to be a "disciple" of Jesus Christ, beyond just a "convert," and how am I growing in that discipleship?**
* **How does the Trinitarian formula in baptism deepen my understanding of God and my relationship with Him?**

### FAQ
**Why is baptism "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" so important?**

Answer: This specific Trinitarian formula for baptism is profoundly important for several reasons. Firstly, it is a direct command from Jesus Christ Himself, making it an act of obedience to His final instructions to His Church. Secondly, it serves as the clearest and most explicit declaration of the Triune nature of God found in the New Testament, affirming the distinct yet co-equal persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit within the one Godhead. To be baptized "in the name of" (Greek: *eis to onoma*) signifies more than a mere verbal invocation; it means being immersed into allegiance to, identification with, and the authority of the Triune God. It marks a believer's entrance into a new covenant relationship with God, a public declaration of faith, and a symbolic participation in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (as seen in [Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - Buried with Christ in Baptism")). It signifies that the new disciple is now under the ownership and protection of the Father, redeemed by the Son, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 28:19 is profoundly Christ-centered, as it is Jesus Christ Himself who issues this universal mandate, doing so on the basis of His newly declared "all power... in heaven and in earth" (as stated in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - Jesus' All Authority")). The entire mission to "make disciples of all nations" is ultimately about bringing humanity into a relationship with *Him*. He is the "Son" in the Trinitarian formula, the one through whom reconciliation with the Father is made possible (as described in [Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). His atoning death and glorious resurrection are the very foundation and content of the Gospel that is to be proclaimed to all nations (see [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Core of the Gospel")). Moreover, the mission is not undertaken in human strength but is empowered by the Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised to send (as seen in [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")), enabling believers to be His witnesses "unto the uttermost part of the earth" (as prophesied in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). Thus, the Great Commission is a direct outflow of Christ's redemptive work, His supreme authority, and His ongoing presence with His Church until the consummation of His kingdom (as promised in [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Christ's Enduring Presence")).

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

Mark 16:15

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Mark 16:16

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:39

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Luke 24:47

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Luke 24:48

And ye are witnesses of these things.