Matthew 8:11

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

And {G1161} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, That {G3754} many {G4183} shall come {G2240} from {G575} the east {G395} and {G2532} west {G1424}, and {G2532} shall sit down {G347} with {G3326} Abraham {G11}, and {G2532} Isaac {G2464}, and {G2532} Jacob {G2384}, in {G1722} the kingdom {G932} of heaven {G3772}.

Moreover, I tell you that many will come from the east and from the west to take their places at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven with Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya`akov.

I say to you that many will come from the east and the west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.

And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven:

Commentary

Matthew 8:11 presents a pivotal statement by Jesus, revealing the expansive nature of God's kingdom and challenging the conventional expectations of His time. This verse, delivered in the King James Version, speaks to the inclusion of all nations in the ultimate fellowship with God's patriarchs.

Context

This profound declaration by Jesus comes immediately after His encounter with a Roman centurion, a Gentile, whose extraordinary faith deeply impressed Him. In Matthew 8:10, Jesus openly marvels that He has not found such great faith in all Israel. Matthew 8:11 then serves as a direct consequence and explanation of this observation, contrasting the centurion's faith with the prevailing lack of faith among many Jews. It also sets the stage for the challenging warning in Matthew 8:12, where "the children of the kingdom" are cast out.

Key Themes

  • Universal Invitation: The phrase "many shall come from the east and west" unequivocally signifies people from all nations, not just the geographical boundaries of Israel. This is a powerful prophetic statement about the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant blessings, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies (e.g., Isaiah 2:2-3).
  • The Kingdom Banquet: To "sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven" evokes the imagery of a celebratory feast or banquet. This is a common biblical metaphor for the joy, fellowship, and full participation in God's eternal kingdom, a privilege previously assumed to be exclusive to ethnic Israel.
  • Faith Over Lineage: The surrounding narrative strongly emphasizes that entry into this kingdom is based on genuine faith, as exemplified by the centurion, rather than ethnic heritage or religious pedigree. This aligns with the broader New Testament teaching that those who are of faith are the true children of Abraham.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "sit down" is anaklinō (ἀνακλίνω), which literally means to "recline" or "lie down." In ancient cultures, particularly at banquets, guests would recline on couches around a low table. This detail reinforces the image of an intimate, celebratory meal, symbolizing full and comfortable fellowship in the presence of God and His patriarchs within the kingdom.

Practical Application

Matthew 8:11 offers immense hope and challenges our perspectives on God's redemptive plan. It underscores the truth that God's love and salvation are not limited by ethnicity, nationality, social status, or any human-made barrier. It reveals the universal nature of the Gospel message and calls believers to embrace and welcome all who come to Christ in faith, recognizing that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile. This verse reminds us that God's kingdom is open to all who believe, regardless of their origin, and that true spiritual heritage is defined by faith in Jesus Christ.

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Cross-References

  • Ephesians 3:6 (9 votes)

    That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

  • Luke 13:28 (8 votes)

    There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you [yourselves] thrust out.

  • Luke 13:29 (8 votes)

    And they shall come from the east, and [from] the west, and from the north, and [from] the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

  • Malachi 1:11 (7 votes)

    For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name [shall be] great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense [shall be] offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name [shall be] great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Ephesians 2:11 (6 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore remember, that ye [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

  • Ephesians 2:14 (6 votes)

    ¶ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us];

  • Galatians 3:28 (5 votes)

    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.