Matthew 8:19

KJV

And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} a certain {G1520} scribe {G1122} came {G4334}, and said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Master {G1320}, I will follow {G190} thee {G4671} whithersoever {G1437}{G3699} thou goest {G565}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A Torah-teacher approached and said to him, "Rabbi, I will follow you wherever you go."

Berean Standard Bible

And one of the scribes came to Him and said, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.”

American Standard Version

And there came a scribe, and said unto him, Teacher, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 8:19 introduces a pivotal encounter where a learned scribe approaches Jesus with an enthusiastic declaration of unwavering commitment: "Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest." This verse sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching on the true cost of discipleship, immediately challenging the scribe's potentially superficial understanding of what it means to truly follow the Son of Man. It highlights the contrast between initial zeal and the profound demands of genuine commitment to Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a section of Matthew's Gospel (chapters 8-9) that showcases Jesus' authority through a series of miraculous healings and exorcisms. Immediately preceding this account are the healing of a centurion's servant ([Matthew 8:5-13](/matthew/8-5-13 "Matthew 8:5-13 - The Healing of the Centurion's Servant")) and Peter's mother-in-law ([Matthew 8:14-15](/matthew/8-14-15 "Matthew 8:14-15 - Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law")), followed by a summary of Jesus casting out spirits and healing many ([Matthew 8:16-17](/matthew/8-16-17 "Matthew 8:16-17 - Jesus Heals Many")). These powerful displays of divine power would have undoubtedly drawn crowds and attention, making the scribe's approach understandable. The verse also serves as an immediate prelude to Jesus' challenging response in [Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Cost of Discipleship"), which reveals the demanding nature of true discipleship, and a similar exchange with another potential follower in [Matthew 8:21-22](/matthew/8-21-22 "Matthew 8:21-22 - Another Would-Be Disciple").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Scribes (Greek: _grammateús_) were highly respected figures in first-century Jewish society, serving as experts in the Mosaic Law, interpreters of scripture, and often as legal advisors. They were typically associated with the religious establishment, often Pharisees, and enjoyed a settled, stable lifestyle, unlike itinerant teachers. Their social standing and intellectual pursuits meant they were not accustomed to the hardships of a wandering existence. For a scribe to express a desire to follow an itinerant rabbi like Jesus "whithersoever thou goest" was a significant and potentially radical departure from his expected way of life, indicating a profound, albeit possibly naive, impression Jesus had made. This context underscores the weight of the scribe's declaration and the implicit challenge in Jesus' subsequent reply.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 8:19 contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **the cost of discipleship**, setting up Jesus' direct teaching on the sacrifices required to follow Him, a theme further developed in passages like [Matthew 10:37-39](/matthew/10-37-39 "Matthew 10:37-39 - The Cost of Discipleship") and [Luke 14:25-33](/luke/14-25-33 "Luke 14:25-33 - Counting the Cost"). The scribe's eager yet perhaps unexamined commitment also introduces the theme of **initial enthusiasm versus enduring commitment**, a tension often seen in those drawn to Christ for superficial reasons. Furthermore, it touches on **Jesus' authority and wisdom**, as He is addressed as "Master" (teacher), and His response demonstrates His profound understanding of the human heart and the true demands of His kingdom, distinguishing genuine faith from fleeting interest.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **scribe (Greek, _grammateús'_):** From G1122, referring to a writer, professionally a scribe or secretary. In the New Testament, this term denotes a learned man, an expert in the Jewish law, often associated with the Pharisees and the religious elite. Their presence indicates a significant social standing and intellectual authority.
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** From G1320, meaning an instructor or teacher. This was a common and respectful title used for religious teachers or rabbis, acknowledging Jesus' authority and wisdom in matters of faith and doctrine.
* **follow (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** From G190, meaning to be in the same way with, to accompany, or specifically, to follow as a disciple. This word implies not just physical accompaniment but a commitment to adopt the teacher's way of life and teachings, signifying a deep personal allegiance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a certain scribe came,"**: This clause introduces a specific individual, a "scribe," a man of learning and social standing, who takes the initiative to approach Jesus. The use of "certain" (G1520, _heîs_) emphasizes that this is one particular individual among the crowds, making his personal declaration stand out. His coming to Jesus suggests he has been observing or listening, and is now moved to act.
* **"and said unto him,"**: This simple phrase sets up the direct discourse that follows, indicating a personal address from the scribe to Jesus. It highlights the communicative nature of the encounter, where the scribe articulates his intent.
* **"Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest."**: This is the core declaration of the verse. The scribe addresses Jesus with respect ("Master") and expresses a bold, seemingly unconditional commitment ("I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest"). The phrase "whithersoever thou goest" (Greek, _eán hópou apérchomai_) conveys an absolute willingness to accompany Jesus to any place, implying a readiness to abandon his current life and embrace an itinerant existence, no matter the destination or hardship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Direct Discourse**, allowing the scribe's enthusiastic declaration to be heard verbatim, which immediately establishes his character and intent. This direct speech functions as a setup for the **Antithesis** found in Jesus' subsequent response in [Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head"), where Jesus contrasts the scribe's eager offer with the harsh realities of discipleship. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the scribe's seemingly boundless commitment is implicitly challenged by the unstated, yet soon-to-be-revealed, demands of following Jesus. The scribe's statement itself is an example of **Hyperbole**, expressing an extreme and unqualified pledge, which Jesus will then ground in a more sober reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 8:19 serves as a crucial moment for understanding the nature of true discipleship, moving beyond superficial enthusiasm to the profound demands of following Christ. The scribe's eager declaration, while commendable in its zeal, likely stemmed from an incomplete understanding of the sacrifices involved. Jesus' response, though not in this verse, immediately clarifies that discipleship is not merely an intellectual assent or an admiration for power, but a radical reorientation of life that often entails discomfort, insecurity, and the relinquishing of worldly comforts. This encounter therefore acts as a timeless reminder that while the call to follow Jesus is open to all, it requires a sober assessment of the cost and a willingness to prioritize Christ above all else, including personal security and familial ties.

* [Luke 9:57-58](/luke/9-57-58 "Luke 9:57-58 - The Cost of Discipleship")
* [Luke 14:26-27](/luke/14-26-27 "Luke 14:26-27 - The Demands of Discipleship")
* [Matthew 10:37-39](/matthew/10-37-39 "Matthew 10:37-39 - Losing Life for Christ's Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scribe's declaration in Matthew 8:19 resonates deeply with the human tendency to be drawn to the perceived benefits or excitement of faith without fully grasping its demanding nature. We, too, can be quick to declare our allegiance to Christ when things are good, when we witness His power, or when we feel a surge of spiritual emotion. However, true discipleship, as Jesus makes clear, often involves a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, embrace uncertainty, and prioritize His kingdom above our own personal security or ambitions. This verse challenges us to examine the depth of our commitment: Are we willing to follow Jesus not just where it's convenient or comfortable, but "whithersoever thou goest," even into paths of sacrifice, self-denial, and unforeseen challenges? It calls us to move beyond initial enthusiasm to a steadfast, calculated commitment rooted in a full understanding of what it means to truly walk with Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What motivates my desire to follow Jesus? Is it based on a full understanding of the cost, or primarily on perceived benefits?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be holding back from following Jesus "whithersoever He goes"?**
* **How does the example of the scribe challenge my own assumptions about what discipleship entails?**

### FAQ

**Why is the scribe's offer to follow Jesus significant?**

Answer: The scribe's offer is significant because scribes were highly respected, learned individuals in Jewish society, typically enjoying a stable and comfortable life. Their profession involved interpreting and teaching the Law, and they were usually settled in their communities. For such a person to offer to follow an itinerant teacher like Jesus "whithersoever thou goest" was a radical proposal, indicating a profound impression Jesus had made. It suggests a willingness to abandon a life of security and prestige for an unknown future, highlighting the compelling nature of Jesus' ministry, even if the scribe's understanding of the full cost was incomplete, as Jesus' subsequent response in [Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head") implies.

**What does "whithersoever thou goest" imply about the scribe's commitment?**

Answer: The phrase "whithersoever thou goest" (Greek: _eán hópou apérchomai_) expresses an unconditional and absolute willingness to accompany Jesus to any place, no matter how remote, difficult, or uncertain. It implies a readiness to abandon his settled life, his home, and his social standing to embrace an itinerant existence alongside Jesus. While seemingly a declaration of profound commitment, Jesus' immediate reply in [Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head") suggests that the scribe's enthusiasm may not have fully grasped the practical hardships and sacrifices inherent in such a radical commitment.

**How does Jesus respond to this offer, and what does it teach us?**

Answer: While Matthew 8:19 records the scribe's offer, Jesus' response is found immediately in [Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head"): "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." This stark reply teaches us that true discipleship involves hardship, self-denial, and a willingness to forsake worldly comforts and security. Jesus doesn't reject the scribe, but he clarifies the demanding reality of following Him, emphasizing that His kingdom is not one of earthly comfort or prestige, but often one of sacrifice and homelessness for the sake of the Gospel. It underscores the importance of counting the cost before committing to follow Christ, as also taught in [Luke 14:28-33](/luke/14-28-33 "Luke 14:28-33 - Counting the Cost of Discipleship").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 8:19, with the scribe's eager declaration to follow Jesus "whithersoever thou goest," finds its deepest fulfillment in the person and work of Christ Himself. Jesus is the ultimate example of one who truly went "whithersoever" the Father sent Him, even to the point of profound suffering and death. His entire earthly ministry, from His humble birth to His sacrificial death, was a journey of perfect obedience to the Father's will, a path that led Him to have "nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")). He perfectly embodied the self-denial and cross-bearing that He calls His disciples to embrace ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross Daily")). Therefore, when we are called to follow Jesus, we are not merely imitating a human teacher, but aligning ourselves with the very Son of God who emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and became obedient to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Our ability to follow Him, even into hardship, is empowered by His Spirit, who enables us to walk in the same path of faith and obedience that He pioneered, knowing that He has already overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and promises ultimate rest for those who take His yoke upon them ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

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 22:33

And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

Luke 22:34

And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

John 13:36

¶ Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

John 13:38

Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

Luke 14:33

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Mark 12:32

And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:

Mark 12:34

And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him [any question].