Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

MATTHEW 11:26KJV
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Matthew 11:26 (KJV)

What does Matthew 11:26 mean?

Matthew 11:26 records Jesus affirming that God the Father’s way of doing things is good and right in His sight. Jesus is expressing agreement with the Father’s wisdom and choices, even when they may seem surprising or mysterious to people.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking directly to God the Father in prayer, right after saying that spiritual truths have been hidden from the wise and revealed to those who are humble like little children. The statement highlights Jesus’ trust in the Father’s decisions and His acknowledgment that God’s perspective is ultimately good, even if it is not always understood by others.

The Greek behind Matthew 11:26

  • ἐξομολογέομαι (so, G3483; transliteration: nai): This word is often translated as "yes" or "even so," and here it signals Jesus’ wholehearted agreement with the Father’s will.
  • εὐδοκία (good, G2107; transliteration: eudokia): This word means "good pleasure" or "delight." It emphasizes that what has happened is not just acceptable to God, but is pleasing to Him.
  • ἐνώπιον (sight, G1715; transliteration: enōpion): This word means "in the presence of" or "before." It highlights that what is good is determined from God’s own viewpoint, not human perspective.

Why Matthew 11:26 matters

  • Matthew 11:26 shows Jesus’ complete trust in the Father’s wisdom, even when God’s ways are not obvious or easy for people to understand.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Matthew 11, where Jesus talks about God revealing truth to those who are humble rather than to the self-assured or learned.
  • The verse helps clear up the idea that God’s choices are random or harsh; instead, it emphasizes that God acts with purpose and delight in what He knows is best.

Where else these words appear

“good” Greek G2107 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
  • Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
  • Philippians 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

“so” Greek G3483 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

“sight” Greek G1715 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • Matthew 27:29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
  • John 3:28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.