For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

MATTHEW 16:27KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 16:27 (KJV)

What does Matthew 16:27 mean?

Matthew 16:27 says that Jesus, called here "the Son of man," will one day return in the majestic presence of God the Father, accompanied by angels, and at that time he will give each person what they deserve based on what they have done. This verse emphasizes that there will be a future time of reckoning where everyone is judged fairly according to their actions.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, preparing them for what is to come. He refers to himself as "the Son of man," a title he often uses. The verse fits into a conversation where Jesus is explaining the cost of following him and the reality of future judgment. The focus is on personal responsibility and the certainty that God’s justice will be carried out.

The Greek behind Matthew 16:27

  • "Son" (υἱός, huios) and "man" (ἄνθρωπος, anthrōpos): Together, "Son of man" is a phrase Jesus uses for himself, often understood as connecting him to both humanity and the prophetic figure in Daniel 7:13 who comes with authority.
  • "Glory" (δόξα, doxa): This word means splendor, honor, or divine radiance. Here, it highlights that Jesus’ return will be unmistakably powerful and associated with God’s own majesty.
  • "Reward" (ἀποδίδωμι, apodidōmi): The Greek here means to give back or repay. It carries the sense of a just and appropriate response to each person’s deeds, not random or arbitrary.
  • "Works" (πρᾶξις, praxis): This word refers to actions or deeds. The verse stresses that what people have actually done will be the basis for the reward or judgment.

Why Matthew 16:27 matters

  • Matthew 16:27 clarifies that Jesus’ return is not just a spiritual idea but is described as a real, future event involving visible glory and angels.
  • The verse emphasizes that judgment is based on actual deeds, not just intentions or words, highlighting the importance of how a person lives.
  • This statement connects to the surrounding verses, where Jesus teaches about self-denial and following him, showing that these choices have lasting significance.

Where else these words appear

“works” Greek G4234 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 23:51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
  • Acts 19:18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
  • Romans 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

“reward” Greek G591 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
  • Matthew 27:58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
  • Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

“man” Greek G1538 · used in 78 verses

  • Matthew 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
  • Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
  • Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

“shall” Greek G3195 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Acts 11:28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
  • Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.