Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

MATTHEW 16:28KJV
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Matthew 16:28 (KJV)

What does Matthew 16:28 mean?

Matthew 16:28 records Jesus telling his disciples that some of them standing with him would not die before they saw “the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” This means Jesus was promising that certain people present would witness a significant display of his royal authority and power before their deaths.

Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples after discussing his coming suffering and the cost of following him. The statement follows a conversation about his identity and mission, and it hints that some would soon experience a preview of his kingly glory—often connected by readers to the Transfiguration in the next chapter, or to events like the resurrection or the spread of his message.

The Greek behind Matthew 16:28

  • “taste” (γεύομαι, geuomai): This word means to experience something firsthand, not just to sample. Here, it emphasizes that some would not personally experience death before seeing what Jesus describes.
  • “coming” (ἔρχομαι, erchomai): The Greek word carries the sense of arriving or appearing in a new way. In this context, it points to a visible or powerful arrival of Jesus’ authority.
  • “kingdom” (βασιλεία, basileia): This word refers to royal rule or reign, not just a physical place. It highlights that what the disciples would see is a demonstration of Jesus’ divine authority, not necessarily a political kingdom.

Why Matthew 16:28 matters

  • Matthew 16:28 helps clarify that Jesus was not only speaking about distant future events, but also about something his own followers would witness soon, which addresses confusion about the timing of his kingdom.
  • The verse connects directly to the dramatic events that follow, such as the Transfiguration, helping readers see how Jesus’ promises unfold in the narrative.
  • This statement emphasizes the reality and nearness of Jesus’ authority, encouraging readers to notice how his kingdom breaks into the present, not just the far-off future.

Where else these words appear

“shall” Greek G1089 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 27:34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
  • John 2:9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was:(but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
  • Colossians 2:21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

“here” Greek G5602 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • Mark 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
  • Luke 23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

“not” Greek G3364 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
  • 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.

“death” Greek G2288 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
  • Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.