Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

MATTHEW 18:19KJV
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Matthew 18:19 (KJV)

What does Matthew 18:19 mean?

Matthew 18:19 says that if two people on earth come into agreement about something they ask for in prayer, God the Father in heaven will grant their request. This verse highlights the power of united prayer and agreement among believers.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, teaching them about community, reconciliation, and prayer. The context is about handling conflicts and supporting each other in faith. The verse emphasizes that when believers come together in unity and seek God’s help, their prayers carry special weight.

The Greek behind Matthew 18:19

  • The word συμφωνήσωσιν (sumphōnēsōsin, "agree") is related to the idea of harmony or being in one accord, much like musical notes sounding together. This suggests a deep, genuine unity, not just surface-level agreement.
  • The phrase περὶ παντός πράγματος (peri pantos pragmatos, "as touching any thing") means concerning any matter or issue. It shows that the promise is broad, not limited to spiritual needs but to anything they might bring before God.
  • The verb αἰτήσωνται (aitēsōntai, "they shall ask") carries the sense of making a request or petition, not demanding. It reflects a humble approach to God.

Why Matthew 18:19 matters

  • This verse is sometimes misunderstood as a guarantee that any request will be granted if two people agree, but the context points to unity in seeking God’s will, not a blank check for any desire.
  • Matthew 18:19 is closely connected to the surrounding verses about church discipline and reconciliation, showing that God values harmony and collective seeking of His guidance.
  • The verse reassures believers that God listens attentively when they come together in faith and unity, encouraging community and shared prayer rather than isolated requests.

Where else these words appear

“agree” Greek G4856 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 20:2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
  • Matthew 20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
  • Acts 5:9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

“thing” Greek G4229 · used in 11 verses

  • Luke 1:1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
  • 1 Corinthians 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
  • Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

“ask” Greek G154 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
  • Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
  • Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

“two” Greek G1417 · used in 124 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Mark 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
  • John 6:9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?