For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

MATTHEW 18:20KJV
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Matthew 18:20 (KJV)

What does Matthew 18:20 mean?

Matthew 18:20 says that whenever two or three people come together in Jesus’ name, he is present among them. This verse reassures believers that Jesus is with them even in small gatherings, not just in large crowds or formal settings.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples, teaching them about community, forgiveness, and dealing with conflicts among believers. The statement comes as part of a larger conversation about prayer, agreement, and the authority given to his followers when they act together in his name. The emphasis is on the special presence and support Jesus promises when his followers unite with the purpose of honoring him.

The Greek behind Matthew 18:20

  • "ἐν τῷ μέσῳ" (en tō mesō, "in the midst"): This phrase means "in the middle" or "among." It highlights that Jesus is not just watching from afar but is actively present right in the center of the group.
  • "συνήγμενοι" (synēgmenoi, "gathered together"): This word carries the idea of people being brought together for a purpose, not just happening to be in the same place. It suggests intentional gathering with a shared focus on Jesus.
  • "ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου" (epi tō onomati mou, "in my name"): This phrase means gathering with Jesus as the reason or authority. It is more than just mentioning his name; it means coming together with a shared commitment to him.

Why Matthew 18:20 matters

  • Matthew 18:20 corrects the idea that spiritual gatherings need to be large or formal for Jesus to be present; even the smallest group has his attention.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of unity and purpose among believers, showing that Jesus values sincere, intentional community.
  • In the context of Matthew 18, this promise reassures believers who are working through difficult issues together that Jesus is with them, supporting their efforts to act faithfully.

Where else these words appear

“where” Greek G3757 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
  • John 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
  • Acts 28:14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

“midst” Greek G3319 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
  • Luke 17:11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
  • Acts 23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

“three” Greek G5140 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
  • Luke 12:52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
  • Acts 28:17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

“together” Greek G4863 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 27:27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
  • John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.