Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

MATTHEW 19:27KJV
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Matthew 19:27 (KJV)

What does Matthew 19:27 mean?

Matthew 19:27 shows Peter speaking to Jesus, pointing out that he and the other disciples have left everything behind to follow Him, and asking what they will receive in return. Peter’s question is direct—he wants to know what reward or outcome awaits those who have made such sacrifices.

Peter is addressing Jesus right after Jesus has spoken about the difficulty of a rich person entering the kingdom of heaven. The disciples, having given up their livelihoods and families, are wondering what their own future holds. Peter’s words reflect both a sense of sacrifice and a desire for reassurance about the value and result of their commitment.

The Greek behind Matthew 19:27

  • The word "forsaken" is ἀφίημι (aphiēmi), which means to leave behind or abandon. This highlights the real cost and seriousness of what the disciples have done—they have truly let go of their former lives.
  • The word "followed" is ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō), meaning to go after or accompany. In this context, it emphasizes not just physical following but a life commitment to Jesus.
  • The phrase "what shall we have therefore?" uses τί (ti) for "what" and ἔσομαι (esomai) for "shall we have," showing Peter’s focus on the outcome or reward for their actions.

Why Matthew 19:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the disciples were aware of the sacrifices they were making and were honest about their hopes for a future reward, showing their humanity and real concerns.
  • It connects to the broader conversation about wealth, sacrifice, and the kingdom of God, helping readers see the contrast between those who hold onto possessions and those who let go for Jesus.
  • Peter’s question sets up Jesus’ important teaching in the following verses about reward, reversal, and the values of God’s kingdom, making it a turning point in the conversation.

Where else these words appear

“therefore” Greek G686 · used in 51 verses

  • Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
  • Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

“followed” Greek G190 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

“we” Greek G2249 · used in 121 verses

  • Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
  • Acts 13:32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
  • 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

“forsaken” Greek G863 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Mark 2:7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.