And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

MATTHEW 19:28KJV
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Matthew 19:28 (KJV)

What does Matthew 19:28 mean?

Matthew 19:28 records Jesus’ promise that his followers will share in authority over Israel when the world is made new. Jesus places that promise in the future, when the Son of man sits on his glorious throne.

Jesus answers Peter’s question about what the disciples will receive after leaving everything to follow him. The twelve thrones picture the disciples sharing in rule, while the Son of man occupies the central throne.

The Greek behind Matthew 19:28

  • “regeneration” — παλιγγενεσία (palingenesia): This means a new birth or renewal. Here the word points to a future renewal that reaches beyond one person.
  • “judging” — κρίνω (krinō): This can mean deciding cases or exercising judgment. Alongside the image of thrones, the word suggests a role of authority among the twelve tribes.

Why Matthew 19:28 matters

  • Jesus’ answer addresses Peter’s concern about the disciples’ place in what is to come. Peter has asked, “What shall we have therefore?” after saying that they have left everything and followed Jesus (verse 27).
  • The promise is tied to Israel’s whole people. The “twelve tribes of Israel” recalls the tribes descended from Israel’s sons, while the twelve thrones match that number.
  • The disciples’ authority is presented under the Son of man’s rule. Jesus says they will sit on their thrones when the Son of man sits “in the throne of his glory.”

Where else these words appear

“regeneration” Greek G3824 · used in 2 verses

  • Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

“tribes” Greek G5443 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
  • Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
  • Revelation 7:6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

“sit” Greek G2523 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
  • Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
  • Acts 13:14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

“throne” Greek G2362 · used in 50 verses

  • Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
  • Revelation 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
  • Revelation 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.