But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

MATTHEW 19:30KJV
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Matthew 19:30 (KJV)

What does Matthew 19:30 mean?

Matthew 19:30 describes how many people who seem important or privileged now (“first”) will find themselves in a lower position later, while those who seem unimportant or overlooked (“last”) will be honored or raised up. Jesus is teaching that God’s values and priorities often turn human expectations upside down.

Jesus is speaking to His disciples after a conversation about wealth and entering God’s kingdom. The disciples had just heard Jesus say how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven, and they wondered about their own place. Jesus uses this saying to challenge assumptions about status, reward, and who truly belongs in God’s kingdom.

The Greek behind Matthew 19:30

  • πρῶτοι (prōtoi, “first”): This word refers to those who are considered important, privileged, or ahead in society. Jesus uses it to challenge the idea that earthly status guarantees spiritual reward.
  • ἔσχατοι (eschatoi, “last”): This word describes those who are least, lowest, or left behind. Jesus highlights that those who seem insignificant now may be honored by God.
  • πολλοί (polloi, “many”): The use of “many” shows that this reversal is not rare or exceptional—it will happen to a significant number of people, not just a few.

Why Matthew 19:30 matters

  • Matthew 19:30 warns against assuming that current success, wealth, or status means someone is favored by God or guaranteed a high place in God’s kingdom.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by reminding the disciples that God’s standards for reward and honor are different from human expectations.
  • This saying sets up the parable in the next chapter (Matthew 20:1–16), where Jesus expands on this theme of reversal and unexpected grace.

Where else these words appear

“last” Greek G2078 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
  • John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
  • 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

“first” Greek G4413 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
  • John 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
  • 1 Timothy 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.