Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

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

What does Matthew 28:19 mean?

Matthew 28:19 records Jesus telling his followers to go to all peoples of the world, make them his disciples, and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This verse is often called the “Great Commission,” as it sends Jesus’ disciples out with a clear mission to spread his teachings everywhere.

In this scene, the risen Jesus is speaking to his remaining eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee, just before he leaves them. Jesus is giving them a new task: not just to teach in Israel, but to reach every nation, inviting people into a new relationship with God through baptism and teaching. The verse highlights both the worldwide scope of their mission and the unified way Jesus describes God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Greek behind Matthew 28:19

  • "teach" (μαθητεύσατε, mathēteusate): This Greek word means “make disciples” rather than simply “teach.” It points to helping people become committed followers, not just giving information.
  • "nations" (ἔθνη, ethnē): This word refers to all ethnic groups or peoples, not just political nations. Jesus’ command is to reach every group, not only Jews.
  • "baptizing" (βαπτίζοντες, baptizontes): The Greek word means to immerse or dip, and here it signals a public act marking a person’s new identity and belonging.
  • "name" (ὄνομα, onoma): In Greek, “name” can mean authority or character. Baptizing “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” means identifying with the full reality and authority of God as Jesus reveals him.

Why Matthew 28:19 matters

  • Matthew 28:19 clarifies that Jesus’ message is for all people, not just one group or nation, expanding the scope of his followers’ mission.
  • The verse emphasizes the unity and relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which shapes Christian understanding of God’s nature.
  • This command forms the foundation for Christian outreach and baptism practices, showing that making disciples involves both teaching and a public act of belonging.

Where else these words appear

“teach” Greek G3100 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
  • Matthew 27:57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:
  • Acts 14:21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

“baptizing” Greek G907 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
  • Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
  • Acts 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

“ye” Greek G4198 · used in 147 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 9:53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
  • Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.