And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

MATTHEW 8:19KJV
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Matthew 8:19 (KJV)

What does Matthew 8:19 mean?

Matthew 8:19 describes a scribe approaching Jesus and calling him "Master," expressing a strong desire to follow Jesus wherever he goes. The verse shows someone who is drawn to Jesus and is eager to become his follower, no matter the destination.

In this scene, a scribe—a person trained in Jewish law—speaks directly to Jesus, addressing him with respect and volunteering to join him on his journey. This moment highlights the growing interest in Jesus from people with religious backgrounds and sets up a conversation about what following Jesus truly involves.

The Greek behind Matthew 8:19

  • The word "scribe" (γραμματεύς, grammateus) refers to someone educated in the Jewish scriptures and law, showing that even respected religious figures were curious about Jesus.
  • "Master" (διδάσκαλε, didaskale) is a term for teacher, indicating the scribe sees Jesus as a respected authority worth following.
  • "Whithersoever" (ἐὰν, ean; ὅπου, hopou) together mean "wherever," emphasizing the scribe’s willingness to follow Jesus without conditions or limits.

Why Matthew 8:19 matters

  • This verse shows that Jesus attracted attention from all levels of society, including educated religious leaders, not just common people.
  • The scribe’s offer sets the stage for Jesus’ teaching about the cost and reality of discipleship in the following verses.
  • It clarifies that enthusiasm to follow Jesus is not limited by background, but the true meaning of following him will be further explored.

Where else these words appear

“Master” Greek G1320 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 9:11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
  • Mark 12:19 Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
  • Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

“scribe” Greek G1122 · used in 67 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 27:41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
  • Mark 15:31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

“whithersoever” Greek G3699 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • Luke 9:57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
  • John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

“came” Greek G4334 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Matthew 21:23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
  • Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.