| Audio Cross Study Comm Greek Verse (Click for Chapter)New International VersionFor where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”New Living TranslationFor where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”English Standard VersionFor where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”Berean Standard BibleFor where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.”Berean Literal BibleFor where two or three are gathered together unto My name, there am I in their midst."King James BibleFor where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.New King James VersionFor where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”New American Standard BibleFor where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”NASB 1995“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”NASB 1977 “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.”Legacy Standard Bible For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”Amplified BibleFor where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.”Christian Standard BibleFor where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.”Holman Christian Standard BibleFor where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them.” American Standard VersionFor where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.Contemporary English VersionWhenever two or three of you come together in my name, I am there with you. English Revised VersionFor where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhere two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them."Good News TranslationFor where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them." International Standard Versionbecause where two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them."NET BibleFor where two or three are assembled in my name, I am there among them." New Heart English BibleFor where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them."Webster's Bible TranslationFor where two or three are assembled in my name, there am I in the midst of them.Weymouth New TestamentFor where there are two or three assembled in my name, there am I in the midst of them."Majority Text TranslationsMajority Standard BibleFor where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.”World English BibleFor where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.” Literal TranslationsLiteral Standard Versionfor where there are two or three gathered together—to My Name, there am I in the midst of them.”Berean Literal BibleFor where two or three are gathered together unto My name, there am I in their midst."Young's Literal Translation for where there are two or three gathered together -- to my name, there am I in the midst of them.'Smith's Literal TranslationFor where two or three are assembled in my name, there am I in the midst of them.Catholic TranslationsDouay-Rheims BibleFor where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Catholic Public Domain VersionFor wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there am I, in their midst.”New American BibleFor where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” New Revised Standard VersionFor where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”Translations from AramaicLamsa BibleFor wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishFor where two or three are assembled in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”NT TranslationsAnderson New TestamentFor where there are two or three that have come together for my sake, there I am in the midst of them.Godbey New TestamentFor where two or three are assembled in my name, there I am in the midst of them.Haweis New TestamentFor where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.Mace New Testamentfor where two or three are assembled in my name, there am I in the midst of them.Weymouth New TestamentFor where there are two or three assembled in my name, there am I in the midst of them."Worrell New Testamentfor where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them."Worsley New Testamentfor where two or three are assembled together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.Additional Translations ...Audio BibleContextA Brother who Sins…19Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. 20For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them. ” 21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?”…Berean Standard Bible · DownloadCross ReferencesJohn 14:13-14And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. / If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.John 17:20-23I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, / that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. / I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one— ...1 Corinthians 5:4When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, along with the power of the Lord Jesus,1 Corinthians 14:25and the secrets of his heart will be made known. So he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is truly among you!”Acts 4:31After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.Hebrews 10:24-25And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. / Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.1 John 1:3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.Revelation 1:13and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest.1 Corinthians 3:16Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?Ephesians 2:19-22Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, / built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. / In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. ...Zephaniah 3:17The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.”Psalm 133:1A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!Exodus 20:24You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.2 Chronicles 5:13-14The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.Isaiah 12:6Cry out and sing, O citizen of Zion, for great among you is the Holy One of Israel.”Treasury of Scripture For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the middle of them. two. Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. John 20:19,26 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you… 1 Corinthians 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, there. Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Exodus 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. Zechariah 2:5 For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her. Jump to PreviousAssembled Gathered Midst Three TogetherJump to NextAssembled Gathered Midst Three TogetherMatthew 181. Jesus warns his disciples to be humble and harmless,7. to avoid offenses,10. and not to despise the little ones;15. teaches how we are to deal with our brothers when they offend us,21. and how often to forgive them;23. which he sets forth by a parable of the king who took account of his servants,32. and punished him who showed no mercy to his fellow servant.| Study Bible | Book ◦ Chapter |
For where two or three gather together in My name,This phrase emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship among believers. In the Jewish tradition, a minimum of ten men, known as a minyan, was required for certain religious activities. Jesus, however, highlights that even a small gathering of believers is significant. The phrase "in My name" indicates that the gathering is centered around Jesus and His teachings, reflecting a unity of purpose and faith. This aligns with the early Christian practice of meeting in homes for worship and prayer, as seen in Acts 2:46. The emphasis on gathering "in My name" underscores the authority and presence of Jesus in the assembly, distinguishing it from secular or non-Christian gatherings.there am I with them.”This promise of Jesus' presence is a profound assurance to believers. It reflects the omnipresence of Christ, a divine attribute, and His commitment to be with His followers. This echoes the promise in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus assures His disciples of His presence "to the very end of the age." Theologically, this presence is understood as spiritual and real, facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers. This assurance would have been particularly comforting to the early church, which often faced persecution and isolation. It also connects to the Old Testament, where God's presence among His people was a sign of His favor and covenant, as seen in Exodus 33:14. The promise of Jesus' presence reinforces the idea that the church is not merely a human institution but a spiritual body united by Christ Himself.Persons / Places / Events1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, emphasizing His presence among believers.2. DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all followers of Christ.3. Gathering of BelieversThe event or action of coming together in Jesus' name, which is central to the verse.Teaching PointsThe Power of CommunityGathering in Jesus' name brings His presence into our midst, empowering and encouraging believers.The Importance of IntentionalityThe phrase "in My name" signifies gathering with purpose and focus on Christ, not just social interaction.The Assurance of Christ's PresenceJesus' promise assures us that even small gatherings are significant and blessed with His presence.Encouragement for Small GroupsThis verse validates the importance of small groups and prayer meetings, where believers can experience Christ's presence intimately.Unity in DiversityThe gathering of "two or three" highlights the unity among believers, regardless of number, background, or status.Bible Study Questions and Answers1. What is the meaning of Matthew 18:20?2. How does Matthew 18:20 encourage communal prayer in your daily life? 3. What does "where two or three gather" reveal about Christian fellowship? 4. How can Matthew 18:20 strengthen your church's small group meetings? 5. Connect Matthew 18:20 with Hebrews 10:25 on the importance of gathering. 6. How does Jesus' presence in gatherings impact your personal faith journey?7. What does Matthew 18:20 reveal about the nature of God's presence among believers? 8. How does Matthew 18:20 influence the concept of communal prayer in Christianity? 9. Why is the gathering of two or three significant in Matthew 18:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 18?11. What is a prayer chain?12. What is the meaning of Matthew 18:20?13. What is the biblical basis for small group ministry?14. Why stop gathering together?What Does Matthew 18:20 MeanFor where - The sentence opens with “For,” linking back to Matthew 18:15-19, where Jesus teaches about church discipline and united prayer. - He is giving a reason, not a suggestion. In the same way that “the word of the Lord is upright” (Psalm 33:4), His statement that follows carries unquestionable authority and certainty. two or three - Jesus deliberately sets the bar low: even “two or three.” • This mirrors Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, which praises the strength of a small cord of companions. • After His resurrection, the risen Lord met a pair of disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32), proving He values even the smallest gathering. - There is no quota for divine attention; whether a stadium or a living room, Christ notices. gather together - The verb implies intentional, unified assembly, not accidental proximity. Hebrews 10:25 urges believers not to neglect meeting together, underscoring the same priority. - Acts 2:42 shows the early church devoted to fellowship, a practical picture of this phrase lived out. - Unity is essential; Psalm 133:1 celebrates how good and pleasant it is when God’s people dwell together in unity. in My name - Gathering “in My name” means assembling under His authority, seeking His will, and honoring His character. Colossians 3:17 instructs, “Whatever you do … do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,” capturing the same heartbeat. - It is more than merely mentioning His name; it is yielding to His lordship, just as John 14:13-14 ties asking “in My name” to aligning with His purposes. there am I - Jesus speaks in the present tense—“am”—signifying continuous, living presence. - This fulfills His promise, “Surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). - Revelation 1:13 depicts Him “among the lampstands,” a picture of His ongoing presence in the churches. with them - “With” is personal and relational, echoing the covenant assurance of Exodus 33:14, “My presence will go with you.” - His nearness comforts (Psalm 34:18), guides (John 10:27), and empowers (Acts 4:31). - The promise is corporate yet intimate: each believer can say with Paul, “The Lord stood by me and strengthened me” (2 Timothy 4:17). summary Matthew 18:20 is Jesus’ guarantee that whenever even a handful of believers intentionally unite under His authority, He is literally and actively present among them. His nearness does not depend on numbers, buildings, or titles but on hearts gathered for Him. That living presence turns ordinary meetings into sacred moments, assures us of divine backing in our decisions and prayers, and reminds every small group of saints that they never meet alone.Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(20) Where two or three . . .--The true meaning of the words is well embodied in the well-known patristic axiom, Ubi tres, ibi Ecclesia ("Where three are there is a church"). The strength of the Christian society was not to be measured by a numerical standard, but by its fulfilment of the true conditions of its life. The presence of Christ was as true and mighty, His communion with His Church as real, when His followers were but as a remnant, as when they were gathered in the great congregation. He would be with the "two or three" (there is, perhaps, a special reference to the self-same words in Matthew 18:16), to plead for them as the great High Priest, to impart Himself to them, to ratify their decisions. Pulpit CommentaryVerse 20. - The promise is applied to the public prayer of the congregation, as we see in what is called "the prayer of St. Chrysostom" in the English Prayer book. Are gathered together. For the purpose of worship. It is a simpler form of the word used in Hebrews 10:25, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together." In my Name (εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα); literally, into my Name; i.e. with love to me, yearning for union with me, and acting for my glory. This would imply decent and orderly meeting for the highest ends. There am I in the midst of them. Christ promises a real, actual presence, though invisible, as true as when he appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, as true as when the Shechinah shone in tabernacle or temple. The rabbis had a saying that if two sat at table and conversed about the Law of God, the Shechinah rested upon them. The promise in the text, of course, implies Christ's omnipresence and omniscience. This is his blessing on united, congregational prayer. Parallel Commentaries ...GreekForγάρ (gar)ConjunctionStrong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.whereοὗ (hou)AdverbStrong's 3757: Where, whither, when, in what place. Genitive case of hos as adverb; at which place, i.e. Where.twoδύο (dyo)Adjective - Nominative Masculine PluralStrong's 1417: Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.orἢ (ē)ConjunctionStrong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.threeτρεῖς (treis)Adjective - Nominative Masculine PluralStrong's 5140: Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'.gather togetherσυνηγμένοι (synēgmenoi)Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine PluralStrong's 4863: From sun and ago; to lead together, i.e. Collect or convene; specially, to entertain.inεἰς (eis)PrepositionStrong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.Myἐμὸν (emon)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Neuter 1st Person SingularStrong's 1699: My, mine. From the oblique cases of ego; my.name,ὄνομα (onoma)Noun - Accusative Neuter SingularStrong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.thereἐκεῖ (ekei)AdverbStrong's 1563: (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.am Iεἰμι (eimi)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person SingularStrong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.with them.”ἐν (en)PrepositionStrong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.LinksMatthew 18:20 NIVMatthew 18:20 NLTMatthew 18:20 ESVMatthew 18:20 NASBMatthew 18:20 KJVMatthew 18:20 BibleApps.comMatthew 18:20 Biblia ParalelaMatthew 18:20 Chinese BibleMatthew 18:20 French BibleMatthew 18:20 Catholic BibleNT Gospels: Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered (Matt. Mat Mt) |
