Matthew 16:18
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Original Language Analysis
κἀγὼ
also
G2504
κἀγὼ
also
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
1 of 23
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
That
G3754
ὅτι
That
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
8 of 23
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
10 of 23
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ταύτῃ
G3778
ταύτῃ
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
11 of 23
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκοδομήσω
I will build
G3618
οἰκοδομήσω
I will build
Strong's:
G3618
Word #:
14 of 23
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίαν
church
G1577
ἐκκλησίαν
church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
17 of 23
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πύλαι
the gates
G4439
πύλαι
the gates
Strong's:
G4439
Word #:
19 of 23
a gate, i.e., the leaf or wing of a folding entrance (literally or figuratively)
ᾅδου
of hell
G86
ᾅδου
of hell
Strong's:
G86
Word #:
20 of 23
properly, unseen, i.e., "hades" or the place (state) of departed souls
Cross References
Isaiah 28:16Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.Colossians 1:18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.John 1:42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.Acts 2:47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.1 Timothy 3:15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.Hebrews 12:28Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:Isaiah 54:17No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.Ephesians 5:32This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.Proverbs 24:7Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.Ephesians 3:10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Historical Context
This is the first mention of 'church' in the Gospels, occurring at Caesarea Philippi near pagan temples. Jesus establishes new covenant community. The rock imagery echoes Isaiah 28:16's foundation stone. Protestant-Catholic debate over this verse centers on whether Peter has primacy (Catholic view) or whether the confession of Christ is the foundation (Protestant view). Early church understood Peter as foundational apostle (Galatians 2:9, Ephesians 2:20) without later papal developments. The church's indestructibility has been validated through 2,000 years of persecution.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the 'rock' upon which Jesus builds His church?
- How has the church demonstrated indestructibility despite persecution, heresy, and internal failures?
- What does it mean that 'gates of hell' cannot prevail - is the church attacking or defending?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus makes pivotal declaration: 'And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it' (Greek: σὺ εἶ Πέτρος, καὶ ἐπὶ ταύτῃ τῇ πέτρᾳ οἰκοδομήσω μου τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, 'you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church'). The word play: Πέτρος (Peter, masculine) and πέτρα (rock, feminine). Debate exists whether 'rock' is Peter himself, Peter's confession, or Christ. The 'church' (ἐκκλησία) is Jesus' assembly, not institutional religion. 'Gates of hell' (πύλαι ᾅδου) represent death's power - the church will endure despite persecution and martyrdom. 'Prevail' (κατισχύω) means 'overcome, have strength against' - death cannot destroy Jesus' church.