Matthew 16:27
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Original Language Analysis
μέλλει
shall
G3195
μέλλει
shall
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
1 of 25
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
4 of 25
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔρχεσθαι
come
G2064
ἔρχεσθαι
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
7 of 25
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξῃ
the glory
G1391
δόξῃ
the glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
10 of 25
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρὸς
Father
G3962
πατρὸς
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
12 of 25
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
14 of 25
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγγέλων
angels
G32
ἀγγέλων
angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
16 of 25
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
19 of 25
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἀποδώσει
he shall reward
G591
ἀποδώσει
he shall reward
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
20 of 25
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
22 of 25
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 62:12Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.2 Corinthians 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.Romans 2:6Who will render to every man according to his deeds:Romans 14:12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.Jeremiah 17:10I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.Ephesians 6:8Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.Proverbs 24:12If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?Jude 1:14And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,Revelation 2:23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.Revelation 20:12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Historical Context
This teaching follows Peter's confession (16:16) and Jesus's first passion prediction (16:21). Jesus juxtaposes His coming suffering with His future glory—He will be rejected, killed, and raised, but ultimately return as Judge. This pattern (humiliation then exaltation) defines not only Christ's path but all faithful disciples (16:24-26). The early church lived in expectation of Christ's return, shaping ethics around accountability at His coming (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Questions for Reflection
- How does certainty of Christ's return and judgment affect your daily choices and priorities?
- What does judgment 'according to works' teach about the necessity of persevering faithfulness after initial salvation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels (μέλλει γὰρ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἔρχεσθαι ἐν τῇ δόξῃ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων αὐτοῦ)—The future μέλλει ἔρχεσθαι ('is about to come') declares certain future reality. Jesus identifies Himself as 'the Son of Man' (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου), the Danielic figure who receives eternal dominion (Daniel 7:13-14). Coming ἐν τῇ δόξῃ ('in the glory') shows His second coming will be radically different from His first—not humble obscurity but radiant majesty. He comes μετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων αὐτοῦ ('with His angels'), demonstrating sovereign command over angelic hosts.
And then he shall reward every man according to his works (καὶ τότε ἀποδώσει ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὴν πρᾶξιν αὐτοῦ)—The verb ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi, 'to give back, to render, to recompense') indicates just recompense. Each (ἕκαστος) individual receives reward κατὰ τὴν πρᾶξιν ('according to the practice/deed'). This isn't salvation by works but reward according to works (1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Christians are saved by grace through faith but judged for rewards based on faithful stewardship.