Matthew 18:19
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
Original Language Analysis
Πάλιν
Again
G3825
Πάλιν
Again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
1 of 26
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 26
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 #:
4 of 26
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
5 of 26
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
συμφωνήσωσιν
shall agree
G4856
συμφωνήσωσιν
shall agree
Strong's:
G4856
Word #:
8 of 26
to be harmonious, i.e., (figuratively) to accord (be suitable, concur) or stipulate (by compact)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
9 of 26
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
earth
G1093
γῆς
earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
11 of 26
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
περὶ
as touching
G4012
περὶ
as touching
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
12 of 26
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
πράγματος
thing
G4229
πράγματος
thing
Strong's:
G4229
Word #:
14 of 26
a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material)
οὗ
G3739
οὗ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
15 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
16 of 26
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
γενήσεται
it shall be done
G1096
γενήσεται
it shall be done
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
18 of 26
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
αὐτοῖς
for them
G846
αὐτοῖς
for them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 26
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
παρὰ
of
G3844
παρὰ
of
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
20 of 26
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρός
Father
G3962
πατρός
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
22 of 26
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
Cross References
Matthew 7:7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:Mark 11:24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.Philippians 1:19For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,John 16:23And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.Matthew 21:22And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.John 15:7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.1 John 3:22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.Acts 12:5Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.John 15:16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.Acts 1:14These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Historical Context
Jewish tradition required two or three witnesses to establish truth (Deuteronomy 19:15). Jesus applies this to prayer—corporate prayer carries special authority. The 'agreeing' (Greek 'symphōneō'—harmonize, from which 'symphony' derives) emphasizes unity of purpose. Early church practice emphasized corporate prayer (Acts 1:14, 2:42, 4:24).
Questions for Reflection
- How does praying with other believers strengthen faith and effectiveness?
- What hinders genuine agreement in corporate prayer?
- How can you cultivate unity in prayer with fellow Christians?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus promises that two believers agreeing in prayer will receive answers from 'my Father which is in heaven.' This isn't blank-check prayer but corporate prayer aligned with God's will. The context of church discipline shows this particularly applies to restoration and kingdom purposes. Reformed theology emphasizes prayer's efficacy when offered in faith according to God's will (1 John 5:14-15). The 'two or three' number establishes witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15) and demonstrates that Christ's presence empowers corporate prayer.