Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Original Language Analysis
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
συνηγμένοι
gathered together
G4863
συνηγμένοι
gathered together
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
7 of 16
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
11 of 16
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 5:4In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,Revelation 21:3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.Matthew 28:20Teaching 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.Zechariah 2:5For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.John 20:26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.Revelation 2:1Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;John 20:19Then 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.Genesis 49:10The 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.Exodus 20:24An 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.Philemon 1:2And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
Historical Context
Jewish teaching required ten men (minyan) for official synagogue prayer. Jesus radically reduces the number - even two or three suffice when gathered in His name. This democratizes sacred space beyond temple and synagogue to any Christian gathering. Early Christians, often meeting in house churches during persecution, found comfort in this promise. Christ's presence didn't require buildings, priests, or institutions - just believers gathered in His name. This shaped Protestant ecclesiology emphasizing priesthood of believers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this promise transform our understanding of corporate worship?
- What does it mean to gather 'in Jesus' name' versus merely being together?
- How should Christ's promised presence shape church gatherings?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus promises corporate presence: 'For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them' (Greek: οὗ γάρ εἰσιν δύο ἢ τρεῖς συνηγμένοι εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα, ἐκεῖ εἰμι ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν, 'for where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them'). The context is church discipline (verses 15-20), but the principle extends to all corporate gathering. 'In my name' (εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα) means in His authority and for His purposes. Jesus promises real presence where believers gather, however small. 'I am' (ἐγώ εἰμι) echoes divine name. This transforms gathered believers into sacred space.