Matthew 28:18
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσελθὼν
came
G4334
προσελθὼν
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
2 of 16
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 16
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 16
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
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἐδόθη
is given
G1325
Ἐδόθη
is given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
8 of 16
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἐξουσία
power
G1849
ἐξουσία
power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
11 of 16
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
οὐρανῷ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανῷ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
13 of 16
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 3:35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.1 Peter 3:22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.Matthew 11:27All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.Hebrews 2:8Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.1 Corinthians 15:27For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.John 17:2As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.John 13:3Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;Colossians 2:10And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:Hebrews 1:2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;Luke 10:22All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.
Historical Context
This declaration comes post-resurrection on a Galilean mountain. Jesus' earthly ministry displayed authority over nature, demons, disease, and death. Resurrection vindicated His claims (Romans 1:4). Early church proclaimed Jesus as cosmic Lord (Philippians 2:9-11, Colossians 1:15-20). Roman authorities demanded Caesar worship, but Christians confessed 'Jesus is Lord,' implying His authority supersedes all earthly powers. This claim grounded missionary expansion and sustained martyrs who obeyed heavenly rather than earthly authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' total authority affect our confidence in obeying the Great Commission?
- What areas of life do we struggle to place under Jesus' authority?
- How should Jesus' comprehensive authority shape our response to competing authorities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The risen Jesus declares total authority: 'All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth' (Greek: ἐδόθη μοι πᾶσα ἐξουσία ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, 'all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me'). The word ἐξουσία means authority, right to rule. The passive 'is given' (ἐδόθη) indicates the Father granting authority to the Son. 'All' (πᾶσα) is comprehensive - no realm exceeds Jesus' rule. 'In heaven and earth' encompasses spiritual and physical realms. This authority grounds the Great Commission - Jesus sends disciples with His own authority. Daniel 7:13-14's Son of Man receives everlasting dominion, fulfilled in resurrection.