Matthew Chapter 28 · Verse 18

Authorized King James Version

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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
ἐλάλησεν and spake G2980
ἐλάλησεν and spake
Strong's: G2980
Word #: 5 of 16
to talk, i.e., utter words
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)
μοι unto me G3427
μοι unto me
Strong's: G3427
Word #: 9 of 16
to me
πᾶσα All G3956
πᾶσα All
Strong's: G3956
Word #: 10 of 16
all, any, every, the whole
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
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 12 of 16
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
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
ἐπὶ in G1909
ἐπὶ in
Strong's: G1909
Word #: 15 of 16
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
γῆς earth G1093
γῆς earth
Strong's: G1093
Word #: 16 of 16
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

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.

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