New Testament
Matthew 16:27
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The Son of Man will come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
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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.
What Matthew 16:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus speaks about his future return, emphasizing that he will come back in a glorious way, accompanied by angels. This moment will be significant as it marks the time when he will evaluate everyone based on their actions and choices in life. The phrase 'reward each person according to what they have done' highlights the importance of our deeds and how they reflect our faith and commitment to God. It serves as a reminder that our lives have purpose and that our actions have consequences, both in this life and the next. This teaching encourages believers to live righteously and to be mindful of their behavior, knowing that they will ultimately be held accountable for their choices. Jesus' return is not just a future event but a call to live in a way that honors God and reflects his glory.
How to apply Matthew 16:27 to your life
This verse encourages us to live with purpose and integrity, knowing that our actions matter. We should strive to do good and serve others, reflecting our faith in our daily lives. Remembering that we will be rewarded for our deeds can motivate us to act justly and compassionately.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Foretells His Death (Matthew 16:21–28)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Matthew 16:27
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 16:27 mean?
Matthew 16:27 speaks about Jesus' future return when he will come in glory with angels. It emphasizes that he will reward each person based on their actions, highlighting the importance of living a life that reflects one's faith.
What is the significance of 'reward each person according to what they have done' in Matthew 16:27?
This phrase signifies that our actions have consequences and that we will be held accountable for them. It encourages believers to live righteously, knowing that their deeds will be evaluated.
How does Matthew 16:27 relate to accountability?
Matthew 16:27 highlights accountability by stating that Jesus will reward people according to their actions. This reinforces the idea that our choices in life matter and will be assessed.
What themes are present in Matthew 16:27?
Key themes in Matthew 16:27 include the Second Coming, divine glory, accountability, rewards for actions, and the presence of angels. These themes emphasize the significance of living a life aligned with faith.
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