who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just promising earthly replacements, but a whole new quality of relationships and comfort, far richer than what was lost, given "in this very season." The "manifold more" isn't about quantity, but a profound spiritual satisfaction that begins now.
who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is responding to Peter's boast about leaving everything behind for Him, which follows the story of the rich young ruler who couldn't let go of his possessions. Jesus assures His followers that anyone who sacrifices worldly things for the sake of the Kingdom will receive a spiritual abundance in this life and eternal life in the age to come.
Jesus promises His followers they'll receive 'manifold more' – but what does that even look like? It's not quite what you might expect.
When Jesus says His followers will receive 'manifold more' (or 'a hundredfold more' in other Gospels), He's not talking about a literal, dollar-for-dollar return on possessions or relationships.
A Spiritual Abundance
The 'more' Jesus speaks of is primarily spiritual and relational. It's about gaining a deep sense of belonging, peace, and purpose that far surpasses the material things left behind. Think of the early disciples: they traded their fishing nets and tax ledgers for a community that became their spiritual family, experiencing joy and fulfillment that money can't buy.
The 'Now and Not Yet'
This abundance happens in two phases:
Giving up everything for Jesus can feel like a massive loss. But Jesus flips the script, promising a gain that redefines everything.
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The context here is Jesus calling people to leave behind their earthly possessions and even strained family ties to follow Him. It's a radical call that contrasts sharply with the young ruler's inability to let go of his wealth.
Redefining 'Possessions'
Jesus isn't devaluing human relationships or the need for basic necessities. Instead, He promises a reconstruction of these things on a new, spiritual foundation. Those who sacrifice earthly 'houses, brethren, sisters, mothers, children, and lands' find them replaced by a global Christian community that offers profound belonging and love. It's a 'hundredfold' return in spiritual richness, not necessarily in the same material form.
The Cost and the Reward
It's crucial to remember that this abundant gain often comes 'with persecutions,' as Mark's Gospel adds. Following Christ isn't always easy; it can involve sacrifice and hardship. But the promise is that even amidst these challenges, the spiritual rewards—both now and eternally—vastly outweigh any temporary loss.
Understand the original words
aiōnios zōē · Greek Noun phrase
The quality of unending existence that is not merely chronological but is defined by the quality of knowing God. It is a gift given to those who believe, beginning now and continuing forever in the presence of God.
This promise of receiving 'manifold more' isn't just about possessions, but about a profound spiritual and relational abundance, even amidst hardship, for those who truly give their all to Christ.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Judea
Jesus begins his public ministry, calling disciples and teaching about the Kingdom of God. His message challenges the established religious and social order.
c. AD 30— this verse
Encounter with the Rich Young Ruler
A wealthy young ruler asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell all he has, give to the poor, and follow Him, but the man goes away sad because he is very wealthy.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Teaching on Reward and Persecution
In response to Peter's question about what they will receive for leaving all to follow Him, Jesus promises a hundredfold return in this life and eternal life in the age to come. He also warns that this will include persecutions.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Final Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus makes His way towards Jerusalem for the final Passover, knowing His fate. His teachings during this time often focus on the cost of discipleship and the nature of the Kingdom.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Prediction of His Death and Resurrection
Jesus tells His disciples plainly that He will be handed over, suffer greatly, and be killed, but will rise again on the third day. This sets the stage for the ultimate sacrifice and the inauguration of the new age.
This passage is the parallel account in Mark, which adds the crucial detail that this 'manifold more' will come 'with persecutions,' reminding us that sacrifice for Christ often involves hardship.
Matthew 19:29Matthew's version of Jesus' promise specifies 'an hundredfold,' giving a sense of the incredible abundance of God's return for our sacrifices.
Deuteronomy 30:19This Old Testament passage echoes the idea of choosing life and blessing, showing God's consistent desire to offer abundant life to those who follow Him.
2 Corinthians 6:10Paul describes believers as 'having nothing, and yet possessing everything,' a paradoxical truth that mirrors Jesus' promise of receiving more by giving up earthly possessions.
1 Timothy 4:8This verse highlights that godly living has both present and future rewards, underscoring Jesus' promise of receiving benefits 'in this present time, and in the world to come.'
ellicottLuke 18:30: "Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting."
(30) Who shall not receive manifold more. —Note, as again, perhaps, characteristic, the omission of the essentially Jewish image of the “sitting on twelve thrones” in St. Matthew, of the clause “with persecutions,” in St. Mark, and of the words, “Many that are first shall be last . . .” which we find in both.
gillLuke 18:30: "Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting."
Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time,.... Not more houses, parents, brethren, &c. but that which is abundantly preferable to them; such comfort, peace, satisfaction, and pleasure, as are not to be found in such enjoyments: and in the world to come life everlasting; which was what the young man was desirous of inheriting, Luke 18:18.
Jesus isn't just promising earthly replacements, but a whole new quality of relationships and comfort, far richer than what was lost, given "in this very season." The "manifold more" isn't about quantity, but a profound spiritual satisfaction that begins now.
Jesus is responding to Peter's boast about leaving everything behind for Him, which follows the story of the rich young ruler who couldn't let go of his possessions. Jesus assures His followers that anyone who sacrifices worldly things for the sake of the Kingdom will receive a spiritual abundance in this life and eternal life in the age to come.
Jesus is responding to Peter's boast about leaving everything behind for Him, which follows the story of the rich young ruler who couldn't let go of his possessions. Jesus assures His followers that anyone who sacrifices worldly things for the sake of the Kingdom will receive a spiritual abundance in this life and eternal life in the age to come.
"who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”" — Jesus isn't just promising earthly replacements, but a whole new quality of relationships and comfort, far richer than what was lost, given "in this very season." The "manifold more" isn't about qu…
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Last reviewed October 2026