Matthew 16:27-28
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The word for "repay" doesn't just mean giving back; it implies a just and exact settlement, like settling a debt or giving someone their due. This means that every single action, big or small, has been noted and will be accounted for in Christ's glorious return, not as punishment for punishment's sake, but as a righteous balancing of the scales.
For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just revealed his identity as the Messiah to his disciples, but Peter rebukes him for speaking of suffering and death. Jesus then pivots to teach that following him requires self-denial and embracing hardship, because the world’s treasures are worthless compared to the eternal life He offers. This verse serves as the ultimate motivation for this costly discipleship by painting a picture of Christ’s glorious return for judgment.
Jesus is about to speak of suffering and death, but then he pivots to a spectacular future event. What does His future glory reveal about His present mission?
Jesus is shifting the disciples' focus from the immediate, painful path ahead to the ultimate vindication that awaits Him. He speaks of coming "in the glory of his Father with his angels." This isn't just a gentle arrival; it's a divine, powerful manifestation. Think of it like a king returning from a difficult campaign, not in rags but in full regalia, accompanied by his victorious army. This future glory is the backdrop against which all earthly suffering and sacrifice will ultimately be understood and judged. It assures His followers that His present humiliation is temporary, and His ultimate authority and power are absolute.
The promise of a glorious return is directly linked to something each of us does. What is the connection between our actions and Christ’s judgment?
Jesus states plainly that He "will repay each person according to what he has done." This isn't about earning salvation through good deeds, but about accountability. The "works" or "actions" mentioned here refer to the overall conduct and practice of a person's life, flowing from their heart and their relationship with Christ. When Christ returns in glory, every aspect of our lives – our choices, our obedience, our reliance on Him, our self-denial – will be brought into the light. This doesn't mean a mere tallying of good versus bad, but a comprehensive evaluation of our lives lived in response to God's call. Our actions are the outward evidence of our inner state and our commitment to follow Him.
Understand the original words
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huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun Phrase
A messianic title used by Jesus referring to Daniel 7:13-14, identifying Himself as the divinely appointed ruler who possesses heavenly authority.
doxa · Greek Noun
The visible manifestation of God’s majesty, splendor, and presence; in the New Testament, it is associated with Christ’s return and the ultimate revelation of His divine nature.
apodidōmi · Greek Verb
To give back or render what is due; in this context, it refers to the divine judgment where God distributes consequences (rewards or punishment) based on an individual's deeds.
thanatos · Greek Noun
The experience of dying or the state of cessation of physical life.
basileia · Greek Noun
The sovereign rule, reign, or authority of God; it refers to the reality of God’s dominion being established on earth as it is in heaven.
This verse points to the ultimate vindication of Christ and his followers, not just in the eventual final judgment, but also in the unfolding of God's kingdom through the spread of the Gospel and the judgment of the unreceptive Jewish nation following Christ's earthly ministry.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Teaching
During his earthly ministry, Jesus taught about his impending suffering, death, and resurrection, as well as the future judgment and the establishment of his kingdom.
c. AD 33
The Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem, an event that was deeply scandalous to many who expected a victorious, earthly Messiah.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Resurrection and Ascension
Following his crucifixion, Jesus was resurrected and later ascended to heaven, beginning to manifest his glory and kingly authority.
c. AD 33-70
Early Spread of the Gospel
The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit after Pentecost, began spreading the Gospel throughout the Roman world, facing persecution.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem
The Roman army destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Temple, marking a significant turning point in Jewish history and the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies.
This passage describes a figure like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven to receive dominion and glory, directly echoing the language and imagery used in Matthew 16:27 about the Son of Man's glorious arrival.
John 5:22Jesus states that the Father has given him authority to judge, which directly supports the idea in Matthew 16:27 that the Son of Man will come to repay everyone according to their deeds, establishing his role as the ultimate judge.
2 Corinthians 5:10This verse emphasizes that all believers must appear before the judgment seat of Christ to be recompensed for what they have done in the body, aligning with Matthew 16:27's declaration that the Son of Man will repay each person according to their actions.
Romans 2:6This passage states that God will render to each person according to his works, mirroring the judgment and recompense described in Matthew 16:27 and highlighting the consistent biblical theme of accountability for one's actions.
Revelation 22:12Jesus declares, 'Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one according to what he has done,' which is a clear and direct echo of Matthew 16:27, reinforcing the certainty of Christ's return and the accountability of all.
calvinMatthew 16:20-28: "Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ."
- Then he charged his disciples [451] not to tell any one that he was Jesus the Christ. 21. From that time Jesus began to make known to his disciples, that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, and the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and be raised again on the third day. 22. And Peter, taking him aside, [452] began to rebuke him, saying, Lord, s…
henryMatthew 16:24-28: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
16:24-28 A true disciple of Christ is one that does follow him in duty, and shall follow him to glory. He is one that walks in the same way Christ walked in, is led by his Spirit, and treads in his steps, whithersoever he goes. Let him deny himself. If self-denial be a hard lesson, it is no more than what our Master learned and practised, to redeem u…
The word for "repay" doesn't just mean giving back; it implies a just and exact settlement, like settling a debt or giving someone their due. This means that every single action, big or small, has been noted and will be accounted for in Christ's glorious return, not as punishment for punishment's sake, but as a righteous balancing of the scales.
Jesus has just revealed his identity as the Messiah to his disciples, but Peter rebukes him for speaking of suffering and death. Jesus then pivots to teach that following him requires self-denial and embracing hardship, because the world’s treasures are worthless compared to the eternal life He offers. This verse serves as the ultimate motivation for this costly discipleship by painting a picture of Christ’s glorious return for judgment.
Jesus has just revealed his identity as the Messiah to his disciples, but Peter rebukes him for speaking of suffering and death. Jesus then pivots to teach that following him requires self-denial and embracing hardship, because the world’s treasures are worthless compared to the eternal life He offers. This verse serves as the ultimate motivation for this costly discipleship by painting a picture of Christ’s glorious return for judgment.
"For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the…" — The word for "repay" doesn't just mean giving back; it implies a just and exact settlement, like settling a debt or giving someone their due. This means that every single action, big or small, has be…
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Last reviewed October 2026
