Matthew 18:19-20
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The word "agree" here carries the profound sense of being in harmony, like instruments in a symphony, not just a superficial meeting of minds. This highlights that true spiritual agreement is a deep, unified "sounding together" for God's purposes, rather than mere human consensus.
Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes directly after Jesus outlines steps for addressing sin within the community, including involving witnesses and ultimately the church. It follows the powerful declaration that whatever the church binds or looses on earth will be bound or loosed in heaven. Therefore, this promise of answered prayer is presented as a foundational principle supporting the church's authority and the importance of unity in carrying out God's will within the community.
Ever felt like your prayers weren't being heard? Jesus promises power when 'two agree.' But what does that agreement really mean?
The word translated 'agree' here (symphonēsin) is a powerful one. It's the root of our word 'symphony.' Think about a symphony orchestra: individual instruments playing together create something far richer and more beautiful than any single instrument alone.
This isn't just about two people nodding their heads and saying 'amen.' It's about a deep, internal harmony of purpose and spirit. It's two (or more!) believers whose hearts are aligned, resonating together in prayer, seeking the same thing, united in Christ.
This harmony is what makes the prayer potent. It’s a shared focus, a collective leaning into God’s will, amplified by unity.
Jesus says 'anything they ask.' Does that mean we can ask for a new sports car and expect it to show up? Not quite.
The promise of asking for 'anything' isn't a blank check for selfish desires. The context is crucial. This promise is directly linked to Jesus' teaching on church discipline and the authority given to the gathered believers (Matthew 18:15-18).
When two or three gather in Jesus' name, especially in the context of seeking His will for the church – whether it's about restoring a brother, making a decision, or seeking guidance – their prayers carry heavenly weight. The Father acts because His children, in unity and submitted to His Son's authority, are asking.
The 'anything' is qualified by the understanding that such agreement is sought in submission to God's will, for His glory, and for the building up of His kingdom. It’s about discerning and praying for what aligns with heaven's agenda.
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Understand the original words
symphōneō · Greek Verb
To be in harmony or in symphony; in a spiritual sense, to be united in prayer and purpose before God.
en tō emō onomati · Greek Noun
The presence and authority of Christ; to act by His sanction, character, and power.
This verse directly echoes the promise of answered prayer when we ask according to God's will, highlighting the importance of alignment with His purposes in our petitions.
Acts 4:24This passage shows believers united in prayer, lifting their voices together to God about a shared concern, demonstrating the power of collective agreement in faith.
Ephesians 4:3This verse speaks to the 'unity of the Spirit' that should characterize believers, which is the very essence of the 'agreement' Jesus speaks of in Matthew 18:19, emphasizing harmony in prayer.
1 Corinthians 1:10Paul urges believers to be of the same mind and have the same judgment, reflecting the spiritual harmony and agreement that undergirds powerful, unified prayer.
vincentMatthew 18:19: "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven."
Shall agree (συμφωνήσουσιν)From σύν, together, and φωνή, sound or voice. Transcribed in our word symphony. It has so far lost its distinctive character as a concord of voices as to be used for agreement in the deeper and more inward sense.Concerning anything that they shall ask (περὶ παντὸς πράγματος οὗ ἐὰν…
calvinMatthew 18:15-20: "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother."
- But if thy brother hath sinned against thee, go and reprove him between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16. But if he shall not hear thee, take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be confirmed: and if he shall not hear them,…
The word "agree" here carries the profound sense of being in harmony, like instruments in a symphony, not just a superficial meeting of minds. This highlights that true spiritual agreement is a deep, unified "sounding together" for God's purposes, rather than mere human consensus.
This verse comes directly after Jesus outlines steps for addressing sin within the community, including involving witnesses and ultimately the church. It follows the powerful declaration that whatever the church binds or looses on earth will be bound or loosed in heaven. Therefore, this promise of answered prayer is presented as a foundational principle supporting the church's authority and the importance of unity in carrying out God's will within the community.
This verse comes directly after Jesus outlines steps for addressing sin within the community, including involving witnesses and ultimately the church. It follows the powerful declaration that whatever the church binds or looses on earth will be bound or loosed in heaven. Therefore, this promise of answered prayer is presented as a foundational principle supporting the church's authority and the importance of unity in carrying out God's will within the community.
"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”" — The word "agree" here carries the profound sense of being in harmony, like instruments in a symphony, not just a superficial meeting of minds. This highlights that true spiritual agreement is a deep,…
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Last reviewed October 2026
