Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus tells the disciples that their current sacrifices are not in vain, but that in the "regeneration" – the grand renewal of all things at the final judgment – they will share in His glory by sitting on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. This means they will hold positions of immense honor and authority, reflecting their faithfulness and service as they await God's ultimate restoration.
Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter has just asked what reward he and the other disciples will receive for leaving everything to follow Jesus, prompting Jesus to address their dedication. Jesus promises them a special place in the future "new world" alongside Him, where they will share in His reign and judgment. This declaration follows Jesus' teaching on divorce and His affirmation of the disciples' commitment, setting the stage for the subsequent promise of rewards for those who sacrifice for the kingdom.
Jesus speaks of a future 'regeneration.' What exactly does this cosmic reset entail, and how does it connect to His glorious return?
The term 'regeneration' (palingenesia in Greek) points to a profound renewal of all things. It's not just about individual spiritual rebirth, but a cosmic restoration of creation itself. Think of it as a grand 'reboot' of the universe, where everything that was broken by sin is made new.
A Cosmic Makeover
This isn't a small adjustment; it's a total re-creation. The ancient commentators understood this as the time when the heavens and the earth are renewed, when the dead are raised, and when God's original, perfect plan is fully realized. It's the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise for a new heavens and a new earth.
Connected to Christ's Return
Crucially, Jesus links this 'regeneration' directly to His own return in glory. It's not a distant, abstract concept but a tangible future event, intimately tied to the Son of Man taking His rightful, glorious throne to judge and rule.
Jesus promises His followers 'twelve thrones.' What does this incredible offer of co-rulership signify for those who followed Him?
Jesus' promise to the twelve disciples – 'you also will sit on twelve thrones' – is a staggering declaration of their future participation in His reign.
More Than Just Recognition
Ask a follow-up
This isn't merely a symbolic honor; it signifies a genuine role in the future kingdom. They are called to be assessors, co-judges alongside Christ. Think of them as His royal council, sharing in His authority and reign.
A Shared Kingdom
The number 'twelve' is significant, directly mirroring the twelve tribes of Israel. This highlights that their role is intrinsically linked to God's people and the establishment of His perfect kingdom. While Judas forfeited his specific place, the promise ultimately speaks to the faithfulness of the apostolic band, with Matthias later filling the vacancy.
The Purpose: Judging Israel
The specific mention of 'judging the twelve tribes of Israel' points to their role in discerning and upholding God's justice within His redeemed people. This isn't about condemning the innocent, but about participating in the righteous administration of God's kingdom, especially in evaluating the response to His redemptive work.
Understand the original words
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title derived from Daniel 7:13-14, emphasizing Jesus' humanity as well as his divine authority, heavenly origin, and future role as universal judge.
palingenesia · Greek Noun
The messianic age or the future state of creation where God’s kingdom is fully established, often associated with the restoration of all things and the final judgment.
krinō · Greek Verb
The exercise of judicial authority, discernment, and administrative rule. In an eschatological context, this refers to the delegated authority of the saints to oversee God's people under Christ's reign.
This teaching directly addresses the disciples' anxieties about their sacrifices, offering a future hope of glory and judgment that transcends their current earthly circumstances and anticipates the full restoration of all things.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Calls His First Disciples
Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who leave their fishing businesses and families to follow him.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Appoints the Twelve Apostles
Jesus formally designates twelve men to be his closest followers and to spread his message.
c. AD 30— this verse
Peter's Question About Reward
Following a teaching about the difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom, Peter asks Jesus what reward awaits those who have sacrificed everything for him.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Promise of Future Glory
Jesus promises his disciples that they will share in his future glory, sitting on thrones to judge the tribes of Israel in the 'new world'.
c. AD 30
Jesus Promises Abundant Reward in This Life and the Next
Jesus assures his followers that they will receive manifold blessings now and eternal life in the future for their sacrifices.
c. AD 30
Jesus Teaches About the First and Last
Jesus concludes by reminding them that their current status doesn't guarantee future standing, and many who are first now may be last then, and vice versa.
This passage directly parallels Matthew 19:28, stating that the disciples will 'eat and drink at [Jesus'] table in [his] kingdom' and 'sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.'
1 Corinthians 6:2-3This passage expands on the idea of believers judging, stating that 'the saints will judge the world' and even 'judge angels,' highlighting the significant authority granted to God's people in the future.
Revelation 20:4This passage speaks of thrones being set up and judgment being given to those who remained faithful, connecting the concept of sitting on thrones and judging to the final victory of the faithful.
Isaiah 1:26This Old Testament passage foreshadows a future restoration where judges will be appointed, mirroring the promise in Matthew 19:28 that the apostles will have a judicial role in Israel's future.
Acts 1:26This passage shows the immediate concern for filling the 'twelve thrones' after Judas's betrayal, demonstrating the literal importance of the number twelve and the continuity of this promise to the apostles.
vincentMatthew 19:28: "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
Have followed"Peter had said together the words we have left, we have followed. Jesus replies to them separately; for the latter was peculiar to the apostles, the former common to them with others" (Bengel).In the regenerationThe final restitution…
calvinMatthew 19:27-30: "Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?"
- Then Peter answering said to him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee: what therefore shall we have? 28. And Jesus said to them, Verily I say to you, That you who have followed me in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his majesty, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29. And whos…
Jesus tells the disciples that their current sacrifices are not in vain, but that in the "regeneration" – the grand renewal of all things at the final judgment – they will share in His glory by sitting on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. This means they will hold positions of immense honor and authority, reflecting their faithfulness and service as they await God's ultimate restoration.
Peter has just asked what reward he and the other disciples will receive for leaving everything to follow Jesus, prompting Jesus to address their dedication. Jesus promises them a special place in the future "new world" alongside Him, where they will share in His reign and judgment. This declaration follows Jesus' teaching on divorce and His affirmation of the disciples' commitment, setting the stage for the subsequent promise of rewards for those who sacrifice for the kingdom.
Peter has just asked what reward he and the other disciples will receive for leaving everything to follow Jesus, prompting Jesus to address their dedication. Jesus promises them a special place in the future "new world" alongside Him, where they will share in His reign and judgment. This declaration follows Jesus' teaching on divorce and His affirmation of the disciples' commitment, setting the stage for the subsequent promise of rewards for those who sacrifice for the kingdom.
"Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." — Jesus tells the disciples that their current sacrifices are not in vain, but that in the "regeneration" – the grand renewal of all things at the final judgment – they will share in His glory by sitti…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026