Matthew 10:32

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 10:32 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 10:32 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
32Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, etc.] The confession of Christ here, more especially designed, does not so much intend, though it may include, that which is less public, and is necessary to be made by every believer in Christ: for it is not enough to believe in him, with the heart, but confession of him must also be made with the mouth; and which lies in ascribing their whole salvation to him, giving him the glory of it; declaring their faith in him to others, and what he has done for their souls; and subjecting themselves to his ordinances, and joining in fellowship with his church and people: which confession, as it ought to be both by words and deeds, and to be hearty and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men--despising the shame. him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven--I will not be ashamed of him, but will own him before the most august of all assemblies.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Whosoever therefore shall confess me ... - The same word in the original is translated “confess” and “profess,” 1 Timothy 6:12-13; 2 John 1:7; Romans 10:10. It means to acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ, and our dependence on him for salvation, and our attachment to him, in every proper manner. This profession may be made in uniting with a church, at the communion, in conversation, and in conduct. The Scriptures mean, by a profession of religion, an exhibition of it in every circumstance of the life and before all people. It is not merely in one act that we must do it, but in every act. We must be ashamed neither of the person, the character, the doctrines, nor the requirements of Christ. If…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Whosoever shall confess me - Publicly acknowledge me for the promised Messiah. But this confession implies the receiving his whole doctrine, Mar 8:38, and obeying all his commandments. Luk 9:26. Matthew 10:33”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“10:32-33 God accepts the one who acknowledges Jesus publicly in the context of trial and persecution (10:16-25). These verses pertain to a person’s pattern of life (see 7:13-27) and not to a single confession or a single denial. For example, Judas acknowledged Jesus in individual instances yet was damned (26:23-24), whereas Peter denied Jesus (see 26:69-75) yet was saved.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“confess me: Psa 119:46; Luk 12:8, Luk 12:9; Joh 9:22; Rom 10:9, Rom 10:10; Ti1 6:12, Ti1 6:13; Ti2 1:8; Jo1 4:15; Rev 2:13 him: Mat 25:34; Sa1 2:30; Rev 3:5 Matthew 10:33”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification