Matthew 19:28 Meaning: The Thrones of the Regeneration
Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
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.
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And Jesus said to them, `Verily I say to you, that ye who did follow me, in the regeneration, when the Son of Man may sit upon a throne of his glory, shall sit--ye also--upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel;
And Jesus said to them, Verily I say unto you, That ye who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit down upon his throne of glory, ye also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Meaning in one sentence
Jesus promises the apostles thrones in the regeneration. Discover the meaning of their role, the timing, and what it means for believers today.
Context
Peter had just asked a question many of us would ask: “We have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” The rich young ruler had walked away, and the disciples were wondering if their own sacrifice was worth it. Jesus answers with a bold promise. He speaks of a time He calls “the regeneration”, the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man will sit on His throne of glory. And in that day, the twelve who followed Him will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. It is a picture of full restoration, where the apostles’ faithful following finds its reward.
Key Words
Three words carry the weight of this promise. The first is regeneration (palingenesia). It means a new beginning, a restoration, a rebirth of the whole created order. The same word appears in Titus 3:5 for the new birth of the believer, but here it refers to the final renewal, the new heavens and new earth (Isaiah 65:17). Jesus is pointing to a future so new that it deserves a new name.
The second word is followed (akoloutheō). It is not just walking behind someone; it means joining as a disciple, committing your life to the one you follow. Peter and the others had done exactly that. Jesus honors their commitment with a share in His authority.
The third word is judging (krinō). While it can mean passing sentence, here it carries the older sense of ruling or governing, like the judges in Israel who led and delivered the people. The apostles will share Christ’s governance in the renewed world. It is a promise of partnership, not just a courtroom.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions read this verse through different lenses. Some see it as a literal future reign: at the return of Christ, the apostles will sit on visible thrones and rule over a restored Israel during a millennial kingdom. Others understand the thrones as symbolic of the apostles’ foundational authority in the church, they “judge” or guide God’s people through the teaching they left behind. Still others emphasize that the “twelve tribes” represent the whole people of God, Jew and Gentile together, and the apostles serve as judges in the sense of holding the highest places in Christ’s kingdom. The phrase “the regeneration” is sometimes linked to the new creation and sometimes to the age of the church begun at Pentecost. Both readings honor the apostles’ unique role and point to Christ’s ultimate victory.
A common misunderstanding
A common mistake is to think that this promise applies directly to every believer, that all Christians will sit on a literal throne and judge others. In fact, Jesus addresses this specifically to the twelve apostles who followed Him during His earthly ministry. But the surrounding verses (especially verse 29) open a broader principle: everyone who sacrifices for Christ will receive a reward and inherit eternal life. The promise to the apostles is unique, but the assurance of reward is for all who follow.
Living This Out
This week, you may wonder if following Jesus quietly costs more than it seems to pay. You give up time, energy, maybe relationships or comfort. The promise of Matthew 19:28 asks you to lift your eyes. What you do for Christ is not lost. He sees your following, and He promises a share in His coming renewal. You may not sit on a visible throne, but you will have a place in His kingdom. Let this hope steady you when the cost feels high. Trust that the One who will make all things new has not forgotten a single step you take after Him.
Main takeaway: Jesus promises that those who follow Him in sacrifice will share in the authority and restoration of His coming kingdom.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Jesus promised His friends that one day they would sit with Him on thrones and help take care of everyone. It was a happy promise for people who followed Him.
For ages 9, 12
When Peter asked Jesus what the disciples would get for following Him, Jesus gave a stunning answer. He said that when He makes everything new, the regeneration, they would sit on thrones and help rule. This shows that God notices when we choose to follow Jesus even when it is hard. We may not get thrones, but we get a share in His kingdom.
Questions People Ask
What is the 'regeneration' in Matthew 19:28?
The Greek word is 'palingenesia,' which means rebirth or renewal. Jesus is referring to the final restoration of all things, the new heavens and new earth (Isaiah 65:17). Some Christians also connect it to the beginning of the church age, but Jesus clearly points to a future time when He sits on His throne of glory.
Does this promise apply to all believers or only the apostles?
Jesus specifically addresses the twelve apostles who followed Him during His earthly ministry. They are promised twelve thrones and will judge the twelve tribes of Israel. However, the broader context (verse 29) shows that all who sacrifice for Christ will receive a reward and inherit eternal life. The apostles’ promise is unique, but the principle of reward is for everyone.
What does 'judging the twelve tribes of Israel' mean?
The word 'judging' (krinō) can mean governing, ruling, or presiding, not just passing sentence. In the Old Testament, judges like Deborah and Samson led and delivered the people. The apostles will share Christ’s authority in the renewed kingdom, ruling over God’s people. This could be literal or symbolic.
Did Judas Iscariot lose his throne?
Jesus promised twelve thrones to the twelve disciples who followed Him. After Judas betrayed Christ, Matthias was chosen to replace him (Acts 1:26). So the twelve thrones are still filled, not by Judas, but by Matthias, who also had followed Jesus from the beginning and witnessed the resurrection.
How does this relate to the 'Son of Man' title?
Jesus calls Himself the Son of Man, a title from Daniel 7 that points to a divine figure who receives an everlasting kingdom. By using this title, Jesus connects His suffering and humiliation with future glory. He will sit on the throne of His glory, and the apostles will share in that reign.
For pastors & researchers
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