---
title: Matthew 19:27
url: https://jw-apologetics.app/verses/matthew-19-27/
markdown: https://jw-apologetics.app/verses/matthew-19-27.md
type: verse
perspective: Protestant (historic Nicene) response to Jehovah's Witness teaching
reference: Matthew 19:27
testament: NT
section: Gospels
index: https://jw-apologetics.app/llms.txt
---

# Matthew 19:27

## Text (Berean Standard Bible)

> “Look,” Peter replied, “we have left everything to follow You. What then will there be for us?”

## NWT Wording of the Key Phrase

- NWT (1984 edition): "Then Peter said to him in reply: 'Look! We have left all things and followed you; what actually will there be for us?'"
- NWT (2013 revision): "Then Peter said to him in reply: 'Look! We have left all things and followed you; what, then, will there be for us?'"

## JW Usage

JWs read Matthew 19:27 as Peter's frank question about the future reward of those who have left everything to follow Christ. The Watchtower treats Peter's question as honest and Jesus' answer (vv. 28-29) as the model of reimbursement that motivates ongoing sacrifice — pioneering, missionary work, declining material advancement to maximise time in the ministry.

## Protestant Usage

Matthew 19:27 is Peter speaking for every disciple who has counted the cost out loud: "Look! We have left all things and followed you; what, then, will there be for us?" The question comes right after the rich young ruler has walked away unwilling to surrender his wealth (vv. 16-22). Jesus does not rebuke the question; he answers it (vv. 28-29) — those who have left family or property for his name will receive a hundred times as much and inherit everlasting life. The structure matters: Christ permits the question, and his answer is concrete and abundant. On the doorstep, especially with an ex-JW carrying real grief over family loss, this verse honours the cost without glossing it. Peter's voice is the voice of the wavering Witness who whispers, "But what about everything I have given up?" Christ's reply through Matthew 19:28-29 is not "you should not have asked" but "everything, hundredfold, and everlasting life." Pair with Mark 10:28-30 (the parallel scene) and Luke 12:51 (Jesus came to bring division).

## Arguments Using This Verse

- [Christ's Promise to Those Their Family Cuts Off](https://jw-apologetics.app/arguments/matthew19-leave-father-mother.md) — Matthew 19:29 / Mark 8:36 / Mark 10:29-30 [Practice]