Bible Strands
Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses Simon Peter immediately after Peter’s confession and the Father’s revelation, marking the transition from private blessing to public commission.
The words — Πέτρος (Petros) literally means “rock” or “stone,” and κἀγὼ λέγω (kagō legō) translates to “I myself say,” establishing a direct divine declaration.
The thread — The construction imagery parallels Isaiah 28:16’s laid cornerstone, Paul’s description of believers as “God’s building” in 1 Corinthians 3:9, and the household identity in Ephesians 2:19.
Why it lands — The text asserts that the church’s origin and protection against Hades depend entirely on divine revelation, requiring the reader to submit to that established foundation rather than human reasoning.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Cross-references
- Ephesians 2:19 Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household,
- 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
- Isaiah 28:16 So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.
- Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence.
- Psalms 125:1 A song of ascents. Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion. It cannot be moved; it abides forever.
- John 1:42 Andrew brought him to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter).
- Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
- Acts 2:47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
- John 10:27 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.
- Hebrews 3:3 For Jesus has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.