What is the meaning of Matthew 12:36? But I tell you “ ‘But I tell you…’ ” (Matthew 12:36) signals Christ’s direct authority. When Jesus speaks this way, He is not offering an opinion; He is declaring absolute truth (see Matthew 5:22, 28, 34; Mark 1:22). Scripture is without error, so every “I tell you” carries the weight of heaven. • Jesus places Himself above every earthly teacher, echoing God’s own voice (Matthew 17:5). • Listening to Him is not optional; He speaks as Judge and Savior (John 12:48). that men will give an account “ …that men will give an account…” (Matthew 12:36) makes personal responsibility unmistakable. Romans 14:12 says, “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Likewise, 1 Peter 4:5 reminds us that all will “give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” • No one escapes this review—kings, servants, believers, skeptics alike. • God’s record-keeping is perfect; nothing slips through (Psalm 139:1–4). on the day of judgment “ …on the day of judgment…” (Matthew 12:36) anchors the warning to a real future event. Hebrews 9:27 affirms, “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” Acts 17:31 declares that God “has set a day when He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man He has appointed.” • This day is fixed, unchangeable, and drawing nearer (2 Peter 3:7). • Revelation 20:11–15 portrays the great white throne, underscoring that eternity hinges on this moment. for every careless word “ …for every careless word…” (Matthew 12:36) turns the spotlight on what we often dismiss. Proverbs 18:21 warns, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” James 3:6 calls the tongue “a fire,” capable of great destruction. • “Careless” means idle, useless, fruitless—words tossed out without thought. • God values words because He created by speaking (Genesis 1), and He expects ours to build up, not tear down (Ephesians 4:29; Proverbs 12:18). • Even casual gossip, sarcasm, or exaggeration matters; they reveal the heart (Matthew 15:18). they have spoken “ …they have spoken.” (Matthew 12:36) fixes accountability on the individual. 2 Corinthians 5:10 states, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due…for what he has done in the body, whether good or bad.” • Blame-shifting won’t stand; “they” points to each speaker personally. • Words reveal allegiance—either to Christ or to self (Luke 6:45). summary Jesus teaches that every person will personally face Him on a set day, giving a full account of even the most casual statements. Because Scripture is true and literal, this warning invites real-time correction: submit to Christ’s authority, steward every word as a sacred trust, and live in light of the coming judgment that will expose every syllable we have ever uttered. |
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