Kingdom of Heaven
Summary
A phrase used primarily by Matthew to describe the reign of God both in its present spiritual reality and its future consummation, synonymous with 'kingdom of God' in the other Gospels.
☩Terminology
The phrase "kingdom of heaven" appears exclusively in Matthew's Gospel, where it occurs over thirty times. The other Gospel writers use the equivalent phrase "kingdom of God," and comparison of parallel passages shows these terms are synonymous. Matthew's preference for "heaven" likely reflects Jewish reverence that avoided directly naming God. Both phrases refer to the sovereign rule of God—His reign rather than a geographical territory—and encompass both present spiritual reality and future eschatological fulfillment.
☩Jesus' Teaching
The kingdom of heaven was the central theme of Jesus' preaching, beginning with the announcement "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Jesus taught about the kingdom through numerous parables: it is like a man sowing seed, like a mustard seed that grows into a great tree, like leaven that spreads through dough, like treasure hidden in a field, like a merchant seeking pearls, like a net gathering fish. Entry into the kingdom requires becoming like children in humble dependence, and its values invert worldly standards—the poor in spirit, the persecuted, and the humble are blessed.
☩Present and Future
Jesus taught that the kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope. He declared that the kingdom had "come upon" His hearers in His ministry of casting out demons, and that it was "in their midst" or "within" them. Yet He also taught His disciples to pray "Your kingdom come" and spoke of the kingdom as a future inheritance to be received at His return. This "already but not yet" tension characterizes the kingdom—inaugurated by Christ's first coming, growing during this age, and consummated at His return.
Related Verses55 mentions
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Kingdom of Heaven," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Kingdom of Heaven," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Kingdom of Heaven," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Kingdom of Heaven," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).