Gathering Data

New Testament uses of Kingdom of God / Kingdom of Heaven

(Adapted from The Kingdom of God: Present or Future? by Anthony Buzzard)

The following list presents all the New Testament occurrences of the terms “Kingdom of God” and “Kingdom of Heaven.”  It also includes New Testament occurrences of the word “kingdom” combined with pronouns (my, thy, his) or other qualifiers, when referring to Jesus or God’s Kingdom.  This shows how the vast majority of New Testament references to the Kingdom of God are referring to a future kingdom on earth, compared with the few verses below which are used in a different way.

The coming Kingdom associated with power and glory (cp. Mark 10:38, "Kingdom" = "Glory.")

Matt. 6:10   Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Matt. 6:13   And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Luke 11:2   And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

The Coming of Christ in power and glory to establish the Kingdom:

  (cp. Matt. 24:30, they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.)

Matt. 16:28   Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Mark 9:1   And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

Mark 11:10   Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

Luke 9:27   But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

Luke 21:31   So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

Luke 22:18   For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

Luke 23:42-43   And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

II Tim. 4:1   I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

The following verses describe the saints as being "in the Kingdom," but not until Christ comes:

Matt. 5:19   Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (assoc. w/ entry into the Kingdom, v. 20; see below)

Matt. 8:11   And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

Matt. 13:43   Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Kingdom at the end of the age, vs. 39-40)

Matt. 20:21   And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

Matt. 26:29   But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

Mark 14:25   Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. (parallel to “that day”)

Luke 13:28   There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

Luke 13:29   And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

Luke 14:15   And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.

Luke 22:16   For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

The following speak of "entering" or "inheriting" the Kingdom and are associated with gaining salvation in the future:

Matt. 5:20   For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matt. 7:21   Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Matt. 18:3   And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matt. 19:23   Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matt. 19:24   And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Matt. 21:31   Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

Matt. 25:34   Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Mark 9:47   And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

Mark 10:15   Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child (i.e., accept the message), he shall not enter therein.

Mark 10:23   And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Mark 10:24   And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

Mark 10:25   It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Luke 18:17   Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

Luke 18:24   And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Luke 18:25   For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

John 3:3   Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (equivalent to enter into, see v. 5)

John 3:5   Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Acts 14:22   Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

I Cor. 6:9   Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

I Cor. 6:10   Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

I Cor. 15:50   Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

Gal.  5:21   Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Eph. 5:5   For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

The following verses equate the Kingdom with the future goal and reward of the Christian life:

  (Cp. I Cor. 6:2, Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?)

Matt. 5:3   Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matt. 5:10  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 6:20   And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

Luke 12:32   Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

I Cor. 15:24   Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

I Thes. 2:12   That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

II Thes. 1:5   Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

II Tim. 4:18   And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Jas. 2:5   Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

II Pet. 1:11   For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Heb. 12:28   Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: (context clearly refers to future kingdom)

Rev. 12:10   And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

The following refer to the future Kingdom as the activity of Christ as Ruler with His Saints:

Matt. 19:28   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. (Doesn’t use the word kingdom)

Luke 22:29   And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

Luke 22:30   That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

The following describe a "waiting for the Kingdom" after the Ministry of Christ is complete:

Mark 15:43   Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

Luke 23:51   (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

The following verses speak of the declaration that the Kingdom of God/Heaven was at hand:

Matt. 3:2   And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matt. 4:17   From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matt. 10:7   And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mark 1:15   And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Luke 10:9   And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Luke 10:11   Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

The following verses speak of preaching the GOSPEL of the Kingdom:

Mark 1:14   Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

Matt. 4:23   And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Matt. 9:35   And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Matt. 24:14   And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

The following verses speak of preaching the Kingdom of God:

Luke 4:43   And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

Luke 9:2   And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Luke 9:11   And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

Luke 9:60   Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

Luke 8:1   And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,

Luke 16:16   The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

Acts 1:3   To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Acts 8:12   But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 19:8   And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

Acts 20:25   And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Acts 28:23   And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

Acts 28:31   Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

The following verses refer to the OT prophecies of the coming Kingdom

Matt. 21:43   Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

Luke 1:33   And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Acts 1:6   When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

Heb. 1:8  But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

The following verses involve Jesus likening the Kingdom to something in a parable:

Matt. 13:11   He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Matt. 13:19   When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Matt. 13:24   Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

Matt. 13:31   Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

Matt. 13:33   Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

Matt. 13:38   The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

Matt. 13:41   The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

Matt. 13:44   Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

Matt. 13:45   Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

Matt. 13:47   Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:

Matt. 13:52   Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

Matt. 18:23   Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

Matt. 20:1   For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

Matt. 22:2   The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

Matt. 25:1   Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

Matt. 25:14   For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

Mark 4:11   And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

Mark 4:26   And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

Mark 4:30   And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?

Luke 8:10   And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Luke 13:18   Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

Luke 13:20   And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?

Luke 19:11   And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

Luke 19:12   He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

Luke 19:15   And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

IN CONTRAST - The following passages speak of the Kingdom as, in a different sense, a present reality:

Matt. 12:28   But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

Matt. 16:19   And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Matt. 23:13   But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Luke 11:20   But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

Luke 17:20   And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

Luke 17:21   Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Luke 18:29   And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake,

John 18:36   Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Col. 1:13   Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

The following verses refer to the concept of the Kingdom in general, without reference to whether it is present or future:

Matt. 6:33   But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matt. 11:11   Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Matt. 11:12   And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

Matt. 18:1   At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

Matt. 18:4   Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matt. 19:12   For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

Matt. 19:14   But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Mark 10:14   But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Mark 12:34   And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

Luke 7:28   For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

Luke 9:62   And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Luke 12:31   But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Luke 18:16   But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Rom. 14:17   For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

I Cor. 4:20   For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

Col. 4:11   And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

Rev. 1:9   I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

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