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Matthew Henry Quotes

Powerful Matthew Henry for Daily Growth

About Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry (1662-1714), an influential English Baptist minister and theologian, was born on October 28, 1662, in Flintshire, Wales. His family moved to Chester when he was a child, where he received his early education. He showed exceptional academic abilities and displayed a deep interest in religious matters from an early age. Henry's theological journey began under the guidance of a Presbyterian minister, Thomas Mutch. However, it was under the influence of English Baptist leader Benjamin Keach that Henry fully embraced Baptist beliefs and was baptized at the age of 21. He went on to serve as assistant pastor at Cefn-y-Mwd church in Wales. In 1690, Henry moved to London to assume the position of pastor at a Welsh Baptist Church. It was during his time in London that he began writing his magnum opus, "A Commentary on the Whole Bible." Published between 1708 and 1710, this work became one of the most widely read commentaries in English-speaking Christianity. The commentary offers insights into the historical, cultural, and theological contexts of each biblical passage while providing practical applications for contemporary readers. Henry's life was marked by personal and professional challenges, including a long illness that lasted more than 20 years. Despite these hardships, he remained dedicated to his ministry and his writing. He passed away on June 22, 1714, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Christian theology and biblical interpretation. Today, Matthew Henry's Commentary is still highly regarded among Protestant Christians, demonstrating the enduring impact of this Welsh minister and theologian. His work continues to serve as a valuable resource for understanding the Bible and its relevance to everyday life.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The way to make God laugh is to tell Him about your plans."

This quote by Matthew Henry humorously suggests that human beings often formulate detailed plans, believing they are in control, but God's ultimate plan may not align with our expectations. It serves as a reminder of the inherent limitations of human understanding and the need for humility when confronting the mysteries of life.

"There is no such thing as a little grace; for there is no such thing as a little righteousness, and no drop of grace but is a pledge for the whole."

The quote suggests that every instance of grace (divine favor or assistance) is significant and promises the fullness of righteousness (moral perfection). In other words, even small expressions of God's grace are powerful and assure us of ultimate redemption and holiness.

"God does not promise us a path free from thorns, but He does promise to supply the oil for our wounds."

This quote suggests that life is not guaranteed to be without challenges or hardships (thorns), but God will always provide comfort and healing (the oil) during difficult times. It encourages us to face trials with resilience, knowing that we have the strength and support of God in our struggles.

"The work of faith is a slow work; it is done by degrees; it is as a man climbing up stairs: he must go one step at a time, and so get above all his enemies before he sees them in their true colors."

This quote suggests that spiritual growth, or the "work of faith," is a gradual process. Just like ascending stairs, progress isn't made through leaps but by taking one step at a time. As we advance, we gain perspective and understand our challenges more clearly. In essence, Matthew Henry encourages patience, persistence, and focus in our faith journey as we grow spiritually, one step at a time.

"All the promises of God in Christ are sure. God cannot alter: His oath cannot be broken: His purposes cannot fail. All the perfections of the Deity secure to us the performance of all His promises."

This quote emphasizes the certainty and immutability of God's promises in Christ. Matthew Henry is stating that since God cannot change, His oath (a solemn promise) cannot be broken, and His purposes (plans) will never fail. Therefore, every promise made by God, fulfilled through Jesus Christ, is absolutely trustworthy and reliable. It provides comfort and confidence to believers who place their faith in the unchanging nature of God's word.

Eve was not taken out of Adam's head to top him, neither out of his feet to be trampled on by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected by him, and near his heart to be loved by him.

- Matthew Henry

Feet, Side, Adam, Eve

The Scriptures were written, not to make us astronomers, but to make us saints.

- Matthew Henry

Were, Saints, Written, Scriptures

Shallows where a lamb could wade and depths where an elephant would drown.

- Matthew Henry

Could, Lamb, Would, Depths

They have most satisfaction in themselves, and consequently the sweetest relish of their creature comforts.

- Matthew Henry

Themselves, Most, Relish

So great was the extremity of his pain and anguish, that he did not only sigh but roar.

- Matthew Henry

Pain, Sigh, Anguish, Extremity

Goodness makes greatness truly valuable, and greatness makes goodness much more serviceable.

- Matthew Henry

Greatness, More, Makes, Serviceable

No attribute of God is more dreadful to sinners than His holiness.

- Matthew Henry

More, Than, His, Dreadful

It is good for us to keep some account of our prayers, that we may not unsay them in our practice.

- Matthew Henry

Practice, Some, May, Prayers

Sanctified afflictions are spiritual promotions.

- Matthew Henry

Spiritual, Sanctified, Promotions

Whatever we have of this world in our hands, our care must be to keep it out of our hearts, lest it come between us and Christ.

- Matthew Henry

Hands, Christ, Lest, Between

Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trial of extraordinary graces.

- Matthew Henry

Extraordinary, Always, Graces

Many a dangerous temptation comes to us in gay, fine colours, that are but skin-deep.

- Matthew Henry

Temptation, Dangerous, Fine, Colours

None so deaf as those that will not hear. None so blind as those that will not see.

- Matthew Henry

Brainy, Blind, See, Hear

It is not fit the public trusts should be lodged in the hands of any, till they are first proved and found fit for the business they are to be entrusted with.

- Matthew Henry

Business, Hands, Till, Entrusted

The better day, the worse deed.

- Matthew Henry

Day, Better, Worse, Deed

It is common for those that are farthest from God, to boast themselves most of their being near to the Church.

- Matthew Henry

Church, Being, Farthest, Near

They that die by famine die by inches.

- Matthew Henry

Die, Inches, Famine

It is not talking but walking that will bring us to heaven.

- Matthew Henry

Walking, Will, Not Talking, Heaven

He whose head is in heaven need not fear to put his feet into the grave.

- Matthew Henry

Feet, Head, His, Heaven

Those that go gold into the furnace will come out no worse.

- Matthew Henry

Gold, Will, Go, Furnace

Men of polite learning and a liberal education.

- Matthew Henry

Education, Men, Polite, Liberal

Here is bread, which strengthens man's heart, and therefore is called the staff of Life.

- Matthew Henry

Bread, Here, Which, Therefore

He rolls it under his tongue as a sweet morsel.

- Matthew Henry

Sweet, Rolls, His, Tongue

The way to preserve the peace of the church is to preserve its purity.

- Matthew Henry

Peace, Church, Purity, Preserve

It is good news, worthy of all acceptation; and yet not too good to be true.

- Matthew Henry

News, Good News, Too, Worthy

Better late than never.

- Matthew Henry

Never, Better, Than, Late

After a storm comes a calm.

- Matthew Henry

Motivational, Storm, Calm, After

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