18:20a

For: Verse 18:20a is the explanation or the reason for what was said in 18:19. The Greek introduces this reason with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For.

Here are some other ways to introduce this reason:

Because
-or-
This is true because (New Century Version)
-or-

⌊That will happen⌋ because

two or three: This phrase refers to “two or three believers.”

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

two or three of you (Contemporary English Version)
-or-

⌊even⌋ when only two or three people

gather together in My name: The phrase in My name indicates that people are meeting as a group of believers. They have gathered to pray and worship Jesus. They have not just gathered for any reason.

Here are some other ways to translate these words:

are assembled in my name (NET Bible)
-or-
gather together as my followers (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
meet because of me

18:20b

there am I: The verb am is present tense. It indicates something that is true at all times, both now and in the future.

Here is a more natural English way to translate this:

I am there (NET Bible)

with them: This phrase means that Jesus is present with them spiritually. His spirit is with them whenever and wherever they met. It does not mean that he is there physically.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

among them (English Standard Version)

-or-

in their midst (Revised Standard Version)

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