And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.

MATTHEW 11:1KJV
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Matthew 11:1 (KJV)

What does Matthew 11:1 mean?

Matthew 11:1 describes how, after Jesus finished instructing his twelve disciples, he left that place and went on to teach and preach in the towns of the region. This verse marks a transition from Jesus sending out his disciples to his own ongoing ministry among the people.

Matthew is narrating a moment where Jesus, having given directions to his closest followers, continues his own work of teaching and proclaiming the message in various cities. The verse sets the stage for what follows by showing that Jesus is active in reaching out to different communities, not just relying on his disciples’ efforts.

The Greek behind Matthew 11:1

  • The word "commanding" (διατάσσω, diatassō) is used here for Jesus giving instructions or orders to his disciples, highlighting his role as a teacher and leader.
  • The word "teach" (διδάσκω, didaskō) often means to explain or instruct, suggesting that Jesus was helping people understand spiritual truths.
  • The word "preach" (κηρύσσω, kērussō) carries the sense of publicly proclaiming important news, showing that Jesus was not only teaching but also announcing his message widely.

Why Matthew 11:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus did not stop his own ministry after sending out the twelve; he continued to be active in reaching people himself.
  • It shows a pattern in Jesus’ ministry: instructing his followers and then modeling the work himself, which helps explain the relationship between Jesus’ actions and those of his disciples.
  • The verse connects the previous instructions to the disciples (Matthew 10) with the coming stories and teachings, helping the reader follow the flow of the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“departed” Greek G3327 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 8:34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
  • Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
  • John 7:3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

“commanding” Greek G1299 · used in 16 verses

  • Luke 3:13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
  • Acts 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla;(because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

“end” Greek G5055 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
  • Luke 22:37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
  • James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

“thence” Greek G1564 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Matthew 15:21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
  • Luke 9:4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.