But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

MATTHEW 12:15KJV
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Matthew 12:15 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:15 mean?

Matthew 12:15 describes how, after Jesus became aware of a threat against him, he left that place, but large crowds still followed him, and he healed every one of them. The verse shows Jesus responding to danger by withdrawing, yet continuing his compassionate work among the people who sought him.

In this scene, Jesus is the central figure, and the crowds are ordinary people drawn to him for help. The verse follows a moment when religious leaders were plotting against Jesus. Despite withdrawing for safety, Jesus does not turn away those in need; instead, he heals all who come to him, highlighting both his wisdom and his mercy.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:15

  • The word "withdrew himself" (ἀνεχώρησεν, anechōrēsen) often means to step back or move away, not out of fear, but sometimes as a wise or strategic choice. Here, it shows Jesus acting with awareness and caution, not recklessness.
  • The phrase "great multitudes" (πολλοὶ ὄχλοι, polloi ochloi) emphasizes that the crowds were not just large, but made up of many different people, suggesting widespread interest and need.
  • The word "healed" (ἐθεράπευσεν, etherapeusen) carries the sense of restoring or caring for, not just performing miracles but meeting real human needs.

Why Matthew 12:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus did not seek confrontation for its own sake; he chose to withdraw when threatened, showing both courage and prudence.
  • The emphasis that Jesus "healed them all" counters any idea that he was selective or limited in his compassion—everyone who came was helped.
  • In the larger context of Matthew 12, this moment sets up a contrast between the opposition of the religious leaders and the openness of Jesus to the crowds, highlighting his unique role and approach.

Where else these words appear

“himself” Greek G402 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
  • Matthew 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

“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.

“healed” Greek G2323 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 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.
  • Matthew 21:14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
  • Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

“followed” Greek G190 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?