The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.

MATTHEW 13:1KJV
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Matthew 13:1 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:1 mean?

Matthew 13:1 describes Jesus leaving a house and sitting by the sea, setting the scene for what follows. This verse marks a transition, showing Jesus moving to a new location where he will soon begin teaching the crowds.

The verse is a simple narrative detail, but it helps readers picture the setting: Jesus is in Galilee, likely near the Sea of Galilee, and he chooses to sit by the water’s edge. This physical move prepares for the parables he is about to tell, and it signals a shift from private to public teaching as crowds gather around him.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:1

  • "ἐξῆλθεν" (exēlthen, "went out"): This word often means to go out or depart from a place. Here, it emphasizes Jesus’ deliberate action of leaving the house, which can suggest a purposeful transition to a more public ministry setting.
  • "παρὰ" (para, "by"): This preposition means "beside" or "alongside." It shows that Jesus is not just near the sea but intentionally positions himself right at the edge, which would make it easier for large crowds to gather and hear him.
  • "θάλασσαν" (thalassan, "sea"): In this context, it refers to the Sea of Galilee, a familiar setting for Jesus’ ministry. Mentioning the sea highlights the openness of the new teaching environment compared to the house.

Why Matthew 13:1 matters

  • This verse helps readers visualize the shift from a private indoor setting to an open, public space, which is important for understanding the large crowds that appear in the next verses.
  • The detail about Jesus sitting by the sea connects to the tradition of teachers in that time sitting down to teach, signaling that something important is about to be shared.
  • By noting the location change, Matthew prepares the reader for the introduction of parables, which become a key feature of Jesus’ public teaching in this chapter.

Where else these words appear

“side” Greek G2281 · used in 83 verses

  • Matthew 4:15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
  • Mark 7:31 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

“house” Greek G3614 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
  • 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,

“sat” Greek G2521 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Luke 5:17 And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
  • Revelation 4:9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,