Matthew 13:2 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:2 mean?

Matthew 13:2 describes how such a large crowd gathered around Jesus that he got into a boat and sat down, while the entire crowd stood on the shore to listen to him. This verse shows the great interest people had in hearing Jesus teach, and it sets the scene for what he is about to say.

In this moment, Jesus is by the Sea of Galilee, and the crowds are so numerous that he uses a boat as a place to sit and teach, creating a natural separation from the people on the shore. The verse highlights both the practical challenge of addressing a "great multitude" and the eagerness of the people to hear him, which leads into the parables he begins to teach in this chapter.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:2

• The word for "great" is πολύς (polys), which often means "many" or "large." Here, it emphasizes just how big the crowd was—this was not a small gathering, but a significant event drawing many people.
• The Greek word for "multitudes" is ὄχλος (ochlos), meaning a crowd or a large group of people. The use of the plural form suggests there were multiple groups or a very sizable assembly.
• The phrase "stood on the shore" uses the word ἐπί (epi) for "on," and αἰγιαλός (aigialos) for "shore," painting a vivid picture of the people remaining on the land while Jesus is separated from them in the boat.

Why Matthew 13:2 matters

• This verse helps explain why Jesus sometimes taught from a boat—practically, it allowed him to address a large crowd without being pressed in by people, and the water could help carry his voice.
• The scene underscores the popularity and authority of Jesus at this point in his ministry, as crowds from various places gathered to hear him.
• Understanding this setting makes the following parables more vivid, as readers can picture Jesus teaching to a sea of people, using stories that would be memorable and easy to hear from the shore.