And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.

MATTHEW 15:29KJV
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Matthew 15:29 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:29 mean?

Matthew 15:29 describes Jesus leaving his previous location and traveling near the Sea of Galilee, where he climbs a mountain and sits down. This verse sets the scene for what Jesus does next, showing a deliberate movement to a new place where people will soon gather around him.

In this part of Matthew, Jesus is moving away from the area where he had just been teaching and healing. The verse is a transition, marking a change in location and preparing the reader for the miracles and teachings that will follow. The mention of the Sea of Galilee and the mountain highlights the physical setting, which is important in the stories that come next.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:29

  • ὁ Ἰησοῦς (ho Iēsous, "Jesus"): The name is used here to clearly identify who is acting, emphasizing Jesus as the central figure in this movement and upcoming events.
  • ἀνέβη (anebē, "went up"): This word carries the sense of ascending or climbing, which suggests effort and intention as Jesus goes up the mountain, not just a casual walk.
  • καθίσαντος (kathisantos, "sat down"): The verb for sitting down often signals a teacher preparing to instruct or someone getting ready for an important moment, hinting that something significant is about to happen.

Why Matthew 15:29 matters

  • This verse helps the reader see that Jesus’ actions are purposeful; he is not wandering but intentionally moving to a place where he will interact with the crowds.
  • By mentioning the Sea of Galilee and the mountain, Matthew connects this moment to earlier events in Jesus’ ministry, reminding readers of other important teachings and miracles in similar settings.
  • The verse prepares the reader for the miracles and crowds that follow, showing that Jesus’ ministry often happens in public, accessible places where many can come to him.

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.

“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 14:13 When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
  • Luke 9:4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

“Galilee” Greek G1056 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 3:7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
  • Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

“mountain” Greek G3735 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • Mark 11:1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
  • John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.