And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

MATTHEW 19:2KJV
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Matthew 19:2 (KJV)

What does Matthew 19:2 mean?

Matthew 19:2 describes how large crowds followed Jesus as he traveled, and he healed those people in that place. The verse highlights both the popularity of Jesus and his compassion in responding to the needs of those who came to him.

In this scene, Jesus is moving through the region beyond the Jordan, and many people are drawn to him. The verse sets the stage for what follows by showing that Jesus’ ministry involved not just teaching, but also acts of healing for the crowds who sought him out. This moment emphasizes the tangible help Jesus provided to ordinary people during his journey.

The Greek behind Matthew 19:2

  • The word for "great" is πολύς (polys), which often means "many" or "large in number." This stresses that the crowds were not just present, but unusually large.
  • The verb ἠκολούθησαν (ēkolouthēsan, "followed") carries the sense of people actively choosing to go after Jesus, not just being nearby by chance.
  • The verb ἐθεράπευσεν (etherapeusen, "he healed") is related to the idea of care and restoration, not just a quick fix. It suggests Jesus took time to address real needs among the people.

Why Matthew 19:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus’ ministry was not limited to teaching or private conversations with his disciples; he was also deeply involved in meeting physical needs.
  • The mention of "great multitudes" shows the widespread interest in Jesus at this point in his ministry, which helps explain the tension and attention he receives in the following passages.
  • By noting that Jesus healed people "there," the verse grounds his compassion and power in a specific place and time, showing that his care was immediate and local, not just theoretical.

Where else these words appear

“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?

“there” Greek G1563 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 6:10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
  • John 6:22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;