And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.

MATTHEW 20:29KJV
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Matthew 20:29 (KJV)

What does Matthew 20:29 mean?

Matthew 20:29 describes Jesus and his disciples leaving the city of Jericho, with a large crowd following them. The verse sets the scene for what happens next, showing that many people were interested in Jesus and wanted to be near him as he traveled.

In this verse, the Gospel writer Matthew is narrating the events as Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem. The mention of Jericho is specific, placing Jesus and his followers in a real location just before important events unfold. The detail about the "great multitude" highlights how Jesus attracted attention and followers wherever he went, setting up the context for the miracles and teachings that follow in the next verses.

The Greek behind Matthew 20:29

  • "πολὺς" (polys, "great"): This word describes the size of the crowd, emphasizing that it was not just a handful of people but a significant number. It shows the widespread interest in Jesus at this point in his ministry.
  • "ὄχλος" (ochlos, "multitude"): This term often refers to a crowd of ordinary people, not just a select group. It underlines that Jesus' appeal reached many different kinds of people, not just his closest disciples.
  • "ἠκολούθησεν" (ēkolouthēsen, "followed"): The Greek word carries the sense of physically going after someone, but it can also suggest a kind of allegiance or interest. Here, it mainly means the crowd was traveling with Jesus, but it hints at their desire to see what he would do next.

Why Matthew 20:29 matters

  • This verse helps the reader understand that Jesus' actions were public and witnessed by many, which adds credibility to the events that follow.
  • By mentioning Jericho and the large crowd, Matthew connects this moment to Old Testament themes and the journey toward Jerusalem, signaling that something significant is about to happen.
  • The presence of the crowd sets the stage for the miracles and teachings that immediately follow, showing that Jesus' ministry was not done in isolation but in the midst of the people.

Where else these words appear

“Jericho” Greek G2410 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
  • Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
  • Luke 19:1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

“departed” Greek G1607 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
  • Mark 7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
  • Acts 25:4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

“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?