Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

MATTHEW 3:5KJV
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Matthew 3:5 (KJV)

What does Matthew 3:5 mean?

Matthew 3:5 describes how people from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and the surrounding area near the Jordan River went out to see John the Baptist. This verse shows that John's message drew a large and diverse crowd from across the region.

Matthew is narrating the scene as John the Baptist preaches and baptizes in the wilderness. The mention of Jerusalem, all Judea, and the region around the Jordan highlights how widespread the interest in John was. This sets the stage for understanding the impact of John's ministry and why so many people were coming to hear him.

The Greek behind Matthew 3:5

  • The word "all" (πᾶς, pas) is used twice in this verse, emphasizing that not just a few, but large numbers from both Judea and the region around the Jordan responded to John. This stresses the broad appeal and reach of his message.
  • The phrase "about Jordan" (περίχωρος, perichōros) refers to the areas surrounding the Jordan River, not just a single town or village. This helps the reader picture a wide geographic area, showing that John's influence extended beyond city limits.

Why Matthew 3:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that John the Baptist was not a fringe figure; his ministry attracted attention from all levels of society and from a wide area.
  • By showing the crowds coming from Jerusalem and all Judea, Matthew prepares the reader to understand the significance of John's role in preparing people for Jesus.
  • The mention of specific regions connects John's ministry to real places, grounding the story in its historical and geographical context.

Where else these words appear

“about” Greek G4066 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 14:35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;
  • Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
  • Luke 7:17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

“Jordan” Greek G2446 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
  • Matthew 19:1 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;
  • Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

“out” Greek G1607 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • 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.

“Judaea” Greek G2449 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Luke 3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,
  • Acts 2:9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,