That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,

MATTHEW 4:14KJV
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Matthew 4:14 (KJV)

What does Matthew 4:14 mean?

Matthew 4:14 explains that what Jesus was doing at this moment was to fulfill something that the prophet Isaiah had spoken long ago. The verse points out that Jesus’ actions were not random but were part of a larger plan already described in the Hebrew Scriptures.

In this part of Matthew, the writer is telling the story of Jesus beginning his ministry in Galilee. Matthew pauses the story to show that these events match up with a prophecy from Isaiah (called "Esaias" in the King James Version). The verse sets up a direct connection between Jesus’ life and the words of the ancient prophet, highlighting that Jesus’ life fits into a bigger story already known to Jewish readers.

The Greek behind Matthew 4:14

  • The word "fulfilled" (πληρόω, plēroō) means to bring something to completion or to fill up. Here, it shows that Jesus’ actions are seen as the completion of what Isaiah predicted, not just a loose similarity.
  • "Spoken" (λαλέω, laleō) means to speak or say, emphasizing that these are not just written words but words that were actually spoken by the prophet.
  • "Esaias" (Ἠσαΐας, Ēsaias) is the Greek form of "Isaiah," making clear which prophet Matthew is referencing. This helps connect the New Testament story to the well-known Old Testament figure.

Why Matthew 4:14 matters

  • Matthew 4:14 shows that the gospel writer is intentionally connecting Jesus’ life to Old Testament prophecy, helping readers see Jesus as the one who fulfills God’s promises.
  • This verse helps clear up the idea that Jesus’ ministry was unexpected or disconnected from Jewish tradition; instead, it is shown as the next step in a long-promised plan.
  • By quoting Isaiah, Matthew is inviting readers to look back at the prophet’s words and see how they point forward to Jesus, encouraging a deeper understanding of both the Old and New Testaments.

Where else these words appear

“Esaias” Greek G2268 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Luke 3:4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Acts 8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

“spoken” Greek G4483 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
  • Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place,(whoso readeth, let him understand:)

“fulfilled” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

“prophet” Greek G4396 · used in 143 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
  • Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?