And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

MATTHEW 4:20KJV
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Matthew 4:20 (KJV)

What does Matthew 4:20 mean?

Matthew 4:20 describes how Simon Peter and Andrew, upon hearing Jesus call them, immediately left their fishing nets behind and began to follow him. This verse highlights their instant and wholehearted response to Jesus’s invitation, showing a willingness to leave their work and former life.

In this scene, Jesus is walking by the Sea of Galilee and calls two fishermen, Simon Peter and Andrew, to follow him and become "fishers of men." The verse emphasizes the speed and decisiveness of their action—they do not hesitate or ask questions, but leave their nets at once. This moment marks the beginning of their journey as Jesus’s disciples.

The Greek behind Matthew 4:20

  • εὐθέως (eutheōs, transliterated as "straightway"): This word means "immediately" or "at once." Its use here stresses that Peter and Andrew did not delay or weigh their options, but responded to Jesus’s call without hesitation.
  • ἀφέντες (aphentes, transliterated as "left"): This word often carries the sense of letting go or abandoning something. In this context, it highlights that the disciples left behind not just their tools, but their livelihood and security.
  • ἠκολούθησαν (ēkolouthēsan, transliterated as "followed"): This word means to go after someone, often with the sense of becoming a disciple or adherent. Here, it points to a deliberate choice to join Jesus and learn from him.

Why Matthew 4:20 matters

  • Matthew 4:20 clears up the idea that following Jesus was a gradual or hesitant decision for the first disciples; the verse shows it was immediate and total.
  • The verse highlights the cost and commitment involved in discipleship, as Peter and Andrew leave behind their familiar work and way of life.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage by showing the beginning of Jesus’s ministry and the calling of his first followers, setting the tone for the rest of the Gospel.

Where else these words appear

“nets” Greek G1350 · used in 11 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.
  • Luke 5:2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
  • Luke 5:6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

“straightway” Greek G2112 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 4:22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.
  • Mark 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
  • Mark 14:45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

“followed” Greek G190 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 4:22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, 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?

“left” Greek G863 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Mark 2:7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.