Matthew 4:25 (KJV)

What does Matthew 4:25 mean?

Matthew 4:25 describes how large crowds of people from many different regions—including Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and areas east of the Jordan River—began following Jesus. This verse shows that Jesus’ influence quickly spread beyond his immediate hometown and attracted attention from a wide area.

In this part of Matthew, the writer is narrating the early days of Jesus’ public ministry. The verse lists specific places to highlight the broad and diverse makeup of the crowds. By naming these regions, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus’ message and actions were drawing people from both Jewish and Gentile communities, setting the stage for the wide reach of his ministry.

The Greek behind Matthew 4:25

• πολὺς (polys, G4183): This word is translated as "great" and emphasizes not just the size but the impressiveness of the crowds. It suggests that Jesus’ appeal was significant and visible.
• Δεκάπολις (Dekapolis, G1179): This is a Greek term meaning "Ten Cities," referring to a group of mostly Gentile cities east of the Jordan. Its mention shows that Jesus’ following included people from non-Jewish backgrounds.
• πέραν (peran, G4008): Translated as "beyond," this word points to areas across the Jordan River, indicating that people were coming from even further away, not just the local region.

Why Matthew 4:25 matters

• Matthew 4:25 makes it clear that Jesus’ ministry was not limited to a small, local audience; people from far and wide were drawn to him, which helps explain the rapid growth of his reputation.
• The mention of both Jewish and Gentile regions hints at the inclusive nature of Jesus’ message, which becomes a key theme in Matthew’s Gospel.
• This verse sets up the context for the Sermon on the Mount in the next chapter, showing that Jesus was speaking to a large and varied crowd.