And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

MATTHEW 9:1KJV
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Matthew 9:1 (KJV)

What does Matthew 9:1 mean?

Matthew 9:1 describes Jesus getting into a boat, crossing over a body of water, and arriving at his own city. This verse sets the scene for what Jesus is about to do next, showing a transition from one location to another.

In this passage, Jesus is the one acting, and the people with him are his disciples and the crowds following his ministry. The "own city" mentioned here is often understood to be Capernaum, which served as Jesus’ base during his ministry in Galilee. This verse marks a pause between events, moving the story from the region where Jesus had healed two demon-possessed men back to a familiar place where more significant events will unfold.

The Greek behind Matthew 9:1

  • πόλις (polis, "city"): The Greek word used here for "city" refers to a settled, organized town rather than just a small village. This helps clarify that Jesus is returning to a notable center, not just any random place.
  • ἴδιος (idios, "own"): The word for "own" emphasizes that this city had a special connection to Jesus, likely meaning it was his home base during his ministry, not necessarily his birthplace.

Why Matthew 9:1 matters

  • Matthew 9:1 helps the reader track Jesus’ movements, showing a deliberate return to a familiar place where he is known and where his ministry is centered.
  • The verse quietly signals a transition in the narrative, preparing the reader for the important miracles and teachings that will take place in the following verses.
  • By calling Capernaum "his own city," Matthew highlights how Jesus had a recognized home base during his ministry, which adds context to the relationships and events that follow.

Where else these words appear

“over” Greek G1276 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 14:34 And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.
  • Mark 5:21 And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.
  • Luke 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

“entered” Greek G1684 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 8:23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
  • Mark 4:1 And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
  • Luke 8:22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

“ship” Greek G4143 · used in 64 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.
  • Mark 6:45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
  • Acts 21:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

“own” Greek G2398 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 14:13 When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
  • John 19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
  • Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.