King James Version

What Does Matthew 11:1 Mean?

Matthew 11:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to p... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.

Matthew 11:1 · KJV


Context

1

And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.

2

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

3

And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After commissioning the Twelve, 'Jesus departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities' (μετεβη εκειθεν του διδασκειν και κηρυσσειν εν ταις πολεσιν αυτων). Jesus doesn't cease ministry while sending disciples; He multiplies it. 'Their cities' refers to Galilean towns where He ministered. 'Teach' (διδασκειν) and 'preach' (κηρυσσειν) represent comprehensive ministry: instruction and proclamation. This models ministry multiplication: Jesus delegates to the Twelve while continuing His own work. The kingdom advances through both personal ministry and trained workers. Effective leadership develops others while maintaining personal engagement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Galilean ministry centered in synagogues where Jesus taught Scripture and proclaimed the kingdom. His itinerant pattern visited multiple towns, maximizing gospel reach. Early church continued this multiplication model: apostles established churches while continuing missionary journeys. Paul trained Timothy and Titus while planting new churches. This pattern—personal ministry plus trained workers—characterized effective gospel expansion throughout church history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus model both personal ministry and leadership development?
  2. What does ministry multiplication teach about effective kingdom expansion?
  3. How can we maintain personal engagement while delegating to others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγένετο2 of 21

it came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ὅτε3 of 21

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἐτέλεσεν4 of 21

had made an end

G5055

to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)

5 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς6 of 21

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

διατάσσων7 of 21

of commanding

G1299

to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc

τοῖς8 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δώδεκα9 of 21

twelve

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

μαθηταῖς10 of 21

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτῶν11 of 21

their

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μετέβη12 of 21

he departed

G3327

to change place

ἐκεῖθεν13 of 21

thence

G1564

thence

τοῦ14 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διδάσκειν15 of 21

to teach

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

καὶ16 of 21

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κηρύσσειν17 of 21

to preach

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

ἐν18 of 21

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταῖς19 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόλεσιν20 of 21

cities

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

αὐτῶν21 of 21

their

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 11:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 11:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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