King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:1 Mean?

Matthew 13:1 in the King James Version says “The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.

Matthew 13:1 · KJV


Context

1

The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.

2

And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

3

And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side' sets the scene for Jesus' extended parable teaching. His movement from house to seaside and eventually to a boat (v. 2) shows adaptation to growing crowds. The timing 'same day' connects these parables to His controversy with Pharisees (chapter 12), explaining why He now teaches in parables—revealing truth to disciples while concealing it from hardened opponents.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Sea of Galilee's shore provided a natural amphitheater. Speaking from a boat created acoustical advantage for large crowds. This teaching location was public and accessible, yet Jesus' parabolic method separated receptive hearers from hostile critics.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' method of teaching adapt to audience response?
  2. What does Jesus' movement to the seaside teach about accessibility to seekers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ἐν1 of 15

The same

G1722

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

δὲ2 of 15
G1161

but, and, etc

τῇ3 of 15
G3588

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

ἡμέρᾳ4 of 15

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἐκείνῃ5 of 15
G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ἐξελθὼν6 of 15

went

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

7 of 15
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς8 of 15

Jesus

G2424

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

ἀπὸ9 of 15

out of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς10 of 15
G3588

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

οἰκίας11 of 15

the house

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

ἐκάθητο12 of 15

and sat

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

παρὰ13 of 15

by

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τὴν14 of 15
G3588

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

θάλασσαν·15 of 15

the sea side

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)


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 13:1 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 13:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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