King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:35 Mean?

Matthew 14:35 in the King James Version says “And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto h...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;”

Matthew 14:35 · KJV

Context

33

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

34

And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.

35

And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;

36

And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when the men of that place had knowledge of him (καὶ ἐπιγνόντες αὐτὸν οἱ ἄνδρες τοῦ τόπου ἐκείνου)—The verb ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginōskō, 'to recognize, to know fully') indicates they didn't merely see a stranger but recognized Jesus specifically. His fame had spread throughout Galilee (4:24), making Him recognizable. The phrase οἱ ἄνδρες (hoi andres, 'the men') may indicate the male heads of households who organized the response, though women and children certainly came as well (v. 38 implies their presence).

They sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased (ἀπέστειλαν εἰς ὅλην τὴν περίχωρον ἐκείνην καὶ προσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ πάντας τοὺς κακῶς ἔχοντας)—The verb ἀποστέλλω (apostellō, 'to send with a commission') shows organized effort. They sent messengers throughout the περίχωρος (perichōros, 'surrounding region') and brought (προσφέρω, prospherō) all the κακῶς ἔχοντας ('badly having,' idiom for 'sick' or 'ill'). Their faith contrasts with Nazareth's unbelief (13:58)—they acted on Jesus's reputation, gathering the sick for healing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

News traveled rapidly in first-century Galilee through word of mouth and traveling merchants. The densely populated region around the Sea of Galilee contained numerous villages within walking distance. Gennesaret's central location and the Via Maris (major trade route) passing through the region facilitated rapid communication. The response shows the desperation of those with chronic illnesses in an age without modern medicine.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the spreading of news about Jesus model evangelistic responsibility—telling others what we've witnessed?
  2. What does their immediate action teach about responding to spiritual opportunity while Christ is accessible?

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

ἐπιγνόντες2 of 21

“had knowledge”

G1921

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

αὐτῷ3 of 21

“of him”

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

οἱ4 of 21
G3588

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

ἄνδρες5 of 21

“when the men”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

τοῦ6 of 21
G3588

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

τόπου7 of 21

“place”

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

ἐκείνην8 of 21

“of that”

G1565

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

ἀπέστειλαν9 of 21

“they sent out”

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

εἰς10 of 21

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὅλην11 of 21

“all”

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τὴν12 of 21
G3588

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

περίχωρον13 of 21

“country round about”

G4066

around the region, i.e., circumjacent (as noun, with g1093 implied vicinity)

ἐκείνην14 of 21

“of that”

G1565

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

καὶ15 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

προσήνεγκαν16 of 21

“brought”

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

αὐτῷ17 of 21

“of him”

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

πάντας18 of 21

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοὺς19 of 21
G3588

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

κακῶς20 of 21

“diseased”

G2560

badly (physically or morally)

ἔχοντας21 of 21

“that were”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

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 14:35 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 14:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 4:24-25Mark 2:1-12Mark 3:8-10Mark 6:55Mark 1:28-34

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