King James Version

What Does Matthew 4:18 Mean?

Matthew 4:18 in the King James Version says “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net in... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Matthew 4:18 · KJV


Context

16

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up .

17

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

18

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

19

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

20

And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' call of fishermen beside the Sea of Galilee demonstrates God's sovereign election of ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Simon and Andrew's occupation as fishermen becomes prophetic symbolism—they would become 'fishers of men,' gathering people into God's kingdom. The seaside setting also recalls Jesus' later parables about the kingdom being like a net gathering fish (Matthew 13:47-50).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Sea of Galilee (also called Gennesaret or Tiberias) is actually a freshwater lake about 13 miles long and 8 miles wide. Fishing was a major industry, and fishermen formed a significant segment of Galilean economy. Simon (Peter) and Andrew were business partners with James and John (Luke 5:10).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' calling of common fishermen teach about God's values versus worldly measures of qualification and status?
  2. How does the metaphor of 'fishers of men' illustrate the nature and urgency of evangelistic ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
Περιπατῶν1 of 29

walking

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

δὲ2 of 29

And

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 29
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 29

Jesus

G2424

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

παρὰ5 of 29

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

τὴν6 of 29
G3588

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

θάλασσαν·7 of 29

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

τῆς8 of 29
G3588

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

Γαλιλαίας9 of 29

of Galilee

G1056

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine

εἶδεν10 of 29

saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δύο11 of 29

two

G1417

"two"

ἀδελφὸν12 of 29

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

Σίμωνα13 of 29

Simon

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

τὸν14 of 29
G3588

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

λεγόμενον15 of 29

called

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Πέτρον16 of 29

Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

καὶ17 of 29

and

G2532

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

Ἀνδρέαν18 of 29

Andrew

G406

manly; andreas, an israelite

τὸν19 of 29
G3588

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

ἀδελφὸν20 of 29

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοῦ21 of 29

his

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

βάλλοντας22 of 29

casting

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

ἀμφίβληστρον23 of 29

a net

G293

a (fishing) net (as thrown about the fish)

εἰς24 of 29

into

G1519

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

τὴν25 of 29
G3588

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

θάλασσαν·26 of 29

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

ἦσαν27 of 29

they were

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

γὰρ28 of 29

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἁλιεῖς29 of 29

fishers

G231

a sailor (as engaged on the salt water), i.e., (by implication) a fisher


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 4:18 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 4:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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