King James Version

What Does Matthew 4:19 Mean?

Matthew 4:19 in the King James Version says “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 4:19 · KJV


Context

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.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' call 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men' transforms the disciples' occupation into a metaphor for evangelism. The promise 'I will make you' shows discipleship is a process where Christ shapes His followers. The shift from catching fish to catching men requires leaving former occupations and priorities—following precedes being 'made' effective.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Simon and Andrew were commercial fishermen on Galilee—hard, skilled work requiring strength and patience. Jesus' wordplay ('fishers' to 'fishers of men') gave dignity to their background while redirecting their skills. The immediate call required instant decision.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' call to 'follow' require you to leave behind?
  2. How have you experienced Christ 'making' you into what He called you to be?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
καὶ1 of 11

And

G2532

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

λέγει2 of 11

he saith

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

αὐτοῖς3 of 11

unto them

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

Δεῦτε4 of 11

Follow

G1205

come hither!

ὀπίσω5 of 11
G3694

to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)

μου6 of 11

me

G3450

of me

καὶ7 of 11

And

G2532

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

ποιήσω8 of 11

I will make

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ὑμᾶς9 of 11

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἁλιεῖς10 of 11

fishers

G231

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

ἀνθρώπων11 of 11

of men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being


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 4:19 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 4:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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