King James Version

What Does Matthew 4:22 Mean?

Matthew 4:22 in the King James Version says “And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.”

Matthew 4:22 · KJV

Context

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.

22

And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

23

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

24

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Read Matthew 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The repetition of immediate obedience ('immediately they left the ship and their father, and followed him') reinforces the radical nature of discipleship. True conversion produces immediate, visible transformation of life priorities. The detail that Zebedee remained with hired servants suggests the business would continue, showing that obeying Christ's call doesn't necessarily destroy what we leave behind—God cares for remaining responsibilities.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This second calling of fishermen established a pattern for apostolic ministry. Most disciples came from Galilee's working class—fishermen, tax collectors—not from religious elite or wealthy classes. This fulfilled God's pattern of choosing the foolish and weak to shame the wise and strong (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the repeated pattern of immediate obedience demonstrate that genuine faith produces visible life transformation?
  2. What might you need to 'leave behind' to follow Christ more fully, and what assurance do you have about what you leave?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
οἱ1 of 12
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 12

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εὐθέως3 of 12

“they immediately”

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

ἀφέντες4 of 12

“left”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

τὸ5 of 12
G3588

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

πλοῖον6 of 12

“the ship”

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

καὶ7 of 12

“and”

G2532

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

τὸν8 of 12
G3588

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

πατέρα9 of 12

“father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

αὐτῷ10 of 12

“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

ἠκολούθησαν11 of 12

“and followed”

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

αὐτῷ12 of 12

“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

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 4:22 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 4:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 10:37Deuteronomy 33:9-10Mark 1:20Luke 9:59-60Luke 14:26Luke 14:33

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 4 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes