King James Version

What Does Matthew 4:25 Mean?

Matthew 4:25 in the King James Version says “And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea,... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.

Matthew 4:25 · KJV


Context

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.

25

And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'great multitudes' following Jesus from multiple regions demonstrates the magnetic power of His teaching and miracles. The geographic breadth—Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond Jordan—shows how quickly His fame spread. These crowds represent varied motives: some sought healing, others teaching, some were merely curious. This mixed multitude foreshadows the visible church containing both wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-30).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Decapolis ('ten cities') was a region southeast of Galilee with predominantly Gentile population. The geographic list shows Jesus' ministry attracting both Jews and Gentiles. Travel required significant effort, indicating strong motivation to hear Jesus despite distance and difficulty.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the mixed composition of the crowds teach about distinguishing between genuine disciples and mere followers?
  2. How should the church today respond to those who come with varied motives—some genuine, some superficial?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

And

G2532

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

ἠκολούθησαν2 of 18

there followed

G190

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

αὐτῷ3 of 18

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

ὄχλοι4 of 18

multitudes of people

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

πολλοὶ5 of 18

great

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἀπὸ6 of 18

from

G575

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

τῆς7 of 18
G3588

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

Γαλιλαίας8 of 18

Galilee

G1056

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

καὶ9 of 18

And

G2532

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

Δεκαπόλεως10 of 18

from Decapolis

G1179

the ten-city region; the decapolis, a district in syria

καὶ11 of 18

And

G2532

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

Ἱεροσολύμων12 of 18

from Jerusalem

G2414

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

καὶ13 of 18

And

G2532

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

Ἰουδαίας14 of 18

from Judaea

G2449

the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine

καὶ15 of 18

And

G2532

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

πέραν16 of 18

from beyond

G4008

through (as adverb or preposition), i.e., across

τοῦ17 of 18
G3588

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

Ἰορδάνου18 of 18

Jordan

G2446

the jordanes (i.e., jarden), a river of palestine


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 4:25 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 4:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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