Keraia
Matthew 4

Matthew 4:25

Jesus Heals the Multitudes · Matthew 4:23–25
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Translations

Modern
Large crowds followed Him, having come from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.
Traditional
And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan.
Literal
And there followed Him many crowds from Galilee, and the Decapolis, and Jerusalem, and Judea, and beyond the Jordan.
Latin
…et secutæ sunt eum turbæ multæ de Galilæa, et Decapoli, et de Jerosolymis, et de Judæa, et de trans Jordanem.

Original

Greek
English
Large crowds followed Him, having come from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.

Notes

Matthew 4:24–25

  • During the time of Jesus, much of Palestine was under Roman control as part of Syria. At that time, Syria could mean the whole eastern Mediterranean coast. Matthew mentions Syria to show how far news of Jesus spread.

  • those having seizures: This refers to epilepsy or demonic possession. In 17:15, a person described this way "falls into the fire for into the water," meaning the boy could not control himself.

  • The Decapolis was a group of ten cities, mostly east of the Jordan River and southeast of the Sea of Galilee. These included:

    • Damascus,

    • Raphana,

    • Hippos,

    • Abila (or Canatha),

    • Gadara,

    • Scythopolis,

    • Pella,

    • Dion,

    • Gerasa, and

    • Philadelphia (Amman).

    These cities were mostly Gentile (non-Jewish) and followed Greek culture.

Matthew 4:23–25

This summary highlights the main theme of the section (Matthew 4:23–9:38): the work and message of the Messiah. In ancient writings, chapters did not exist. Authors would start and end a section with the same phrase (called an inclusio; see 9:35).

Events

Parallels

Mark 3:7–12 Luke 6:17–19

Places

Decapolis: A group of ten Hellenistic cities in ancient Palestine Galilee: Region in northern Israel; key location in Jesus' ministry Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions Jordan: A river and region, significant in Israel's history Judea: The southern region of Israel, centered around Jerusalem

Glossary

Beth-Shan, Beth-Shean Decapolis Gospel of Matthew Heal, Healing Jesus Christ Perea

Topics

Decapolis: Ten Cities Situated in One District on the East of the Sea of Galilee Galilee: Christ: Followed by the People of Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: Teaching and Miracles of Jesus In Jesus, the Christ: Preaches Throughout Galilee Jesus, the Christ: Received Judea: It Extended from the Jordan River and the Dead Sea to the Mediterranean Sea Miracles: Jesus Was Followed on Account of Modern Judea: Jerusalem the Capital of