Matthew 12:15

KJV

But when Jesus knew [it], he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when Jesus {G2424} knew {G1097} it, he withdrew himself {G402} from thence {G1564}: and {G2532} great {G4183} multitudes {G3793} followed {G190} him {G846}, and {G2532} he healed {G2323} them {G846} all {G3956};

Complete Jewish Bible

Aware of this, he left that area. Many people followed him; and he healed them all

Berean Standard Bible

Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them all,

American Standard Version

And Jesus perceivingitwithdrew from thence: and many followed him; and he healed them all,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 12:15 presents a profound snapshot of Jesus' ministry, revealing His divine wisdom, strategic discernment, and boundless compassion. Following a period of escalating conflict with the Pharisees, Jesus, fully aware of their malicious intent, strategically withdraws from the immediate area. Far from being a retreat of fear, this action allows Him to continue His mission unhindered, drawing vast crowds who eagerly follow Him. In a powerful demonstration of His messianic authority and grace, He then heals every single person who comes to Him, underscoring His unwavering commitment to minister to the needs of suffering humanity amidst growing opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after a pivotal confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath. In the preceding verses [Matthew 12:9-13](/matthew/12-9-13 "Matthew 12:9-13 - Healing on the Sabbath"), Jesus deliberately heals a man with a withered hand in the synagogue on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of the Law. This act of compassion, performed on a day they deemed unlawful for such activity, incenses them to the point of conspiracy. [Matthew 12:14](/matthew/12-14 "Matthew 12:14 - The Pharisees Plot Against Jesus") explicitly states that "the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him." Jesus' withdrawal in [Matthew 12:15](/matthew/12-15 "Matthew 12:15 - Jesus Withdraws and Heals") is a direct response to this escalating hostility, demonstrating His divine knowledge of their plot and His sovereign control over the timing of His ministry. It also sets the stage for the subsequent passage where Matthew explicitly connects Jesus' actions to the prophecy of the Suffering Servant in [Isaiah 42:1-4](/isaiah/42-1-4 "Isaiah 42:1-4 - The Servant of the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The first-century Jewish society was deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law, with various interpretations and traditions (halakha) developed by religious leaders like the Pharisees. The Sabbath, in particular, was a cornerstone of Jewish identity and practice, with strict prohibitions against work. However, the Pharisees had overlaid God's compassionate intent for the Sabbath with numerous man-made rules, often prioritizing legalistic observance over human need. Jesus' healing on the Sabbath was not merely a medical act but a theological statement, challenging their legalism and asserting His authority as Lord of the Sabbath ([Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")). His withdrawal to avoid premature confrontation was also a common practice for those facing political or religious persecution, allowing them to continue their work. The "great multitudes" following Him reflect the widespread suffering and spiritual hunger among the common people, who often felt alienated by the religious elite and were drawn to Jesus' authoritative teaching and miraculous power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights Jesus' **Messianic Authority and Divine Wisdom**. His ability to "know" the Pharisees' destructive plot and strategically withdraw underscores His supernatural insight and sovereign control over His mission, rather than being a victim of circumstances. Secondly, it emphasizes Jesus' **Unwavering Compassion and Healing Ministry**. Despite the intense opposition, His focus remains on the suffering crowds, demonstrating that His primary purpose is to bring restoration and wholeness. This consistent display of healing serves as a powerful sign of His identity as the promised Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a compassionate deliverer who would heal His people ([Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - The Healing of the Messiah")). Finally, the verse illustrates the **Contrast Between Religious Legalism and Divine Grace**. While the religious leaders plot destruction, Jesus offers life and healing to "all," revealing the stark difference between their hardened hearts and His boundless grace. The popularity of Jesus among the common people, despite the elite's rejection, is a recurring theme throughout [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/1 "The Gospel According to Matthew").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This term implies more than mere intellectual awareness; it denotes a deep, intuitive, and experiential understanding. Jesus didn't just hear about the Pharisees' plot; He possessed a profound, divine insight into their malicious intentions and the spiritual state of their hearts. This "knowing" reflects His omniscience and sovereign control over the unfolding events of His ministry.
* **withdrew himself (Greek, _anachōréō'_):** This is a significant verb, often translated as "depart," "retire," or "go aside." It does not suggest fear or panicked flight, but rather a deliberate, strategic retreat. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently employs this action to avoid premature confrontation, to seek solitude for prayer, or to continue His ministry in a less hostile environment. Here, it signifies His purposeful movement to preserve His mission until the appointed time for His ultimate sacrifice.
* **healed (Greek, _therapeúō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to wait upon menially," this verb specifically refers to the act of relieving disease, curing, or restoring to health. It emphasizes Jesus' active, compassionate ministry to those afflicted. The comprehensive nature of His healing ("healed them all") highlights His boundless power and His desire to bring wholeness to every individual who sought Him, encompassing physical, and by extension, spiritual restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when Jesus knew [it],"**: This clause highlights Jesus' divine awareness. The "it" refers to the Pharisees' conspiracy to destroy Him, as detailed in the preceding verse. Jesus' knowledge is not gained through human intelligence but through His inherent divine insight, demonstrating His sovereignty and control over the circumstances, rather than being caught off guard.
* **"he withdrew himself from thence:"**: This signifies Jesus' strategic response to the escalating opposition. His withdrawal was a deliberate, purposeful act. It was not a retreat born of fear, but a tactical move to avoid premature arrest or confrontation, allowing Him to continue His public ministry and fulfill His mission according to God's perfect timing.
* **"and great multitudes followed him,"**: This phrase emphasizes Jesus' enduring popularity and the widespread need for His ministry among the common people. Despite the religious leaders' rejection and plotting, the masses were drawn to His authoritative teaching and miraculous power, indicating a deep spiritual and physical hunger that only He could satisfy.
* **"and he healed them all;"**: This climactic statement underscores Jesus' boundless compassion and omnipotent power. The phrase "them all" is crucial, signifying the comprehensive nature of His healing work, without exception or discrimination. It serves as a powerful sign of His messianic identity, fulfilling prophecies of a compassionate deliverer who would bring restoration to His people.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 12:15 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is a primary device, starkly juxtaposing the malicious intent of the Pharisees (plotting to destroy Jesus in [Matthew 12:14](/matthew/12-14 "Matthew 12:14 - The Pharisees Plot")) with Jesus' unwavering compassion and healing power for "all" the multitudes. This highlights the difference between hardened religious legalism and divine grace. **Irony** is also present: those who claim to uphold God's law seek to destroy the very Son of God, while the "rabble" (multitudes) recognize and receive Him. The act of **healing** itself functions as powerful **symbolism**, not merely of physical restoration but of Jesus' ultimate mission to bring spiritual wholeness and redemption from the sickness of sin. Furthermore, Jesus' **strategic withdrawal** can be seen as a form of **foreshadowing**, hinting at His ultimate control over the timing of His passion and His refusal to be coerced by human schemes before His appointed hour.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:15 beautifully encapsulates the tension between divine sovereignty and human opposition, while simultaneously showcasing God's unwavering compassion through Christ. Jesus' knowing and strategic withdrawal underscore His divine wisdom and control over His own destiny, revealing that His life and death are not accidental but part of a meticulously orchestrated divine plan. Despite the escalating hostility from religious authorities, His primary focus remains on the suffering and needy, demonstrating that God's heart is always inclined towards mercy and healing. This passage affirms Jesus as the compassionate Messiah, whose power to heal is boundless and whose grace extends to all who seek Him, contrasting sharply with the exclusive and condemning spirit of His adversaries. It foreshadows His ultimate redemptive work, where He would not only heal physical ailments but also provide spiritual healing for the sin-sick soul.

* [Isaiah 42:1-4](/isaiah/42-1-4 "The Quiet Servant of the Lord")
* [Matthew 12:18-21](/matthew/12-18-21 "Matthew 12:18-21 - Fulfillment of Isaiah's Prophecy")
* [Mark 3:7-12](/mark/3-7-12 "Mark 3:7-12 - Jesus Withdraws and Heals Many")
* [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 12:15 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world often hostile to the gospel. Jesus' example of discerning wisdom teaches us the importance of strategic engagement: not every conflict requires direct confrontation, and sometimes, a wise withdrawal allows for continued, more effective ministry. This isn't about fear, but about trusting God's timing and sovereignty, refusing to be sidetracked by distractions or premature opposition. Furthermore, Jesus' unwavering compassion in healing "them all" challenges us to maintain a steadfast focus on the needs of others, even when facing personal difficulties or opposition. Our primary calling, like His, is to extend grace, compassion, and the healing touch of Christ to a hurting world, prioritizing ministry to the marginalized and suffering over engaging in unproductive disputes. We are reminded that God's power is limitless, and His desire is to bring wholeness, both physically and spiritually, to all who come to Him. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect plan, knowing that He is sovereign over all circumstances, and His purposes will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate the kind of discerning wisdom Jesus displayed in knowing when to engage and when to strategically withdraw from conflict?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be allowing opposition or personal challenges to distract me from my primary mission of compassion and service to others?**
* **What does Jesus' healing of "them all" teach me about the comprehensive nature of His grace and my own call to extend compassion without partiality?**
* **How does trusting in God's sovereignty, as exemplified by Jesus' actions, impact my response to adversity or opposition in my own life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus withdraw himself from thence? Was He afraid?**

Answer: Jesus' withdrawal was not an act of fear, but a strategic and purposeful decision. The Greek word `anachōréō` (G402) implies a deliberate retreat or retirement. [Matthew 12:14](/matthew/12-14 "Matthew 12:14 - The Pharisees Plot Against Jesus") states that the Pharisees were plotting to destroy Him. Jesus, in His divine wisdom, knew their intentions and chose to move to a different location to avoid premature confrontation. This allowed Him to continue His ministry of teaching and healing without being arrested or killed before His appointed time. It demonstrates His sovereignty over the events of His life, ensuring His mission unfolded according to God's perfect plan, as prophesied in [Isaiah 42:1-4](/isaiah/42-1-4 "Isaiah 42:1-4 - The Quiet Servant of the Lord").

**What is the significance of "great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights two crucial aspects of Jesus' ministry. Firstly, the "great multitudes" underscore His widespread popularity among the common people, who were drawn to His authoritative teaching and miraculous power, contrasting sharply with the rejection by the religious elite. Secondly, "he healed them all" emphasizes Jesus' boundless compassion and omnipotent power. It signifies that His healing was comprehensive, extended to everyone who came to Him, regardless of their condition or background. This universal healing demonstrates His messianic identity and His desire to bring wholeness and restoration to all who seek Him, both physically and spiritually. It's a powerful testament to His grace and the inclusive nature of His kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:15, while seemingly a simple narrative of Jesus' movements, profoundly showcases His Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and His ultimate redemptive mission. Jesus' strategic withdrawal, far from being a sign of weakness, reveals Him as the sovereign Messiah who controls the timing and circumstances of His ministry, refusing to be swayed by human schemes until His appointed hour. This aligns perfectly with the prophetic picture of the Suffering Servant in [Isaiah 42:1-4](/isaiah/42-1-4 "Isaiah 42:1-4 - The Servant of the Lord"), whom Matthew explicitly quotes immediately after this passage, describing one who "shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets." Jesus' quiet, purposeful movement is the very embodiment of this humble yet powerful Servant. Furthermore, His compassionate act of healing "them all" points directly to His ultimate role as the Great Physician, who came not only to cure physical ailments but to provide spiritual healing for the sin-sick soul. Every physical healing was a tangible sign of His power over sin and death, foreshadowing the ultimate healing He would accomplish through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. The "great multitudes" who followed Him anticipate the vast throng of believers from every nation who would eventually follow the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, this verse is a microcosm of the gospel: Jesus, the compassionate, sovereign Christ, actively pursuing His mission of healing and redemption for all who would come to Him, culminating in His work on Calvary, where He purchased eternal healing for humanity ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Were Healed")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 3:7

But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,

Mark 3:12

And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.

Matthew 10:23

But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

Matthew 19:2

And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

John 10:40

And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

John 10:42

And many believed on him there.

John 11:54

Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.