Matthew 13:1

KJV

¶ The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} The same {G1722}{G1565} day {G2250} went {G1831} Jesus {G2424} out of {G575} the house {G3614}, and sat {G2521} by {G3844} the sea side {G2281}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That same day, Yeshua went out of the house and sat down by the lake;

Berean Standard Bible

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea.

American Standard Version

On that day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:1 marks a crucial turning point in Jesus' Galilean ministry, signaling a strategic shift in His teaching methodology. Following a period of escalating confrontation with religious authorities, Jesus intentionally moves from the confines of a private dwelling to the open, public space of the Sea of Galilee's shore, preparing to deliver a series of parables that would both reveal and conceal the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven to the gathered multitudes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The phrase "The same day" directly links this verse to the intense events of [Matthew 12](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus Confronts Opposition"), where Jesus faced severe accusations of blasphemy from the Pharisees, performed miracles, and engaged in debates concerning the Sabbath and His identity. This preceding chapter highlights the growing opposition and hardening of hearts among the religious elite. Matthew 13:1 thus introduces a deliberate pedagogical pivot in response to this resistance, as Jesus transitions from direct confrontation and private instruction to teaching through parables, a method that would both illuminate truth for the receptive and obscure it for the resistant, as explained later in [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - The Purpose of Parables"). The immediate follow-up in [Matthew 13:2-3](/matthew/13-2-3 "Matthew 13:2-3 - Jesus Teaches from a Boat") describes Jesus entering a boat to teach the large crowd, reinforcing the public and accessible nature of this new phase of His ministry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' "house" was likely in Capernaum, which served as His primary base of operations in Galilee. Jewish homes of that era were typically private spaces, suitable for intimate gatherings or teaching a smaller group of disciples. By going "out of the house," Jesus shifts from a more controlled, perhaps intimate, setting to a vast public arena. The "sea side" refers to the shore of the Sea of Galilee, a large freshwater lake surrounded by fertile plains and bustling towns. This location was a natural gathering place, often frequented by fishermen, farmers, and travelers. The gentle slopes of the shore provided a natural amphitheater, allowing large crowds to gather and hear a speaker, especially if the speaker was slightly elevated, as Jesus would soon be from a boat. This public setting underscores Jesus' commitment to reaching the common people, even as religious leaders grew increasingly hostile.

* **Key Themes:**
* **Transition in Teaching Method:** This verse inaugurates a significant change in Jesus' pedagogical strategy. Prior to this, much of His teaching involved direct pronouncements, miracles, and open debates. Here, He embarks on an extensive period of teaching in parables, a method designed to convey profound spiritual truths in relatable, earthly stories. This shift served a dual purpose: to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom to those with "ears to hear" and to veil them from those whose hearts were hardened by unbelief, as Jesus Himself explains in [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - The Purpose of Parables").
* **Accessibility and Public Ministry:** Despite escalating opposition, Jesus does not retreat but actively seeks out public spaces to engage the masses. His move to the "sea side" demonstrates His unwavering commitment to reaching all people, especially the ordinary crowds who were often described as "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" ([Matthew 9:35](/matthew/9-35 "Matthew 9:35 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). This highlights the inclusive nature of His kingdom message.
* **Divine Authority and Sovereignty:** Jesus' deliberate choice of location and teaching method underscores His inherent authority. He is not reacting haphazardly but purposefully advancing His ministry according to a divine plan. His ability to command such large audiences and strategically adapt His approach speaks to His sovereign control over His mission, fulfilling prophetic expectations concerning the Servant of the Lord who would bring justice to the nations ([Isaiah 42:1-4](/isaiah/42-1-4 "Isaiah 42:1-4 - The Servant of the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Day (Greek, _hēméra'_):** This term refers to a specific period of time, often the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours. In this context, it functions chronologically, emphasizing the immediate continuation from the preceding events in [Matthew 12](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus Confronts Opposition"). It signals a direct, uninterrupted flow of Jesus' ministry, despite the mounting tension and opposition.
* **Went out (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** Derived from "out of" and "to come," this verb signifies an issuing forth or departing. It implies a deliberate, purposeful movement from one place to another. Here, Jesus' "going out" is not a casual stroll but an intentional relocation from a private dwelling to a public space, indicative of a strategic shift in His ministry approach.
* **Sat (Greek, _káthēmai'_):** This verb means to sit down, and figuratively, to remain or reside. In the context of ancient teaching, "sitting" was a common posture for instructors, signifying a position of authority and readiness to teach. Jesus' act of sitting by the sea side indicates His intention to teach the gathered crowds, establishing a posture of instruction and accessibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The same day":** This introductory phrase provides crucial chronological continuity, linking the events of [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - Parables of the Kingdom") directly to the escalating conflicts and controversies described in [Matthew 12](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus Confronts Opposition"). It emphasizes that Jesus' shift in teaching method was not a random occurrence but a deliberate, immediate response to the spiritual climate and the hardening of hearts among His opponents.
* **"went Jesus out of the house":** This signifies a physical and symbolic departure. The "house" likely represents a private or semi-private setting, possibly in Capernaum, where Jesus had been engaging in more direct teaching or confronting the Pharisees. His departure from this enclosed space indicates a move towards a more public and expansive ministry, reaching beyond a select group or specific location.
* **"and sat by the sea side":** This describes Jesus' new setting. The "sea side" (the shore of the Sea of Galilee) was an open, accessible area capable of accommodating large crowds. Jesus' act of "sitting" was the traditional posture of a teacher in ancient Jewish culture, signifying His readiness to impart instruction. This new location and posture underscore His intentionality in reaching the masses and initiating a new phase of public teaching through parables.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:1 employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Setting as Symbolism**. The contrast between the "house" and the "sea side" is highly symbolic. The "house" can represent the more confined, perhaps traditional or private, sphere of teaching and interaction, often associated with the Jewish religious establishment or a smaller group of disciples. Moving to the "sea side," an open, public, and accessible space, symbolizes Jesus' expansion of His ministry beyond traditional boundaries and His commitment to reaching the common people. This shift in setting also serves as **Foreshadowing**, signaling the imminent transition to parabolic teaching, which would be delivered to large, diverse crowds. Furthermore, there is an element of **Contrast** between the intense, confrontational atmosphere of [Matthew 12](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus Confronts Opposition") and the seemingly calmer, more expansive teaching environment introduced in [Matthew 13:1](/matthew/13-1 "Matthew 13:1 - Jesus Teaches by the Sea"), highlighting Jesus' strategic adaptability in His ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:1 serves as a theological bridge, connecting the growing opposition to Jesus' ministry with His strategic response to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. This verse underscores the divine intentionality behind Jesus' actions; He is not merely reacting but purposefully adapting His communication to the spiritual receptivity of His audience. The move from the private house to the public seaside demonstrates God's desire for His truth to be widely accessible, yet also highlights the reality that divine revelation can be veiled to those who refuse to hear. This adaptability in teaching methods reflects God's multifaceted wisdom in communicating with humanity, ensuring that truth is both offered openly and discerned by those with a prepared heart.

* [Mark 4:1-2](/mark/4-1-2 "Mark 4:1-2 - Jesus Teaches by the Sea")
* [Luke 8:4](/luke/8-4 "Luke 8:4 - Parable of the Sower Introduction")
* [Proverbs 8:1-3](/proverbs/8-1-3 "Proverbs 8:1-3 - Wisdom Cries Aloud in Public Places")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:1 offers profound insights for contemporary discipleship and ministry. Jesus, the Master Teacher, demonstrates the importance of adaptability and intentionality in sharing truth. His move from the "house" to the "sea side" reminds us that effective communication of the Gospel often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and traditional settings, meeting people where they are in their daily lives. It challenges us to consider how we can make the message of the kingdom accessible to those outside established spiritual structures. Furthermore, Jesus' deliberate act of "sitting" to teach underscores the authority and purpose behind His ministry; similarly, our witness should be rooted in conviction and a clear understanding of our mission. This verse invites us to reflect on our own willingness to engage a diverse audience, to discern the spiritual climate, and to adjust our methods to effectively sow the seeds of God's word, trusting that the Spirit will bring forth fruit in receptive hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might Jesus' strategic shift from teaching in the "house" to teaching "by the sea side" inform our approach to sharing the Gospel in diverse contexts today?**
* **What "houses" or comfortable, familiar settings might we need to "go out of" to effectively reach those who are not yet part of our spiritual communities?**
* **In what ways can we, like Jesus, intentionally "sit" (i.e., establish a posture of readiness and authority) to teach and model kingdom principles in our daily lives?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus leave the house to teach by the sea?**

Answer: Jesus left the house to teach by the sea for several strategic reasons. Primarily, the "house" represented a more private or confined setting, suitable for smaller groups or direct engagement with specific individuals like the Pharisees in [Matthew 12](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus Confronts Opposition"). By moving to the "sea side" (the shore of the Sea of Galilee), Jesus sought a public, open space that could accommodate the "great multitudes" that gathered to hear Him ([Matthew 13:2](/matthew/13-2 "Matthew 13:2 - Jesus Teaches from a Boat")). This location served as a natural amphitheater, allowing His voice to carry across the water to a large crowd. This move also signified a shift in His teaching method, as He began to speak extensively in parables, a form of communication designed to engage a broader, more diverse audience while also challenging their spiritual understanding.

**What is the significance of "the same day" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "the same day" (Greek: _en tē hēméra ekeinē_) is crucial for establishing the immediate chronological link between the events of [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - Parables of the Kingdom") and those of [Matthew 12](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus Confronts Opposition"). In [Matthew 12](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus Confrontation"), Jesus faced intense opposition, accusations of blasphemy, and debates with the Pharisees. The "same day" indicates that Jesus' decision to change His teaching strategy and move to a public setting was not a delayed reaction but an immediate and purposeful response to the spiritual climate and the hardening of hearts among the religious leaders. It highlights His intentionality and divine sovereignty in adapting His ministry to the unfolding circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:1, though seemingly a simple geographical and chronological marker, profoundly points to Christ's redemptive mission. Jesus' deliberate movement "out of the house" and His public teaching "by the sea side" foreshadow the expansive, inclusive nature of the Gospel. Just as He left the confines of a private dwelling to reach the multitudes, so too did He, the eternal Son, leave the glory of heaven to dwell among humanity, taking on flesh to make God accessible ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His shift to parabolic teaching, designed to reveal truth to the receptive and veil it from the resistant, reflects His role as the ultimate revealer of God's mysteries, embodying the very wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). By making Himself available in public spaces, Jesus demonstrates the universal call of the kingdom, inviting all, regardless of their background, to hear and respond to His message. This act of drawing near to the people, meeting them where they were, culminates in His ultimate act of self-giving on the cross, where He fully revealed God's love and provided the way for all to enter His kingdom, fulfilling His mission as 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")).

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

Luke 8:4

¶ And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:

Luke 8:10

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Matthew 13:1

¶ The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.

Matthew 13:15

For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Mark 4:1

¶ And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

Mark 4:12

That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and [their] sins should be forgiven them.

Matthew 13:36

Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.