Matthew 13:2

KJV

And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} great {G4183} multitudes {G3793} were gathered together {G4863} unto {G4314} him {G846}, so that {G5620} he {G846} went {G1684} into {G1519} a ship {G4143}, and sat {G2521}; and {G2532} the whole {G3956} multitude {G3793} stood {G2476} on {G1909} the shore {G123}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but such a large crowd gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there while the crowd stood on the shore.

Berean Standard Bible

Such large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat down, while all the people stood on the shore.

American Standard Version

And there were gathered unto him great multitudes, so that he entered into a boat, and sat; and all the multitude stood on the beach.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:2 vividly sets the stage for a pivotal teaching session by Jesus, illustrating His immense popularity and His ingenious adaptation to the overwhelming crowds. Faced with a multitude so vast it pressed upon Him, Jesus strategically entered a fishing boat, using it as a natural pulpit from which His voice could project across the water to the thousands gathered eagerly on the shore, preparing them to receive the profound truths of the kingdom of heaven through parables.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Matthew 13:1](/matthew/13-1 "Matthew 13:1 - Jesus Teaches by the Sea"), which states Jesus' departure from a house to sit by the sea. The preceding chapters in Matthew (e.g., [Matthew 11](/matthew/11 "Matthew 11 - Jesus' Condemnation of Unrepentant Cities") and [Matthew 12](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus' Authority and Conflicts")) detail increasing opposition from religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees, alongside growing popular interest and Jesus' continued demonstrations of divine authority through miracles and teachings. The shift to teaching in parables from a boat marks a significant turning point, indicating a new phase in Jesus' public ministry, where He would begin to veil certain truths from those unwilling to receive them, while simultaneously revealing them to those with "ears to hear." This unique setting is crucial for understanding the parables that follow, starting with [the Parable of the Sower](/matthew/13-3-9 "Matthew 13:3-9 - The Parable of the Sower").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is undoubtedly the Sea of Galilee, a central hub for Jesus' ministry due to its dense population, fishing industry, and accessible shores. Large crowds were a common feature of Jesus' public ministry, as His reputation for healing and authoritative teaching spread rapidly. For a speaker to be heard by thousands without modern amplification, natural acoustics were vital. The use of a boat, positioned slightly offshore, would have allowed Jesus' voice to carry effectively over the water to the concave shore, creating a natural amphitheater. This was a common practice for rabbis and teachers in antiquity who sought to address large assemblies, demonstrating Jesus' practical wisdom in navigating the logistical challenges of mass communication in His era. The eagerness of the crowds to gather and stand for extended periods reflects a deep spiritual hunger and a cultural readiness to listen to charismatic religious figures.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 13:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' adaptability and resourcefulness** as a teacher, willing to transcend conventional settings to effectively deliver God's truth, a characteristic seen throughout His ministry as He engages with various audiences in diverse locations (e.g., on a mountain for [the Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and Jesus' Teachings")). Secondly, the presence of "great multitudes" highlights **the widespread popular appeal and impact of Jesus' ministry**, even as opposition mounted among the religious elite. This mass gathering foreshadows the global reach of the gospel. Thirdly, this scene serves as the **introduction to the "Parables Discourse"** (Matthew 13), a pivotal section where Jesus reveals the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven through illustrative stories. The shift from direct teaching to parabolic instruction marks a new emphasis on the nature of the kingdom and the varying responses to its message, as explained later in [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Multitudes (Greek, _óchlos'_):** From G3793, referring to a throng, often unorganized, the rabble, or a class of people. Its repeated use emphasizes the sheer volume and popular nature of the gathering around Jesus, highlighting His broad appeal beyond a select group of disciples or religious leaders. This word often carries a connotation of a common, undifferentiated mass of people, underscoring the accessibility of Jesus' ministry to all.
* **Ship (Greek, _ploîon'_):** From G4143, meaning a sailer or vessel. This simple fishing boat becomes a significant prop in Jesus' ministry, transforming from a mundane object into a strategic platform for divine revelation. Its use highlights Jesus' practical ingenuity and willingness to utilize everyday means for sacred purposes.
* **Sat (Greek, _káthēmai'_):** From G2521, meaning to sit down, or figuratively, to remain or reside. In ancient Jewish culture, sitting was the posture of a teacher or rabbi, signifying authority and readiness to instruct. Jesus' action of sitting in the boat immediately communicates His intention to teach formally and authoritatively, even in this unconventional outdoor setting.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And great multitudes were gathered together unto him":** This clause emphasizes the immense drawing power of Jesus. The term "great multitudes" (Greek: `polys ochlos`) signifies a vast, perhaps overwhelming, number of people who actively sought out Jesus, drawn by His teachings, miracles, or reputation. The verb "gathered together" (Greek: `synago`) implies a deliberate assembly, indicating the people's earnest desire to be in His presence and hear His words.
* **"so that he went into a ship, and sat;":** This phrase reveals Jesus' strategic response to the pressing crowd. The conjunction "so that" (Greek: `hoste`) indicates a result or consequence: the sheer size of the crowd necessitated a change in His teaching posture. Entering a "ship" (likely a small fishing boat) allowed Him to create a necessary physical distance from the throng, preventing Him from being crushed or overwhelmed. His action of "sat" (Greek: `kathemai`) signals His authoritative posture as a teacher, preparing to deliver a formal discourse.
* **"and the whole multitude stood on the shore.":** This final clause completes the scene, contrasting Jesus' position with that of the audience. The "whole multitude" (Greek: `pas ochlos`) reinforces the idea that the entire gathered crowd remained attentive. Their posture of "stood" (Greek: `histemi`) indicates their readiness and eagerness to listen, enduring discomfort for the opportunity to hear Jesus. This visual arrangement—Jesus seated in the boat, the crowd standing on the shore—creates a clear separation that enhances audibility and visibility, transforming the natural landscape into an ideal outdoor classroom.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:2 effectively employs several literary devices to paint a vivid picture and convey deeper meaning. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "great multitudes" and "the whole multitude," which, while perhaps not numerically precise, effectively communicates the overwhelming scale of Jesus' popularity and the vast numbers drawn to His ministry. This exaggeration underscores the compelling nature of His presence. The scene also utilizes **Contrast** by positioning Jesus, seated in the boat, against the standing crowd on the shore. This physical separation highlights His unique authority and the distinct roles of teacher and listener. Furthermore, the boat itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, transforming from a mundane fishing vessel into a sacred pulpit, signifying Jesus' ability to sanctify ordinary objects for extraordinary purposes and His adaptable approach to ministry. The entire verse serves as a masterful piece of **Scene-Setting**, meticulously preparing the reader for the significant parables that follow by establishing the precise physical and relational dynamics between Jesus and His audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:2 is more than a simple description of a crowd; it is a profound theological statement about the nature of God's kingdom and the accessibility of its message. Jesus' willingness to adapt His teaching method—moving into a boat to address the masses—underscores the divine initiative to reach humanity where they are, overcoming practical barriers to deliver eternal truth. This scene prefigures the expansive reach of the gospel, which would eventually transcend geographical and social boundaries to gather people from "every tribe and language and people and nation." The eager "multitudes" represent humanity's inherent spiritual hunger, a longing that only Christ can satisfy. Their gathering also highlights the communal aspect of faith, as people come together to encounter the divine. This verse sets the stage for the unveiling of kingdom mysteries, emphasizing that while the message is openly proclaimed, its reception depends on the listener's heart, a theme Jesus elaborates on immediately after in the Parable of the Sower.

* [Mark 4:1-2](/mark/4-1-2 "Mark 4:1-2 - Jesus Teaches from a Boat")
* [Luke 5:1-3](/luke/5-1-3 "Luke 5:1-3 - Jesus Teaches from Simon's Boat")
* [Matthew 9:35-38](/matthew/9-35-38 "Matthew 9:35-38 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:2 offers rich insights for contemporary believers. Jesus' adaptability in teaching, using a boat as a pulpit, challenges us to be creative and flexible in sharing the Gospel in our own contexts. We are called to meet people where they are, leveraging available resources and innovative methods to communicate timeless truths. This might mean utilizing new technologies, engaging in unconventional spaces, or simply being willing to step outside our comfort zones to reach those who need to hear about Christ. Furthermore, the eagerness of the "great multitudes" serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual hunger that exists in the world. People are often searching for meaning, hope, and truth, even if they don't articulate it in explicitly spiritual terms. This should motivate us to be attentive to the needs around us and to compassionately offer the living water that only Jesus provides. Finally, the scene reminds us that profound spiritual truths often emerge from humble or unexpected settings. We should cultivate a posture of humility and openness, recognizing that God can speak and reveal Himself in myriad ways, often through the seemingly ordinary.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I adapt my approach to sharing the Gospel to better reach those in my unique context, much like Jesus used the boat?**
* **How does the eagerness of the multitudes in Matthew 13:2 challenge my own spiritual hunger and desire to learn from God's Word?**
* **What "ordinary" settings or resources in my life might God want to use for extraordinary spiritual purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus choose to teach from a boat in Matthew 13:2?**

Answer: Jesus chose to teach from a boat primarily for practical reasons, as described in [Matthew 13:2](/matthew/13-2 "Matthew 13:2 - Jesus Teaches from a Boat"). The "great multitudes" that gathered around Him were so numerous that they pressed upon Him, making it difficult for Him to speak effectively and for everyone to hear. By going into a boat and sitting a short distance from the shore, Jesus created a natural amphitheater. The water would have helped His voice carry over the crowd to those standing on the shore, ensuring that His message could be heard by the maximum number of people. This demonstrates Jesus' resourcefulness and His commitment to effectively communicating the truths of the kingdom of heaven to all who would listen.

**What is the significance of the "multitudes" in this verse?**

Answer: The "multitudes" (Greek: `ochlos`) mentioned in [Matthew 13:2](/matthew/13-2 "Matthew 13:2 - Jesus Teaches from a Boat") are highly significant. Their sheer size ("great multitudes," "the whole multitude") underscores Jesus' immense popularity and the widespread public interest in His ministry at this time. It highlights that His message resonated deeply with common people, who were eager to hear His teachings and witness His miracles. The presence of such a large, diverse crowd also sets the stage for the parables that follow, particularly the Parable of the Sower, which addresses the varying responses of different hearers to the word of God. This mass gathering symbolizes the broad reach of the gospel and the diverse reception it receives.

**What parables did Jesus teach immediately after this event?**

Answer: Immediately after setting the scene in [Matthew 13:2](/matthew/13-2 "Matthew 13:2 - Jesus Teaches from a Boat"), Jesus began to teach a series of parables about the kingdom of heaven. The first and most prominent parable He taught from the boat was [the Parable of the Sower](/matthew/13-3-9 "Matthew 13:3-9 - The Parable of the Sower"). Following this, He explained why He spoke in parables ([Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables")) and then provided the interpretation of the Parable of the Sower ([Matthew 13:18-23](/matthew/13-18-23 "Matthew 13:18-23 - Explanation of the Parable of the Sower")). The subsequent parables in this chapter, also likely taught from this setting or shortly thereafter, include the Parable of the Weeds, the Parable of the Mustard Seed, and the Parable of the Leaven, among others, all illuminating different aspects of the kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:2, though seemingly a simple logistical detail, points profoundly to Christ's unique role as the ultimate Teacher and the embodiment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' humble act of entering a fishing boat to teach the "great multitudes" foreshadows His divine condescension—His willingness to empty Himself and take on human form to draw near to a lost humanity, as described in [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation"). Just as He adapted His physical position to reach the masses on the shore, so too did He bridge the infinite gap between God and man, becoming the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) to communicate divine truth directly. The eager gathering of the multitudes reflects the universal spiritual hunger that only the true Bread of Life can satisfy ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). This scene sets the stage for Jesus to reveal the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" ([Matthew 13:11](/matthew/13-11 "Matthew 13:11 - The Mysteries of the Kingdom")), truths that were hidden from ages past but now unveiled through Him, the very King of that kingdom. His teaching from the boat, a place of common labor, underscores that His kingdom is not of this world's power structures but is accessible to all, especially the humble and the outcast, echoing the invitation found in [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"). Ultimately, this moment illustrates Christ's relentless pursuit of His people, gathering them to Himself, just as He promised to build His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")), a multitude drawn from every nation to hear and obey His voice.

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 5:3

And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

Matthew 15:30

And great multitudes came unto him, having with them [those that were] lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:

Matthew 4:25

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

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

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 8:8

And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

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.