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Commentary on Matthew 14 verses 34–36
We have here an account of miracles by wholesale, which Christ wrought on the other side of the water, in the land of Gennesaret. Whithersoever Christ went, he was doing good. Gennesaret was a tract of land that lay between Bethsaida and Capernaum, and either gave the name to, or took the name fRom. this sea, which is called (Luk 5:1) The Lake of Gennesaret; it signifies the valley of branches. Observe here,
I. The forwardness and faith of the men of that place. These were more noble than the Gergesenes, their neighbours, who were borderers upon the same lake. Those besought Christ to depart from them, they had no occasion for him; these besought him to help them, they had need of him. Christ reckons it the greatest honour we can do him, to make use of him. Now here we are told,
1.How the men of that place were brought to Christ; they had knowledge of him. It is probable that his miraculous passage over the sea, which they that were in the ship would industriously spread the report of, might help to make way for his entertainment in those parts; and perhaps it was one thing Christ intended in it, for he has great reaches in what he does. This they had knowledge of, and of the other miracles Christ had wrought, and therefore they flocked to him. Note, They that know Christ's name, will make their application to him: if Christ were better known, he would not be neglected as he is; he is trusted as far as he is known.
They had knowledge of him, that is, of his being among them, and that he would be put awhile among them. Note, The discerning of the day of our opportunities is a good step toward the improvement of it. This was the condemnation of the world, that Christ was in the world, and the world knew him not (Joh 1:10); Jerusalem knew him not (Luk 19:42), but there were some who, when he was among them, had knowledge of him. It is better to know that there is a prophet among us than that there has been one, Eze 2:5.
2.How they brought others to Christ, by giving notice to their neighbours of Christ's being come into those parts; They sent out into all that country. Note, those that have got the knowledge of Christ themselves, should do all they can to bring others acquainted with him too. We must not eat these spiritual morsels alone; there is in Christ enough for us all, so that there is nothing got by monopolizing. When we have opportunities of getting good to our souls, we should bring as many as we can to share with us. More than we think of would close with opportunities, if they were but called upon and invited to them. They sent into their own country, because it was their own, and they desired the welfare of it. Note, We can no better testify our love to our country than by promoting and propagating the knowledge of Christ in it. Neighbourhood is an advantage of doing good which must be improved. Those that are near to us, we should contrive to do something for, at least by our example, to bring them near to Christ.
3.What their business was with Christ; not only, perhaps not chiefly, if at all, to be taught, but to have their sick healed; They brought unto him all that were diseased. If love to Christ and his doctrine will not bring them to him, yet self-love would. Did we but rightly seek our own things, the things of our own peace and welfare, we should seek the things of Christ. We should do him honour, and please him, by deriving grace and righteousness from him. Note, Christ is the proper Person to bring the diseased to; whither should they go but to the Physician, to the Sun of Righteousness, that hath healing under his wings?
4.How they made their application to him; They besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment, Mat 14:36. They applied themselves to him, (1.) With great importunity; they besought him. Well may we beseech to be healed, when God by his ministers beseecheth us that we will be healed. Note, The greatest favours and blessings are to be obtained from Christ by entreaty; Ask, and it shall be given. (2.) With great humility; they came to him as those that were sensible of their distance, humbly beseeching him to help them; and their desiring to touch the hem of his garment, intimates that they thought themselves unworthy that he should take any particular notice of them, that he should so much as speak to their case, much less touch them for their cure; but they will look upon it as a great favour, if he will give them leave to touch the hem of his garment. The eastern nations show respect to their princes, by kissing their sleeve, or skirt. (3.) With great assurance of the all-sufficiency of his power, not doubting but that they should be healed, even by touching the hem of his garment; that they should receive abundant communications from him by the smallest token of symbol of communion with him. They did not expect the formality of striking his hand over the place or persons diseased, as Naaman did (Kg2 5:11); but they were sure that there was in him such an overflowing fulness of healing virtue, that they could not fail of a cure, who were but admitted near him. It was in this country and neighbourhood that the woman with the bloody issue was cured by touching the hem of his garment, and was commended for her faith (Mat 9:20-22); and thence, probably, they took occasion to ask this. Note, The experiences of others in their attendance upon Christ may be of use both to direct and to encourage us in our attendance on him. It is good using those means and methods which others before us have sped well in the use of.
II. The fruit and success of this their application to Christ. It was not in vain that these seed of Jacob sough him, for as many as touched, were made perfectly whole. Note, 1. Christ's cures are perfect cures. Those that he heals, he heals perfectly. He doth not do his work by halves. Though spiritual healing be not perfected at first, yet, doubtless, he that has begun the good work will perform it, Phi 1:6. 2. There is an abundance of healing virtue in Christ for all that apply themselves to him, be they ever so many. That precious ointment which was poured on his head, ran down to the skirts of his garment, Psa 133:2. The least of Christ's institutions, like the hem of his garment, is replenished with the overflowing fulness of his grace, and he is able to save to the uttermost. 3. The healing virtue that is in Christ, is put forth for the benefit of those that by a true and lively faith touch him. Christ is in heaven, but his word is nigh us, and he himself in that word. When we mix faith with the word, apply it to ourselves, depend upon it, and submit to its influences and commands, then we touch the hem of Christ's garment. It is but thus touching, and we are made whole. On such easy terms are spiritual cures offered by him, that he may truly be said to heal freely; so that if our souls die of their wounds, it is not owing to our Physician, it is not for want of skill or will in him; but it is purely owing to ourselves. He could have healed us, he would have healed us, but we would not be healed; so that our blood will lie upon our own heads.
Otherwise; When the times of the Law were ended, and five thousand out of Israel were entered within the Church, it was then that the people of believers met Him, then those that were saved out of the Law by faith set before the Lord the rest of their sick and weak; and they that were thus brought sought to touch the hem of His garment, because through their faith they would be healed. And as the virtue of the hem proceeded from the whole garment, so the virtue of the grace of the Holy Spirit went forth from our Lord Jesus Christ, and imparted to the Apostles, who proceeded as it were from the same body, administers salvation to such as desire to touch.
"And when they were gone over," so it is said, "they came into the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place had knowledge of Him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto Him all that were diseased; and besought Him that they might touch the hem of His garment; and as many as touched were made perfectly whole."
For neither did they approach Him as before, dragging Him into their houses, and seeking a touch of His hand, and directions from Him in words; but in a far higher strain, and with more of self-denial, and with a more abundant faith did they try to win themselves a cure; for she that had the issue of blood taught them all to be severe in seeking wisdom.
And the evangelist, implying also that at long intervals He visited the several neighborhoods, saith, "The men of that place took knowledge of Him, and sent out into the country round about, and brought unto Him them that were diseased." But yet the interval, so far from abolishing their faith, made it even greater, and preserved it in vigor.
Let us also then touch the hem of His garment, or rather, if we be willing, we have Him entire. For indeed His body is set before us now, not His garment only, but even His body; not for us to touch it only, but also to eat, and be filled. Let us now then draw near with faith, every one that hath an infirmity. For if they that touched the hem of His garment drew from Him so much virtue, how much more they that possess Him entire? Now to draw near with faith is not only to receive the offering, but also with a pure heart to touch it; to be so minded, as approaching Christ Himself. For what, if thou hear no voice? Yet thou seest Him laid out; or rather thou dost also hear His voice, while He is speaking by the evangelists.
Believe, therefore, that even now it is that supper, at which He Himself sat down. For this is in no respect different from that. For neither doth man make this and Himself the other; but both this and that is His own work. When therefore thou seest the priest delivering it unto thee, account not that it is the priest that doeth so, but that it is Christ's hand that is stretched out.
Even as when he baptizes, not he doth baptize thee, but it is God that possesses thy head with invisible power, and neither angel nor archangel nor any other dare draw nigh and touch thee; even so now also. For when God begets, the gift is His only.
But the Evangelist shows that it was now long time since Christ had come into these parts; for it follows, And when the men of that place knew him, they sent into all that region.
Nor do they now as before drag Him to their houses, and seek the touch of His hand, but they draw Him by their greater faith, for they brought unto him all them that were sick, and besought him that they might touch but the hem of his garment. For the woman who suffered under the issue of blood had taught them all this wisdom, namely, that by touching the hem only of Christ's garment they might be saved; therefore it follows, And as many as touched, were made whole.
But we have not a hem or a garment only of Christ, but have even His body, that we may eat thereof. If then they who touched the hem of His garment derived so much virtue therefrom, much more they that shall receive Himself whole.
They knew Him by fame, not by sight; although indeed by reason of the greatness of the signs which He did among the people, He was known by face to great numbers. And note how great the faith of the men of the land of Gennezareth, that they were not content with the healing of the men of that country only, but sent to all the towns round about.
If we knew what the word Gennezareth would convey in our tongue, we might understand how under the type of the Apostles and the boat, Jesus guides to shore the Church when He has delivered it from the wreck of persecution, and makes it to rest in a most tranquil harbour.
Or, by the hem of the garment understand His least commandment, which whosoever transgresses, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; or, again, His assumption of the body, by which we come to the Word of God.
(Ver. 35.) And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent throughout all that region. They recognized him by his reputation, not by his appearance, or certainly by the greatness of the signs he was performing among the people; even his face was well-known to many. And see how great is the faith of the people of the land of Genesareth, that they are not content with the salvation of those present, but send to other cities in the vicinity, so that all may come running to the physician.
(Quæst. Ev. i. 15.) For it is here conveyed to us that His glory will then be made manifest, seeing that now they who walk by faith see it in a figure.
The Evangelist had related above that the Lord had Commanded His disciples to enter the boat, and to go before Him across the strait; he now proceeds with the same intention to relate whither they arrived by their passage, And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennezareth.
The land of Gennezar, by the lake of Gennezareth, takes its name from a natural power which it is said to have of spontaneously modulating its waters so as to excite a breeze; the Greek words importing, 'creating for itself the breeze.'
Genezar is interpreted, 'rise', 'beginning.' For then will complete rest be given to us, when Christ shall have restored to us our inheritance of Paradise, and the joy of our first robe.
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SUMMARY
Matthew 14:35 vividly depicts the immediate and widespread recognition of Jesus upon His arrival in Gennesaret, a fertile region on the Sea of Galilee. Having just crossed the water after miraculously feeding the five thousand and walking on the sea, Jesus' presence quickly became known to the local inhabitants. This verse highlights the profound impact of His established fame and compassionate healing ministry, as people from the entire surrounding area eagerly sought Him out, bringing all who suffered from various ailments for His touch.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Matthew 14:35 employs several literary devices to convey the profound impact of Jesus' ministry. The most prominent is Hyperbole, seen in the phrases "all that country round about" and "all that were diseased." While perhaps not literally every single person or every square inch of land, this exaggerated language powerfully emphasizes the vastness of Jesus' fame and the overwhelming number of people who sought His healing touch. It creates a vivid image of a region completely mobilized by hope. There is also a strong sense of Emphasis through the rapid sequence of events: Jesus' arrival, immediate recognition, swift outreach, and the subsequent bringing of the sick. This quick succession underscores the urgency and the magnetic draw of Jesus' presence. Furthermore, the narrative implicitly uses Contrast between the pervasive suffering and helplessness of "all that were diseased" and the singular, compassionate, and powerful presence of Jesus, who stands as the source of their hope and healing.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:35 powerfully underscores Jesus' divine authority and boundless compassion, revealing Him as the long-awaited Messiah who fulfills ancient prophecies concerning a healer and deliverer. The immediate and widespread response of the people in Gennesaret testifies to the palpable presence of God's kingdom breaking into the world through Jesus. His willingness to heal "all that were diseased" demonstrates God's profound concern for human suffering and His desire to restore wholeness, not just spiritually but physically. This act of healing is not merely a display of power but an embodiment of divine love, inviting all who are broken and afflicted to come to Him for relief and restoration. It foreshadows the ultimate healing and redemption that Jesus would accomplish through His atoning work, addressing the deepest sickness of humanity—sin.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:35 serves as a profound reminder of the enduring relevance and accessibility of Jesus' compassion and power. Just as the people of Gennesaret, upon recognizing Jesus, urgently sent word and brought their sick to Him, we are similarly invited to bring our own needs—whether physical ailments, emotional burdens, spiritual brokenness, or relational struggles—to the Lord. His compassion is not diminished, nor is His power limited by time or space. This passage encourages us to cultivate a posture of active faith, believing that Jesus is able and willing to meet us in our brokenness. Furthermore, it challenges believers to emulate the proactive zeal of the Gennesaret community. Having "knowledge of Him," we are called to be His ambassadors, making His name and saving power known in our own "country round about," so that others who are "diseased" by sin, suffering, or despair might also find hope, healing, and true life in Him. Our mission is to connect the suffering world to the Great Physician.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does the phrase "had knowledge of him" signify about Jesus' reputation?
Answer: The phrase "had knowledge of him" (Greek: epiginṓskō) signifies a deep and accurate recognition, not merely a casual acquaintance. It indicates that Jesus' identity, His miraculous power, and His compassionate ministry were already widely and profoundly understood throughout the region of Gennesaret. His fame had preceded Him, likely due to His numerous teachings and healings across Galilee, including the recent feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21) and His dramatic walk on water (Matthew 14:22-33). This widespread and accurate knowledge prompted the immediate and collective action of the people, who recognized Him as the one capable of bringing healing and relief.
Why did the people bring "all that were diseased" to Jesus, and what does this reveal about His ministry?
Answer: The people brought "all that were diseased" to Jesus because they had witnessed or heard compelling testimonies of His power to heal every kind of sickness and infirmity. In a world with limited medical solutions, Jesus represented a unique and powerful source of hope and restoration. The phrase "all that were diseased" (Greek: kakōs echontas, literally "those who had it badly") emphasizes the comprehensive nature of their suffering and, by extension, the comprehensive nature of Jesus' healing ministry. This reveals that Jesus' mission was deeply compassionate, extending to the physical suffering of humanity. His willingness to heal all who came to Him, regardless of their ailment, underscored His divine authority over sickness and death, demonstrating the tangible arrival of the Kingdom of God and fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah's redemptive work, such as those found in Isaiah 53:4).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 14:35, with its vivid portrayal of Jesus healing "all that were diseased," serves as a powerful microcosm of His broader redemptive work and points directly to His ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. While His earthly ministry brought physical restoration to many, these acts of healing were tangible signs of a deeper, spiritual healing He came to accomplish. Jesus, the Great Physician, did not merely alleviate symptoms; He confronted the very root of human brokenness—sin—which is the ultimate "disease" plaguing humanity. His compassion for the physically afflicted in Gennesaret foreshadows His willingness to bear the spiritual infirmities of all mankind. The prophet Isaiah foretold that the Suffering Servant would "bear our griefs and carry our sorrows" (Isaiah 53:4-5), a prophecy explicitly linked to Jesus' healing ministry in Matthew 8:16-17). Ultimately, Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection secured not just physical healing, but eternal spiritual healing and reconciliation with God, so that "by His stripes we are healed" (1 Peter 2:24). His earthly compassion in Gennesaret is a promise of the future reality in the new heavens and new earth, where He will wipe away every tear and "death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore" (Revelation 21:4), a complete and final fulfillment of His healing mission.