Matthew 19:2

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

And {G2532} great {G4183} multitudes {G3793} followed {G190} him {G846}; and {G2532} he healed {G2323} them {G846} there {G1563}.

Great crowds followed him, and he healed them there.

Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there.

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

Commentary

Matthew 19:2 describes the immediate aftermath of Jesus' departure from Galilee, moving into the region of Judea beyond Jordan, setting the stage for significant teachings and encounters. This verse succinctly captures two defining characteristics of Jesus' earthly ministry: His immense popularity and His compassionate power to heal.

Context

This verse follows directly from Matthew 19:1, which states Jesus left Galilee and entered the borders of Judea. This geographical shift marks a new phase in His ministry, as He begins His final journey towards Jerusalem, where He would ultimately be crucified. Despite the change in location, Jesus' widespread appeal and ability to draw great multitudes remained constant. These crowds were not merely curious spectators; they were often desperate people seeking relief from various ailments and spiritual guidance, preceding important discourses on marriage and wealth.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Enduring Popularity and Authority: The phrase "great multitudes followed him" highlights the continuous attraction Jesus held for the common people. His teachings were profound, and His miracles undeniable, cementing His reputation as a powerful prophet and healer. This demonstrates His divine authority, which transcended geographical boundaries and drew people from all walks of life.
  • Compassionate Healing Ministry: The core message here is Jesus' active compassion. He didn't just attract crowds; He engaged with their suffering. The phrase "he healed them there" underscores His continuous ministry of healing, which was a tangible demonstration of God's love and the coming of His Kingdom. Jesus consistently met physical needs as a precursor or accompaniment to spiritual transformation.
  • Accessibility of Christ: Despite His growing fame, Jesus remained accessible to everyone, regardless of their social standing or condition. He did not retreat from the crowds but welcomed them, offering restoration and hope directly where they were.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "multitudes" is ochloi (แฝ„ฯ‡ฮปฮฟฮน), which refers to large, often undifferentiated crowds or common people. This term emphasizes the sheer number and diverse nature of those who sought Jesus. The word for "healed" is etherapeusen (แผฮธฮตฯฮฌฯ€ฮตฯ…ฯƒฮตฮฝ), from which we derive "therapy." It implies not just a miraculous cure but a process of care, restoration, and making whole, reflecting Jesus' holistic approach to human suffering and His desire to bring complete wellness.

Practical Application

Matthew 19:2 offers timeless encouragement. Just as Jesus was accessible and compassionate to the multitudes in Judea, He remains accessible to all who seek Him today. This verse reminds us that God is concerned with our physical well-being as well as our spiritual state. It also serves as a model for believers: to be compassionate, to engage with the needs of those around us, and to be channels of God's healing and hope in the world. The continuous drawing of crowds and the continuous healing demonstrate Jesus' unwavering commitment to His mission, a commitment that inspires faith and trust in His enduring power and love.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 12:15

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

  • Matthew 14:35

    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;

  • Matthew 14:36

    And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

  • Mark 6:55

    And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

  • Mark 6:56

    And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

  • 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 15:31

    Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.
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