Matthew 19:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

Great crowds followed him, and he healed them there.

Berean Standard Bible

Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 19:2 succinctly captures the enduring essence of Jesus' ministry as He transitions from Galilee into the regions of Judea beyond the Jordan. Despite the change in geographical setting, the verse highlights two consistent and defining characteristics of His earthly work: His magnetic appeal that drew "great multitudes" and His compassionate, divine power to heal them, underscoring both His widespread recognition and His active engagement with human suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Matthew 19:1](/matthew/19-1 "Matthew 19:1 - Jesus Departs Galilee"), which marks a significant geographical and narrative shift in Jesus' ministry. Having concluded His extensive work in Galilee, Jesus departs and enters "the region of Judea beyond the Jordan." This movement is not merely a change of scenery but signifies the beginning of His final journey towards Jerusalem, where His ultimate redemptive work—His crucifixion and resurrection—will take place. The mention of "great multitudes" following Him despite this relocation emphasizes the continuous and pervasive nature of His influence, setting the stage for the important teachings on marriage, divorce, children, and wealth that follow in this chapter, all delivered in the presence of these eager crowds.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' journey into "the region of Judea beyond the Jordan" refers to Perea, an area east of the Jordan River, south of the Decapolis, and north of the Dead Sea, which was part of Herod Antipas's tetrarchy. This region was predominantly Jewish, though distinct from the more familiar Judea proper (west of the Jordan). It was common for itinerant teachers and prophets to attract followers, but the scale of the "great multitudes" following Jesus was extraordinary, indicative of His unique authority and the widespread hope His miracles inspired. In Jewish society, healing was often seen as a sign of divine favor and prophetic authentication, making Jesus' consistent healing ministry a powerful testament to His claims and the dawning of God's Kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 19:2 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel. Firstly, it reiterates **Jesus' Enduring Authority and Popularity**, demonstrating that His divine power and compelling message transcended geographical boundaries, drawing people from various regions, just as He did in Galilee (e.g., [Matthew 4:25](/matthew/4-25 "Matthew 4:25 - Crowds from All Regions")). Secondly, it underscores His **Compassionate Healing Ministry**, portraying Jesus not merely as a teacher but as a merciful Savior actively alleviating suffering. This healing was a tangible manifestation of God's love and the inbreaking of the Kingdom of God, a theme consistent throughout Matthew's Gospel (e.g., [Matthew 9:35](/matthew/9-35 "Matthew 9:35 - Jesus' Ministry of Teaching, Preaching, and Healing")). Finally, the verse highlights **Jesus' Accessibility**, showing that despite His growing fame and the demands of His mission, He remained approachable and responsive to the needs of ordinary people, welcoming rather than retreating from the desperate crowds.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **multitudes (Greek, _óchlos'_):** From G3793, this word refers to a throng or crowd, often implying the common people or the rabble. Its use here emphasizes the sheer number and diverse composition of those who followed Jesus, highlighting His popular appeal across various societal strata. It suggests a spontaneous, unorganized gathering rather than a formal assembly.
* **followed (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** From G190, meaning "to be in the same way with," or "to accompany, especially as a disciple." This word signifies more than just physical proximity; it implies a deliberate act of adherence or discipleship, even if preliminary. The crowds were not just observing; they were actively moving with Jesus, drawn by His person and power.
* **healed (Greek, _therapeúō'_):** From G2323, meaning "to wait upon menially," "to adore (God)," or "to relieve (of disease)." This term denotes a process of care, restoration, and making whole, beyond a mere miraculous cure. It conveys Jesus' holistic approach to human suffering, addressing physical ailments as an expression of His divine compassion and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And great multitudes followed him":** This clause reveals the widespread and persistent appeal of Jesus. The term "great multitudes" (G4183 _polýs_ + G3793 _óchlos_) emphasizes the immense number of people who were drawn to Him, indicating His profound impact and recognition among the populace. Their act of "following" (G190 _akolouthéō_) signifies their active pursuit of Jesus, driven by various motivations—curiosity, hope for healing, desire for teaching, or even political aspirations. This continuous following, even as Jesus moved to a new region, underscores the magnetic authority He possessed.
* **"and he healed them there":** This second clause immediately links Jesus' popularity with His compassionate and powerful ministry. The conjunction "and" (G2532 _kaí_) shows a direct consequence or parallel action. Jesus did not merely attract crowds; He actively engaged with their needs. The verb "healed" (G2323 _therapeúō_) signifies His divine power to restore health and wholeness. The adverb "there" (G1563 _ekeî_), referring to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan, highlights that Jesus' healing power was not confined to Galilee but was universally available wherever He went, demonstrating the omnipresence of His divine authority and mercy.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 19:2 employs several literary techniques to convey its message. The phrase "great multitudes" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the vast number of people drawn to Jesus, though not necessarily implying a literal count, but rather an overwhelming throng. This serves to underscore Jesus' widespread fame and the immense impact of His ministry. The verse also acts as a **Narrative Summary**, efficiently condensing a period of Jesus' activity into a concise statement, thereby advancing the plot without detailing every individual encounter. Furthermore, it exemplifies **Thematic Repetition**, as the twin themes of Jesus attracting crowds and performing healing miracles are consistently presented throughout Matthew's Gospel, reinforcing His identity as the promised Messiah and compassionate Son of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 19:2 is a powerful theological statement about the nature of God's redemptive work through Jesus. It demonstrates that God's compassion is active and tangible, reaching out to humanity in its suffering. Jesus' willingness to engage with the physical ailments of the "great multitudes" is a sign of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world, where sickness and brokenness are ultimately overcome. This verse affirms Jesus' divine authority and His mission to restore humanity holistically—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It foreshadows the ultimate healing and restoration that He would accomplish through His atoning work, extending beyond physical cures to the deepest needs of the human soul.

* [Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus' Ministry in Galilee")
* [Luke 6:17-19](/luke/6-17-19 "Luke 6:17-19 - Jesus Heals and Teaches a Multitude")
* [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - God Anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 19:2 offers profound encouragement and a clear model for believers today. Just as Jesus was accessible and compassionate to the desperate multitudes in Judea, He remains accessible to all who seek Him, regardless of their condition or location. This verse reminds us that God is deeply concerned not only with our spiritual state but also with our physical well-being and the alleviation of suffering. It challenges us to reflect on our own compassion for those around us, particularly the marginalized and hurting. Are we, like Jesus, willing to engage with the needs of others, extending practical help and spiritual hope? The continuous drawing of crowds and the continuous healing demonstrate Jesus' unwavering commitment to His mission, a commitment that inspires our faith and calls us to participate in His ongoing work of healing and restoration in the world, embodying His love and bringing His light to those in darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I see "multitudes" (people with various needs and backgrounds) seeking help or hope in the world today, and how am I called to respond?**
* **How does Jesus' consistent ministry of healing, even as He moved to new regions, challenge my understanding of God's enduring compassion and power?**
* **What specific "healing" (physical, emotional, spiritual) might Jesus be calling me to participate in or facilitate in my own community?**
* **How can I cultivate a more accessible and compassionate presence in my own life, mirroring Jesus' example to those around me?**

### FAQ

**Why did "great multitudes" follow Jesus, especially into a new region?**

Answer: The "great multitudes" followed Jesus for a variety of reasons, even as He moved into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. Primarily, His reputation as a powerful healer and a profound teacher had spread widely throughout Israel. People were desperate for relief from physical ailments, spiritual oppression, and the burdens of daily life under Roman occupation. His miracles, such as healing the sick and casting out demons (e.g., [Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus Heals Many at Evening")), were undeniable demonstrations of divine power, drawing those seeking a cure. Furthermore, His authoritative teaching, which differed significantly from that of the scribes and Pharisees (e.g., [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - The Crowds Astonished by Jesus' Teaching")), resonated deeply with the common people, offering hope and a fresh perspective on God's Kingdom. Their following Him into a new region simply underscored the intensity of their desire to be near Him and experience His transformative power.

**What kind of "healing" did Jesus perform, and what was its significance?**

Answer: Jesus performed a wide range of healings, encompassing physical ailments (e.g., blindness, lameness, leprosy, fevers), mental and emotional distress, and deliverance from demonic oppression. The Greek word _therapeúō_ (G2323), translated as "healed," implies not just a miraculous cure but a process of care and restoration, making one whole. The significance of His healing ministry was multifaceted. It was a tangible demonstration of God's compassion and love for suffering humanity. It served as a powerful sign that the Kingdom of God had drawn near, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (e.g., [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Prophecy of Healing in the Kingdom")). Moreover, Jesus' healings often accompanied or preceded His teaching, authenticating His divine authority and confirming His identity as the Son of God. His holistic approach to healing underscored that God cares for the entirety of human existence—body, mind, and spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 19:2, with its depiction of Jesus drawing "great multitudes" and compassionately healing them, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader scope of redemptive history. Jesus' earthly ministry of healing was a powerful foretaste of His ultimate work on the cross, where He would provide spiritual healing for all humanity. The physical restoration He offered to the crowds foreshadowed the spiritual renewal and reconciliation with God that would become available through His atoning sacrifice. Just as people flocked to Him for physical relief, so too does humanity, burdened by sin and brokenness, find ultimate healing and wholeness in the person and work of Christ. His drawing of "great multitudes" anticipates the gathering of His church from every nation, tribe, and tongue, as people from all walks of life are drawn to Him for eternal salvation (e.g., [John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Will Draw All People to Himself")). The compassion He showed "there" in Judea culminates in His willingness to suffer "there" on Calvary, bearing the sickness of sin so that all who believe might be made truly whole (e.g., [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed") and [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins on the Cross")). Thus, Matthew 19:2 is not merely a historical account but a vibrant testament to the enduring, universal, and redemptive power of Jesus Christ, the Great Physician who continues to draw and heal souls today.

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

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.