Matthew 4:21

KJV

And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} going on {G4260} from thence {G1564}, he saw {G1492} other {G243} two {G1417} brethren {G80}, James {G2385} the son of {G3588} Zebedee {G2199}, and {G2532} John {G2491} his {G846} brother {G80}, in {G1722} a ship {G4143} with {G3326} Zebedee {G2199} their {G846} father {G3962}, mending {G2675} their {G846} nets {G1350}; and {G2532} he called {G2564} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Going on from there, he saw two other brothers -- Ya'akov Ben-Zavdai and Yochanan his brother -- in the boat with their father Zavdai, repairing their nets; and he called them.

Berean Standard Bible

Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Jesus called them,

American Standard Version

And going on from thence he saw two other brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 4:21 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' early Galilean ministry, detailing the immediate and sovereign call of two more key disciples, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Following the call of Simon Peter and Andrew, this verse highlights Jesus' deliberate initiative in selecting ordinary fishermen from their daily labor, inviting them to abandon their established livelihood and family enterprise to join His transformative mission of establishing the Kingdom of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse seamlessly continues the narrative of Jesus' initial recruitment of disciples, immediately following the call of Simon Peter and Andrew in [Matthew 4:18-20](/matthew/4-18-20 "Matthew 4:18-20 - The Call of Simon Peter and Andrew"). The scene is set along the Sea of Galilee, emphasizing Jesus' active engagement with the local populace and His intentional gathering of a core group of followers. The parallel structure of these two calling events (Jesus sees, Jesus calls, disciples immediately respond) underscores the divine authority and urgency of His summons, establishing a foundational pattern for discipleship throughout the Gospels.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Fishing was a prominent industry in first-century Galilee, providing a stable, albeit demanding, livelihood for many families. The presence of Zebedee, the father, alongside his sons James and John, highlights the common practice of family-run businesses. The detail of "mending their nets" indicates diligence, preparation, and a commitment to their trade, suggesting they were not idle but actively engaged in their profession. This context emphasizes that Jesus' call was not directed at the unemployed or the marginalized alone, but at individuals deeply embedded in the economic and social fabric of their community, demonstrating His ability to transform any life and vocation for His purposes.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 4:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Sovereign Call of Jesus**, where He, as the initiator, "saw" and "called" them, demonstrating His divine authority and deliberate choice in selecting His disciples, rather than them seeking Him out. This echoes the broader theme of God's initiative in salvation history. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Purpose**, as these common fishermen are called to a profound and world-altering mission, foreshadowing Jesus' declaration that they would become "[fishers of men](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Becoming Fishers of Men")" (cf. [Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Jesus Calls Fishermen")). Finally, the presence of Zebedee underscores the theme of **Radical Discipleship**, as James and John's immediate departure (as detailed in [Matthew 4:22](/matthew/4-22 "Matthew 4:22 - The Immediate Response of James and John")) signifies a willingness to leave behind even family and livelihood for the sake of following Christ, a commitment Jesus would later articulate more explicitly in passages like [Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Taking Up One's Cross").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, this verb means "to see" (literally or figuratively) and, by implication in the perfect tense, "to know." In this context, it signifies Jesus' perceptive and intentional observation of James and John. It's not a casual glance but an act of divine recognition, implying an understanding of their character and potential, and a deliberate choice to engage with them.
* **mending (Greek, _katartízō'_):** From G2675, this word means "to complete thoroughly, i.e., repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust." It implies a process of making something fit, perfect, or restoring it. Here, it literally describes the practical work of repairing fishing nets, but it also subtly foreshadows the spiritual "mending" or "equipping" that Jesus would do in His disciples, perfecting them for their future ministry.
* **called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** From G2564, this verb means "to call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications), "to bid," or "to summon." In the New Testament, particularly in the context of Jesus' ministry, `kaléō` often carries the weight of a divine, authoritative invitation to a new purpose or relationship. It is not merely an invitation but a summons demanding a response, initiating a radical reorientation of life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And going on from thence":** This phrase emphasizes the continuous nature of Jesus' ministry and movement along the Sea of Galilee, indicating His active and purposeful journey in seeking out and gathering His first disciples. It links this call directly to the preceding one, establishing a pattern.
* **"he saw other two brethren, James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother":** Jesus' divine gaze falls upon specific individuals. The mention of "other two brethren" immediately connects them to Peter and Andrew, highlighting the formation of a core group. Identifying them as "James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother" establishes their familial relationship and their identity within the community, setting the stage for the radical nature of their impending decision.
* **"in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets":** This clause provides the immediate context of their daily lives. They are engaged in their family business, demonstrating diligence and responsibility. The act of "mending their nets" suggests preparation for future work, underscoring their commitment to their livelihood before Jesus' intervention. This detail highlights the ordinary circumstances from which Jesus calls His extraordinary followers.
* **"and he called them":** This is the climactic and decisive action of the verse. Jesus' "call" is a direct, authoritative summons, initiating a profound change in their lives. It signifies His sovereign choice and the beginning of their discipleship journey, demanding an immediate and transformative response.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure of this call narrative, mirroring the preceding account of Peter and Andrew's call, emphasizing the deliberate and consistent nature of Jesus' method of gathering disciples. The detail of "mending their nets" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only their current livelihood but also the "brokenness" or incompleteness of a life apart from Christ, which Jesus would "mend" and transform for a higher purpose. The entire scene serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future roles of James and John as prominent apostles, "pillars" of the early church, and witnesses to key moments in Jesus' ministry. Finally, the active verbs "saw" and "called" underscore the **Divine Initiative** of Jesus, portraying Him as the sovereign agent who seeks and summons individuals, rather than merely responding to their seeking.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 4:21 profoundly illustrates the sovereign and transformative nature of God's call in human lives. It demonstrates that Jesus' Kingdom is built not on human initiative or pre-existing qualifications, but on His divine selection and empowerment of ordinary individuals. The immediate and radical response of James and John, leaving behind their family and livelihood, underscores the total commitment required for genuine discipleship—a commitment that prioritizes Christ above all earthly ties and pursuits. This passage affirms that God's call is often extended to those engaged in their daily vocations, inviting them into a higher purpose that redeems and redefines their very existence, turning mundane tasks into sacred missions for the expansion of His Kingdom.

* [Mark 1:19-20](/mark/1-19-20 "Mark 1:19-20 - The Call of James and John in Mark's Gospel")
* [Luke 5:10-11](/luke/5-10-11 "Luke 5:10-11 - Jesus Calls Fishermen to Follow Him")
* [1 Corinthians 1:26-29](/1_corinthians/1-26-29 "1 Corinthians 1:26-29 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 4:21 serves as a timeless and powerful reminder that God's call to discipleship is personal, intentional, and often disruptive to our established routines and comfort zones. Just as Jesus encountered James and John in their everyday work, He continues to call individuals today from all walks of life, regardless of their background, profession, or perceived qualifications. This passage challenges us to cultivate a posture of attentiveness to God's voice in our own lives, recognizing that His invitation may lead us to leave behind familiar securities or aspirations in order to embrace a higher purpose. The immediate and radical obedience of James and John compels us to consider our own willingness to prioritize Christ's call above all else, trusting that His transformative power can equip us for extraordinary Kingdom work, even from the most ordinary circumstances. It encourages us to surrender our "nets"—our livelihoods, ambitions, and comforts—to follow Him, knowing that true fulfillment is found in His divine purpose for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "nets" or familiar comforts might Jesus be calling me to leave behind in order to follow Him more fully?**
* **How does the immediate response of James and John challenge my own willingness to obey God's call without hesitation?**
* **In what ways can my current profession or daily activities be transformed into opportunities for Kingdom work, even if I'm not called to a full-time ministry?**
* **How does understanding Jesus' sovereign initiative in calling His disciples impact my view of my own salvation and purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus call fishermen to be His disciples?**

Answer: Jesus' choice of fishermen like James and John (and Peter and Andrew) was deliberate and multifaceted. Firstly, it demonstrated His counter-cultural approach, as He chose ordinary, working-class individuals rather than religious elites or scholars. This underscored that His Kingdom was open to all and built on divine power, not human prestige or qualifications, as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:26-29](/1_corinthians/1-26-29 "1 Corinthians 1:26-29 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak"). Secondly, their profession as "fishers" provided a powerful metaphor for their future mission: becoming "[fishers of men](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Becoming Fishers of Men")" (cf. [Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Jesus Calls Fishermen")), tasked with drawing people into the Kingdom of God. Their diligence, resilience, and teamwork learned in fishing would also serve them well in their demanding apostolic roles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The call of James and John in Matthew 4:21 is deeply Christ-centered, revealing the very nature of Jesus' redemptive mission. As the divine Son of God, Jesus embodies the ultimate caller, initiating the new covenant community by personally selecting and transforming individuals for His Kingdom purposes. This act of calling is a preview of His broader work of salvation, where He seeks out and draws humanity to Himself, not based on their merit but on His sovereign grace. Just as He called these fishermen to leave their nets, Christ calls all believers to forsake their old ways of life and self-reliance, to surrender to His Lordship, and to be reoriented around His divine will. His call to discipleship, exemplified here, is an invitation into a new identity and a new purpose, ultimately fulfilled in His death and resurrection, which empowers His followers to become agents of His redemptive love in the world, carrying out the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, the call of James and John is a microcosm of the gospel itself: the sovereign Christ reaching into human brokenness and calling forth new life and purpose, enabling His chosen ones to participate in His ongoing work of reconciliation and restoration.

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

Mark 1:19

And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the [son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

Mark 1:20

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

Matthew 10:2

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother;

Mark 3:17

And James the [son] of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:

John 21:2

There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the [sons] of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

Luke 5:10

And so [was] also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

Luke 5:11

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.