Matthew 4:22

KJV

And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they immediately {G2112} left {G863} the ship {G4143} and {G2532} their {G846} father {G3962}, and followed {G190} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At once they left the boat and their father and went with Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.

American Standard Version

And they straightway left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 4:22 vividly portrays the radical and immediate response of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, to Jesus' call to discipleship. This pivotal moment describes their decisive act of abandoning their family fishing business, their livelihood, and even their father, Zebedee, to unreservedly follow Jesus. It underscores the profound authority of Christ's summons and the transformative nature of true commitment to Him, setting a foundational example for all who are called to discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' call to Simon Peter and Andrew in [Matthew 4:18-20](/matthew/4-18-20 "Matthew 4:18-20 - The Call of Peter and Andrew"), establishing a pattern of immediate and radical obedience among His first disciples. Jesus, having begun His public ministry and calling for repentance, is now gathering His inner circle. The parallel accounts of calling fishermen highlight a deliberate choice by Jesus to select ordinary individuals, transforming their lives and purpose. The narrative in [Matthew 4](/matthew/4 "Matthew 4 - Jesus' Temptation and Early Ministry") moves swiftly from Jesus' temptation in the wilderness to His inaugural ministry in Galilee, demonstrating His authority through both teaching and the gathering of followers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Fishing was a common and often demanding livelihood in Galilee, frequently run as a family enterprise. Leaving the "ship" (πλoῖον, _ploîon_) meant abandoning their source of income and their professional identity. More significantly, leaving their "father" (πατήρ, _patḗr_) was a profound act in a patriarchal society where family loyalty, honor, and economic support were paramount. This act would have been seen as highly unusual, even scandalous, signifying an extraordinary commitment to a new authority. Discipleship in the ancient world often involved a student seeking out a rabbi, but here, Jesus initiates the call, demonstrating His unique divine authority and setting the terms of engagement.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, **Immediate Obedience** is highlighted by the adverb "immediately" (εὐθέως, _euthéōs_), emphasizing a response without hesitation or negotiation, a hallmark of genuine faith. Second, **Radical Discipleship and Sacrifice** are central, as James and John forsake not only their livelihood but also familial ties, demonstrating that following Jesus demands a reordering of priorities and a willingness to surrender everything. This echoes Jesus' later teachings about the cost of discipleship, such as [Luke 14:26-27](/luke/14-26-27 "Luke 14:26-27 - The Cost of Discipleship"). Third, the **Divine Authority of Christ** is undeniably evident; Jesus' simple command elicits an extraordinary, life-altering response, showcasing His inherent power to call and transform lives, a theme consistent throughout [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/1 "The Gospel According to Matthew").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **immediately (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb signifies a swift, direct, and unhesitating action. It conveys a sense of urgency and decisiveness, indicating that James and John's response was not preceded by deliberation or delay. This highlights the compelling nature of Jesus' call and their ready submission to His authority.
* **left (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This verb means "to send forth," "to forsake," or "to let go." In this context, it implies a complete abandonment of their previous life—their profession, their means of support, and their familial obligations. It's a definitive break with the past, signifying a total reorientation of their lives.
* **followed (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** Derived from words meaning "to be in the same way with" or "to accompany," this verb specifically denotes following as a disciple. It implies not merely walking behind but adhering to, learning from, and committing oneself to the teachings and lifestyle of the one being followed. It speaks to a new master-disciple relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they immediately left the ship":** This clause emphasizes the swiftness and decisiveness of James and John's response. Without hesitation, they abandoned their livelihood, the very means by which they sustained themselves and their family. This act signifies a profound break from their former way of life and a complete trust in the one who called them.
* **"and their father":** This phrase highlights the radical nature of their sacrifice. In a culture where family ties were paramount and sons were expected to support their parents, leaving their father (Zebedee, who was still in the ship, likely with hired servants as indicated in Mark's parallel account) was an extraordinary act of devotion to Jesus, prioritizing His call above deeply ingrained societal and familial obligations.
* **"and followed him":** This final clause articulates the ultimate purpose of their immediate abandonment: to become disciples of Jesus. It denotes a commitment to accompany Him, learn from Him, and align their lives with His mission. This act of following marks the beginning of their new identity and purpose as "fishers of men."

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 4:22 employs several powerful literary devices. **Immediacy** is a prominent feature, underscored by the repeated use of "immediately" (εὐθέως) in this and preceding verses (Matthew 4:20). This emphasizes the compelling and urgent nature of Jesus' call, portraying the disciples' response as swift and unhesitating. **Contrast** is also evident, as the comfortable, familiar life of fishing (the "ship" and "father") is starkly contrasted with the unknown, demanding path of following Jesus. This highlights the radical sacrifice inherent in discipleship. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Parallelism** with the call of Peter and Andrew in [Matthew 4:18-20](/matthew/4-18-20 "Matthew 4:18-20 - The Call of Peter and Andrew"), reinforcing the pattern of immediate and complete surrender to Christ's authority. The act of "leaving" everything for "following" also functions as a form of **Symbolism**, where the ship, nets, and father represent the old life, while following Jesus symbolizes the new, transformed life of purpose and mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The immediate and radical response of James and John to Jesus' call encapsulates a core theological principle of discipleship: the absolute priority of Christ. Their willingness to abandon their livelihood and, more significantly, their familial obligations, demonstrates that true allegiance to Jesus demands a reordering of all earthly priorities. This act is not merely a physical departure but a spiritual reorientation, signifying a complete trust in Jesus' provision and purpose over human security or societal expectations. It foreshadows Jesus' later teachings on the cost of discipleship, where He emphasizes that following Him may require forsaking even the closest relationships for the sake of the Kingdom. This radical commitment is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' presence and words, inviting believers across all ages to consider the depth of their own devotion.

* [Luke 5:11](/luke/5-11 "Luke 5:11 - Disciples Leave Everything")
* [Matthew 10:37](/matthew/10-37 "Matthew 10:37 - Loving Jesus More Than Family")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 4:22 presents a profound challenge to contemporary believers, inviting us to examine the nature of our own response to Christ's call. While few are literally called to abandon their family or profession in the same manner as James and John, the underlying principle of radical obedience and wholehearted devotion remains profoundly relevant. This passage calls us to a discipleship that prioritizes Christ above all earthly comforts, relationships, or ambitions. It urges us to respond decisively to God's leading, without hesitation or negotiation, trusting in His divine provision and purpose. True following means embracing a new identity and mission, recognizing that our lives are no longer our own but are now dedicated to His kingdom work, becoming "fishers of men" in our own unique spheres of influence. It compels us to continually assess what we might be clinging to that hinders our full surrender to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ship" or "father"—meaning, what source of security, comfort, or identity—might Jesus be calling me to "leave" in order to follow Him more fully today?**
* **In what areas of my life do I hesitate or delay in responding to God's call, and what steps can I take to cultivate a more "immediate" obedience?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that Jesus holds the absolute first priority, even above my most cherished relationships or possessions?**

### FAQ
**Why did James and John leave so immediately?**

Answer: The immediate response of James and John, like that of Peter and Andrew before them, highlights the extraordinary authority and compelling presence of Jesus. The Greek word for "immediately" (εὐθέως, _euthéōs_) underscores a direct and unhesitating obedience. This quick departure suggests that Jesus' call was not merely an invitation but a divine summons that resonated deeply within them, inspiring an instant and decisive commitment. It also reflects the nature of true faith, which often involves a swift and radical reorientation of one's life in response to God's clear leading. Their immediate action sets a powerful example of radical discipleship from the very beginning of Jesus' ministry, as seen in [Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Jesus' Call to Fishers of Men").

**What does "leaving their father" signify?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, family ties were incredibly strong, and sons were expected to remain with and support their parents, especially in a family business like fishing. To "leave their father" (Zebedee) was a profound and radical act of sacrifice, signifying a complete break from their previous life, livelihood, and deeply ingrained societal and familial obligations. It demonstrated that their commitment to Jesus surpassed even the most fundamental human loyalties. This act foreshadows Jesus' later teachings on the cost of discipleship, where He states that those who love father or mother more than Him are not worthy of Him ([Matthew 10:37](/matthew/10-37 "Matthew 10:37 - Loving Jesus More Than Family")). It underscores the supreme and exclusive allegiance required by the Kingdom of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 4:22, while describing the disciples' response, ultimately points to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Their immediate abandonment of everything speaks volumes about the **divine authority of Christ** Himself. He does not persuade or coerce, but His simple, authoritative call elicits a profound, life-altering commitment. This immediate obedience foreshadows the complete surrender required for salvation, where one must "leave" the old self and "follow" Christ as Lord and Savior. The disciples' willingness to forsake their earthly security for an unknown future with Jesus illustrates the nature of the Kingdom of God, which demands radical trust in the King. Ultimately, this passage reveals Christ as the ultimate object of devotion, the one worthy of such sacrifice, and the only one capable of transforming ordinary fishermen into "fishers of men" ([Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Jesus' Call to Fishers of Men")). Their following Him is a prefigurement of all who, through faith, turn from their old lives to follow the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), embracing the new life found only in Him, who is [the Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life").

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 10:37

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Luke 14:26

If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Deuteronomy 33:9

Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.

Deuteronomy 33:10

They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law: they shall put incense before thee, and whole burnt sacrifice upon thine altar.

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.

Luke 9:59

And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Luke 9:60

Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.