Matthew 4:23

KJV

¶ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} went about {G4013} all {G3650} Galilee {G1056}, teaching {G1321} in {G1722} their {G846} synagogues {G4864}, and {G2532} preaching {G2784} the gospel {G2098} of the kingdom {G932}, and {G2532} healing {G2323} all {G3956} manner of sickness {G3554} and {G2532} all {G3956} manner of disease {G3119} among {G1722} the people {G2992}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua went all over the Galil teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing people from every kind of disease and sickness.

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

American Standard Version

And Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of disease and all manner of sickness among the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 4:23 provides a foundational and programmatic summary of Jesus Christ's early public ministry in the region of Galilee. This pivotal verse encapsulates the comprehensive nature of His divine mission, highlighting His multifaceted work of authoritatively teaching in Jewish synagogues, powerfully proclaiming the good news of God's active and present reign, and compassionately healing all forms of human suffering, thereby demonstrating the tangible arrival of the Kingdom of God among the people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 4:23 serves as a pivotal summary statement, immediately following Jesus' victorious temptation in the wilderness and His initial call of the first disciples by the Sea of Galilee. Having established His base in Capernaum (Matthew 4:13), this verse acts as a programmatic introduction to the extensive Galilean ministry that follows, particularly setting the stage for the Sermon on the Mount in [Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount") and the subsequent series of miracles detailed in [Matthew 8-9](/matthew/8 "Matthew 8-9 - Jesus' Miracles"). It provides the overarching framework for understanding the nature and scope of Jesus' activities before His focus shifts more directly towards Jerusalem and His ultimate passion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Galilee was a northern region of Palestine, distinct from the more religiously conservative Judea. Often referred to as "Galilee of the Gentiles" ([Matthew 4:15](/matthew/4-15 "Matthew 4:15 - Galilee of the Gentiles")), it was a diverse area with a mixed population of Jews and Gentiles, and its Jewish inhabitants were sometimes viewed with disdain by those in Jerusalem. Synagogues, central to Jewish life, served not only as places of worship but also as community centers for teaching, legal proceedings, and social gatherings. Jesus' choice to begin His ministry here, and His consistent presence in these local synagogues, allowed Him to reach a broad cross-section of Jewish society directly within their established communal and religious structures, engaging them on His own terms.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes central to Matthew's Gospel. Foremost is the theme of the **Kingdom of Heaven (or God)**, which Jesus proclaims as having drawn near ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand")). His ministry demonstrates the active inauguration of God's reign, not merely as a future hope but as a present reality breaking into human history. Another crucial theme is **Jesus' Authority**, evident in His teaching, which surpassed that of the scribes ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")), and His power over sickness and disease. The verse also highlights the **Holistic Nature of Jesus' Ministry**, encompassing intellectual instruction (teaching), spiritual proclamation (preaching), and physical restoration (healing), underscoring God's concern for the entire person. Finally, it subtly points to the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus' compassionate healing ministry aligns with Old Testament expectations of the Messiah's work ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - He Bore Our Sicknesses")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **teaching (Greek, _didáskō'_):** From a primary verb meaning "to learn," this word denotes the act of instructing or imparting knowledge. Jesus' teaching was authoritative and revelatory, clarifying the Law, explaining the nature of God's Kingdom, and calling people to a new way of life that went beyond mere ritualism. It implies a systematic communication of truth designed to transform understanding and behavior.
* **gospel (Greek, _euangélion'_):** This term literally means "good message" or "good news." In the context of Jesus' ministry, it refers to the joyous proclamation that God's promised reign, the Kingdom of God, was actively breaking into the world through His presence and work. It was a message of salvation, repentance, and the availability of divine grace and power.
* **healing (Greek, _therapeúō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to wait upon menially," this term specifically refers to relieving or curing disease. Jesus' healing ministry was a tangible demonstration of His divine power and compassion, serving as irrefutable evidence that the Kingdom of God had arrived and was actively reversing the effects of sin and brokenness in the physical realm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus went about all Galilee":** This phrase establishes the geographical scope and active nature of Jesus' early ministry. "Went about" (Greek, _periágō'_) suggests a continuous, itinerant movement throughout the entire region, indicating a widespread and comprehensive engagement with the populace rather than a static presence in one location. Galilee, as His primary base, became the initial epicenter for the inauguration of His public work.
* **"teaching in their synagogues":** This highlights the primary method and setting of Jesus' instruction. By teaching "in their synagogues," Jesus utilized the established Jewish religious and communal centers, directly engaging with the people where they gathered for worship and learning. His teaching was distinct, characterized by an intrinsic authority that set Him apart from the traditional scribes and Pharisees.
* **"and preaching the gospel of the kingdom":** This clause reveals the core content of Jesus' message. He was not merely a moral teacher but a herald ("preaching," Greek, _kērýssō'_) announcing the "good news" (gospel) that God's sovereign reign, His "kingdom," was no longer a distant hope but an imminent, active reality being inaugurated through Him. This message called for repentance and faith in response to God's redemptive initiative.
* **"and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people":** This final clause underscores the practical, compassionate, and miraculous dimension of Jesus' ministry. His ability to heal "all manner of sickness" (Greek, _nósos'_, referring to specific maladies) and "all manner of disease" (Greek, _malakía'_, referring to general debility or weakness) demonstrates His comprehensive power over human suffering. These miracles were not merely acts of compassion but served as powerful signs and tangible proofs of the Kingdom's presence and power, validating His claims and message.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 4:23 effectively employs several literary devices to convey the breadth and power of Jesus' ministry. The verse functions as a **Summarization** or programmatic statement, concisely encapsulating the essence of Jesus' early public work in Galilee. There is a clear **Progression** in the description of Jesus' activities: from "teaching" (imparting understanding), to "preaching" (proclaiming a message), to "healing" (demonstrating power and compassion). This progression highlights the holistic nature of His ministry, addressing the mind, spirit, and body. Furthermore, the **Repetition** and **Parallelism** in "all manner of sickness and all manner of disease" emphasize the comprehensive and unrestricted scope of Jesus' healing power, indicating that no affliction was beyond His ability to remedy. This rhetorical emphasis underscores the totality of His authority and the boundless compassion of the Kingdom He proclaimed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 4:23 is profoundly significant as it encapsulates the tri-fold ministry of Jesus—teaching, preaching, and healing—which serves as the blueprint for the Kingdom of God's advancement. The theological implication is that God's reign is not merely a spiritual concept but a transformative reality that impacts every dimension of human existence: intellectual understanding, spiritual renewal, and physical well-being. Jesus' comprehensive approach reveals a God who is intimately concerned with humanity's suffering and actively intervenes to restore wholeness. His authority in teaching and power in healing demonstrate His unique identity as the Messiah, fulfilling ancient prophecies and inaugurating a new era where God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven. This verse establishes that the Kingdom's arrival is evidenced by both the spoken word and the tangible demonstration of divine power, inviting a holistic response of faith and discipleship.

* [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1-2 "The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me")
* [Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Jesus Must Preach the Kingdom")
* [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "God Anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 4:23 offers a compelling model for Christian ministry and discipleship in every age. Just as Jesus comprehensively engaged with the people of Galilee, His followers are called to embody a holistic approach to serving God and humanity. This means not only diligently studying and accurately teaching biblical truth, but also boldly proclaiming the transformative "gospel of the kingdom"—the good news of God's active reign and redemptive power through Christ. Furthermore, it compels us to demonstrate God's love through tangible acts of compassion, caring for the sick, the marginalized, and the suffering. Our ministries, whether individual or corporate, should reflect this balance of word and deed, intellectual clarity and compassionate action, spiritual formation and physical care. This verse challenges us to ask if our faith is merely theoretical or if it is actively impacting the brokenness of the world around us, mirroring the comprehensive love and power of our Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I, or my community, more fully embody Jesus' tri-fold ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing/caring in our daily lives?**
* **How does understanding the "gospel of the kingdom" as a present reality, not just a future hope, change my perspective on evangelism and social engagement?**
* **What "sicknesses" or "diseases" (physical, emotional, spiritual, societal) in my sphere of influence is God calling me to address with His compassion and power?**
* **How can I grow in both the authority of my understanding of God's Word and the practical demonstration of His love to those around me?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus begin His public ministry in Galilee, rather than Jerusalem or Judea?**

Answer: Jesus began His ministry in Galilee for several strategic and theological reasons. Geographically, Galilee was His home region, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy that the Messiah would arise from "Galilee of the Gentiles" ([Isaiah 9:1-2](/isaiah/9-1-2 "Light Has Dawned on Galilee")). Sociologically, Galilee was a more diverse and less religiously rigid region than Judea, allowing Jesus to reach a broader audience, including those often overlooked by the religious establishment in Jerusalem. It was also a region ripe for spiritual awakening, as its people were often seen as less orthodox but perhaps more open to a new message. Furthermore, starting in Galilee allowed Jesus to build a strong base of disciples and establish His reputation before confronting the religious authorities in Jerusalem, minimizing immediate opposition during the initial phase of His public work.

**What is the significance of Jesus "preaching the gospel of the kingdom"?**

Answer: The phrase "gospel of the kingdom" is central to Jesus' entire ministry. It signifies that the "good news" He proclaimed was not merely about personal salvation in an individualistic sense, but about the active, sovereign reign of God breaking into human history through Jesus Himself. Jesus was announcing that God's long-promised rule, where His will would be done on earth as it is in heaven, was now being inaugurated. This message called for repentance and faith, not just in a person, but in the reality of God's transformative rule. His miracles, teachings, and ultimately His death and resurrection, were all demonstrations and extensions of this Kingdom's arrival, inviting people to submit to God's benevolent reign and experience its blessings.

**What does "all manner of sickness and all manner of disease" imply about Jesus' healing ministry?**

Answer: The phrase "all manner of sickness and all manner of disease" (using two distinct Greek words, _nósos_ for specific ailments and _malakía_ for general debility) emphasizes the comprehensive and unrestricted nature of Jesus' healing power. It means that no illness, no matter its type, severity, or origin, was beyond His ability to cure. This highlights His absolute authority over creation and the effects of sin, which include physical brokenness. His healing ministry was not selective but all-encompassing, demonstrating His profound compassion for every aspect of human suffering and serving as tangible proof of the Kingdom of God's power to restore and make whole.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 4:23, with its concise depiction of Jesus' tri-fold ministry, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in His identity as the incarnate Son of God, who perfectly embodies the Kingdom He proclaims. His "teaching in their synagogues" reveals Him as the ultimate Teacher, the very Word of God made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")), whose wisdom far surpasses any human instructor and who speaks with unparalleled divine authority ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Jesus' Authority in Teaching")). His "preaching the gospel of the kingdom" culminates in His own person, for He is not merely a messenger but the very King of that Kingdom, whose sacrificial death and glorious resurrection are the ultimate good news that inaugurates God's eternal reign over sin and death ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). Finally, His "healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease" foreshadows His ultimate work as the Great Physician, who bore our infirmities and carried our diseases on the cross ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "He Bore Our Sicknesses"); [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "By His Wounds You Have Been Healed")), not only providing physical restoration but, more significantly, offering spiritual healing from the disease of sin and the promise of a future where all tears are wiped away and there is no more suffering in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Death or Suffering")). Thus, Matthew 4:23 is a microcosm of Christ's entire redemptive mission, revealing Him as the comprehensive Savior who fully embodies and brings to fruition the Kingdom of God.

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 9:35

¶ And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Mark 1:39

And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

Luke 7:22

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Matthew 11:5

The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

Luke 4:15

And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,