Matthew 4:25

KJV

And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and [from] Decapolis, and [from] Jerusalem, and [from] Judaea, and [from] beyond Jordan.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} there followed {G190} him {G846} great {G4183} multitudes of people {G3793} from {G575} Galilee {G1056}, and {G2532} from Decapolis {G1179}, and {G2532} from Jerusalem {G2414}, and {G2532} from Judaea {G2449}, and {G2532} from beyond {G4008} Jordan {G2446}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Huge crowds followed him from the Galil, the Ten Towns, Yerushalayim, Y'hudah, and `Ever-HaYarden.

Berean Standard Bible

The large crowds that followed Him came from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.

American Standard Version

And there followed him great multitudes from Galilee and Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judæa and from beyond the Jordan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 4:25 vividly portrays the immediate and widespread impact of Jesus' early ministry, describing the immense multitudes that followed Him from diverse regions across Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judaea, and beyond the Jordan. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the burgeoning fame and compelling authority of Jesus, setting the stage for the profound teachings and miraculous works that would define His public ministry, particularly the Sermon on the Mount.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 4:25 concludes the introductory phase of Jesus' public ministry, acting as a direct consequence and culmination of the events described in the preceding verses. It follows Jesus' initial proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven and call to repentance ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry")), the calling of His first disciples ([Matthew 4:18-22](/matthew/4-18-22 "Matthew 4:18-22 - The Call of the First Disciples")), and a concise summary of His extensive teaching and healing ministry throughout Galilee ([Matthew 4:23-24](/matthew/4-23-24 "Matthew 4:23-24 - Jesus' Ministry of Teaching, Preaching, and Healing")). This verse effectively illustrates the *result* of His initial efforts, demonstrating the magnetic pull of His person and message. It serves as a vital bridge, preparing the reader for the significant discourse that immediately follows: the Sermon on the Mount, which is delivered to these very crowds, beginning in [Matthew 5:1](/matthew/5-1 "Matthew 5:1 - The Sermon on the Mount Begins").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The regions listed in Matthew 4:25 highlight the extensive geographical reach of Jesus' fame within the ancient Near East. Galilee was Jesus' primary base, a northern region with a mixed Jewish and Gentile population. Decapolis, meaning "Ten Cities," was a league of largely Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) cities predominantly east and southeast of Galilee, indicating that Jesus' appeal transcended purely Jewish audiences. Jerusalem and Judaea represented the religious and political heartland of Judaism in the south, signifying that His reputation had reached the epicenter of Jewish life and authority. "Beyond Jordan" refers to the region of Perea, east of the Jordan River, which also had a mixed population. Travel in this era, often on foot, was arduous, underscoring the profound motivation of these "great multitudes" to seek out Jesus, driven by curiosity, spiritual hunger, or the hope of healing.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 4:25 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Widespread Appeal of Jesus**, demonstrating that His message and miraculous works resonated across diverse populations, from the Jewish heartland to Gentile territories, fulfilling prophecies of a Messiah who would draw all peoples to Himself. Secondly, it highlights Jesus' **Divine Authority and Power**, as the sheer volume of people drawn to Him was a direct response to His authoritative teaching and undeniable healing miracles, as described in the preceding verses. This attests to His unique identity as the Son of God, possessing unparalleled power over sickness and sin, a theme echoed in passages like [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - People Amazed by Jesus' Authority"). Finally, the gathering of such a vast and diverse audience signifies **Preparation for the Kingdom Proclamation**. These multitudes represent the "harvest" ready to hear the Kingdom message, setting the stage for the detailed exposition of Kingdom ethics and principles in the Sermon on the Mount, aligning with Jesus' later observation about the plentiful harvest in [Matthew 9:37-38](/matthew/9-37-38 "Matthew 9:37-38 - The Harvest is Plentiful").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **followed (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** From a root meaning "to be in the same way with," this verb signifies more than mere casual observation; it implies accompanying someone, often as a disciple or follower. In this context, it suggests that the multitudes were not just onlookers but were actively moving with Jesus, drawn by His ministry and seeking to be near Him, indicative of an initial commitment or profound interest.
* **great (Greek, _polýs'_):** This adjective denotes abundance, quantity, or magnitude. When applied to "multitudes," it emphasizes the immense size of the crowds, underscoring the extraordinary and rapid growth of Jesus' fame and influence. It conveys a sense of overwhelming numbers, highlighting the broad impact of His early ministry.
* **multitudes of people (Greek, _óchlos'_):** This term refers to a throng, a crowd, or the rabble. It typically describes a large, undifferentiated mass of people, often spontaneously gathered and lacking formal organization. Its use here emphasizes the sheer number of individuals, highlighting the popular, grassroots nature of the movement Jesus was initiating, drawing people from all walks of life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there followed him great multitudes of people":** This opening clause immediately establishes the central action and its scale. The verb "followed" (akolouthéō) suggests an intentional movement towards Jesus, indicating that people were actively seeking Him out, not merely stumbling upon Him. The description "great multitudes of people" (polýs óchlos) vividly conveys the immense size and diverse composition of the crowds, emphasizing the widespread and compelling appeal of Jesus' person, teaching, and miraculous works. It highlights the burgeoning momentum of His ministry.
* **"from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan":** This detailed geographical listing underscores the extraordinary reach of Jesus' fame. "Galilee" was His primary operational base. "Decapolis," a region of ten Gentile cities, indicates His influence extended beyond Jewish populations. "Jerusalem" and "Judaea" represent the religious and political heartland of Judaism, signaling that His reputation had penetrated the very core of Jewish society. "Beyond Jordan" (Perea) further expands the scope to the eastern bank of the Jordan River. This comprehensive list paints a picture of a movement that transcended regional, ethnic, and religious boundaries, drawing people from all corners of the land.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 4:25 employs several **literary devices** to convey the profound impact of Jesus' early ministry. The most prominent is **Geographical Listing or Catalogue**, where the specific enumeration of regions—Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judaea, and beyond Jordan—serves to emphasize the extensive and diverse reach of Jesus' fame. This detailed list creates a vivid mental map for the reader, illustrating that His influence was not confined to one locality but had spread across significant portions of the ancient world. Furthermore, the phrase "great multitudes" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, an intentional exaggeration not meant to be taken literally as every single person from these regions, but rather to underscore the overwhelming and unprecedented number of people drawn to Jesus. This exaggeration effectively communicates the astonishing scale of His popular appeal. Finally, the verse acts as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the universal scope of the Gospel message. The gathering of such diverse crowds—Jewish and Gentile, from north to south and east—prefigures the Great Commission and the ultimate gathering of believers from "every tribe and language and people and nation" into God's Kingdom, revealing the global destiny of Jesus' mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 4:25 is more than a geographical report; it is a theological statement about the magnetic power of the Messiah. The gathering of "great multitudes" from such diverse regions signifies the initial fulfillment of ancient prophecies foretelling a Messiah who would draw all peoples to Himself. It underscores the universal nature of Jesus' appeal and the inherent power of the Kingdom message to transcend social, ethnic, and geographical boundaries. This influx of people, drawn by His authoritative teaching and miraculous healings, demonstrates God's active work in preparing hearts for the profound revelations of the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Kingdom of God. It is a testament to the fact that when the true Light shines, people from all walks of life are drawn to it, seeking truth, healing, and hope.

* [Mark 3:7-8](/mark/3-7-8 "Mark 3:7-8 - Crowds from All Regions Follow Jesus")
* [Luke 6:17-19](/luke/6-17-19 "Luke 6:17-19 - Large Crowds Come to Jesus for Healing and Teaching")
* [John 6:2](/john/6-2 "John 6:2 - A Great Crowd Followed Jesus Because of His Signs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 4:25 offers a powerful reminder of the enduring and universal appeal of Jesus Christ. Just as people from diverse backgrounds and distant regions were compelled to seek Him out in His earthly ministry, so too is His message of salvation and transformation relevant and powerful for all people today. The magnetic pull of Jesus' teaching and miraculous works highlights the inherent power of the Gospel to attract and transform lives across every conceivable boundary—social, cultural, and geographical. This verse encourages us to consider our own spiritual hunger and needs, prompting us to actively "follow" Jesus, seeking His truth, His healing, and His presence in our lives. It also serves as a profound encouragement for believers: the rapid spread of Jesus' fame without modern communication methods illustrates the organic and irresistible way truth can spread when truly lived, proclaimed, and demonstrated. We are called to be part of this ongoing movement, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others, confident in its transformative power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the diverse origin of the crowds in Matthew 4:25 challenge our own assumptions about who is "ready" or "open" to hearing the Gospel message today?**
* **What "regions" or "spheres of influence" in our contemporary lives (e.g., family, workplace, community, social media) need to hear the message of Jesus, and how can we be instruments in its spread?**
* **In what ways are we actively "following" Jesus, beyond mere curiosity or occasional engagement, truly seeking His presence and submitting to His teachings?**
* **Considering the spontaneous and widespread nature of Jesus' fame, what lessons can we draw about the organic spread of truth and the power of authentic witness in a world saturated with information?**

### FAQ
**Why did so many people from different regions follow Jesus?**

Answer: The "great multitudes" from various regions followed Jesus primarily because of His authoritative teaching and undeniable miraculous healings, as detailed in the preceding verses of [Matthew 4:23-24](/matthew/4-23-24 "Matthew 4:23-24 - Jesus' Ministry of Teaching and Healing"). His message of the Kingdom of Heaven resonated deeply, offering hope, healing, and spiritual transformation that transcended geographical and social boundaries. People were drawn by the compelling evidence of His divine power over sickness and disease, and by the profound wisdom of His words, which were unlike anything they had heard from traditional religious leaders ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")). The sheer novelty and power of His ministry created a magnetic pull, prompting individuals to travel significant distances to hear and experience His presence.

**What is the significance of the specific regions listed in Matthew 4:25?**

Answer: The listing of [Galilee](/galilee "Galilee - Region of Northern Israel"), [Decapolis](/decapolis "Decapolis - Ten Cities Region"), [Jerusalem](/jerusalem "Jerusalem - Capital City"), [Judaea](/judaea "Judaea - Southern Region of Israel"), and [beyond Jordan](/jordan "Jordan River and Beyond") is highly significant. It highlights the extensive and diverse reach of Jesus' early ministry, demonstrating that His fame was not confined to one area or one type of people. Galilee was His operational base, while Decapolis, a predominantly Gentile region, shows His appeal extended beyond Jewish populations. Jerusalem and Judaea represent the religious heartland, indicating His reputation had reached the very center of Jewish life. "Beyond Jordan" (Perea) further expands the scope to the eastern bank. This comprehensive geographical catalogue underscores the universal nature of the Gospel, foreshadowing Jesus' mission to draw people from "all nations" to Himself ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 4:25, with its depiction of "great multitudes" from diverse regions following Jesus, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate and universal reign. This early gathering of people from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judaea, and beyond Jordan is an initial manifestation of Jesus as the true Shepherd who gathers His sheep from every corner, fulfilling ancient prophecies of a Messiah who would draw all peoples to Himself. He is the Light of the World ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), naturally attracting all humanity to His divine truth and saving grace. This magnetic presence culminates in His sacrificial death on the cross, through which He declared, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself" ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People to Himself")). The scene in Matthew 4:25 anticipates the Great Commission, where His disciples are commanded to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")), and ultimately, the glorious vision in Revelation of a multitude "from every tribe and language and people and nation" standing before the throne of the Lamb ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation Worships God")). Thus, the crowds in Matthew 4:25 are a microcosm of the global redeemed community that Christ, through His life, death, and resurrection, would gather into His eternal Kingdom.

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

Luke 6:17

And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

Mark 5:20

And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all [men] did marvel.

Mark 3:7

But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,

Mark 3:8

And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and [from] beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.

Mark 7:31

¶ And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

Mark 6:2

And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing [him] were astonished, saying, From whence hath this [man] these things? and what wisdom [is] this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

Matthew 8:1

¶ When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.