Matthew 8:18

KJV

¶ Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} when Jesus {G2424} saw {G1492} great {G4183} multitudes {G3793} about {G4012} him {G846}, he gave commandment {G2753} to depart {G565} unto {G1519} the other side {G4008}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Yeshua saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake.

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus saw a large crowd around Him, He gave orders to cross to the other side of the sea.

American Standard Version

Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 8:18 marks a significant transition in Jesus' ministry, depicting His decisive leadership amidst overwhelming popularity. Having performed numerous miracles and taught extensively, Jesus observes the immense crowds pressing upon Him and issues a direct command to His disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee to the "other side," initiating a new phase of His journey that would involve more focused instruction for His followers and encounters in Gentile territory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a concentrated period of intense healing and teaching ministry in Capernaum and the surrounding region, vividly described in [Matthew 8:1-17](/matthew/8-1-17 "Matthew 8:1-17 - Jesus' Miracles of Healing and Authority"). Jesus had just demonstrated His unparalleled authority over disease and infirmity by cleansing a leper, healing the Roman centurion's servant from a distance, and restoring Peter's mother-in-law. The narrative emphasizes the sheer volume of people who came to Him, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy that He would "take our infirmities and bear our diseases" ([Matthew 8:17](/matthew/8-17 "Matthew 8:17 - Jesus Fulfills Prophecy")). The "great multitudes" are a direct consequence of these powerful displays and the profound teachings, such as those found in [the Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"), which had recently concluded. Jesus' command to depart, therefore, represents a strategic pivot from widespread public ministry to a more intimate and focused time with His disciples, foreshadowing the deeper lessons on discipleship that follow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Capernaum, a bustling fishing village on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, which served as Jesus' primary base of operations during His Galilean ministry. The "great multitudes" were typical of the large gatherings that would form around popular teachers and miracle workers in ancient Israel. Privacy was scarce, and the demands on public figures were immense. The "other side" typically refers to the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, a region largely inhabited by Gentiles (e.g., the Decapolis cities like Gadara or Gergesa). Crossing to this side would mean leaving predominantly Jewish territory for areas with different cultural norms and religious practices, often considered unclean by strict Jewish standards. This geographical shift is not merely a change of scenery but carries significant theological implications, hinting at the universal scope of Jesus' mission beyond the confines of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 8:18 contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Strategic Movement and Sovereignty**. His decision to cross the sea is not a reaction of exhaustion but a deliberate, proactive choice, demonstrating His control over His ministry's pace and direction. This move allows Him to escape the constant press of the crowds, find moments of rest, and prepare for further, more intensive teaching for His disciples, particularly concerning the nature of discipleship and His authority over creation, as seen in the subsequent calming of the storm ([Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). Secondly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **The Cost of Discipleship**, as Jesus' command to depart immediately precedes His challenging conversations with potential followers, underscoring that following Him involves leaving comfort zones and embracing difficult journeys ([Matthew 8:19-22](/matthew/8-19-22 "Matthew 8:19-22 - The Cost of Following Jesus")). Finally, it touches upon **Managing Ministry Demands**, illustrating Jesus' wise approach to the pressures of public life, ensuring time for focused instruction and, implicitly, for spiritual replenishment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This is not merely a casual glance but implies a deep perception or understanding. Jesus "saw" the great multitudes not just with His physical eyes, but He perceived the implications of their presence—the overwhelming demand, the potential for misunderstanding His mission, and the need for a strategic shift. It suggests a knowing awareness of the situation and its spiritual dynamics.
* **multitudes (Greek, _óchlos'_):** This term refers to a large, unorganized, and often undifferentiated throng of people. It conveys the sense of a pressing, perhaps even chaotic, crowd rather than an orderly assembly. The use of "great" (polýs) further emphasizes the sheer scale and density of the people surrounding Jesus, highlighting the immense pressure and attention He was under.
* **gave commandment (Greek, _keleúō'_):** This verb is a strong term, indicating a firm and decisive order, not a mere suggestion or request. It underscores Jesus' active leadership, authority, and sovereign control over His itinerary and the actions of His disciples. He is not being driven by the crowds but is intentionally initiating the next phase of His ministry journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him":** This clause sets the scene, indicating the immediate context of Jesus' decision. The "Now" (dé) serves as a connective particle, linking this action to the preceding events of healing and teaching. Jesus' perception of the "great multitudes" highlights the immense popularity and the constant demands placed upon Him, creating the impetus for His subsequent action.
* **"he gave commandment":** This phrase emphasizes Jesus' divine authority and proactive leadership. He is not reacting passively to the crowds but is taking authoritative initiative. The "commandment" (keleúō) signifies a clear, decisive order to His disciples, indicating a shift in their immediate mission and direction.
* **"to depart unto the other side":** This specifies the content and destination of Jesus' command. "To depart" (apérchomai) denotes a movement away from the current location, while "unto the other side" (eis péran) indicates the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. This physical relocation carries significant symbolic weight, representing a transition to new territory, often Gentile, and a new phase of ministry focused on deeper instruction for His disciples.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 8:18 functions as a pivotal **Narrative Transition** within the Gospel, shifting the focus from Jesus' widespread public ministry of healing and teaching to a more concentrated period of discipleship training and encounters in new, often challenging, environments. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the demanding nature of discipleship and the universal scope of Jesus' mission. The act of crossing to "the other side" subtly foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God's kingdom, a theme that becomes more explicit later in Matthew. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the overwhelming public demands (the "great multitudes") and Jesus' intentional withdrawal for more focused, private instruction with His inner circle, demonstrating a strategic approach to ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 8:18 reveals Jesus' profound wisdom and divine sovereignty in managing His earthly ministry. It underscores that His actions were not merely reactive but part of a deliberate, divinely orchestrated plan. His decision to withdraw from the pressing crowds and cross to "the other side" highlights His commitment to training His disciples, preparing them for future ministry, and revealing deeper truths about His identity and kingdom. This strategic withdrawal also serves as a model for spiritual leadership, demonstrating the importance of discernment, setting boundaries, and prioritizing focused instruction and personal replenishment over constant public engagement. It shows that even the Son of God, in His human form, recognized the need for strategic movement and focused time with His closest followers.

* [Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Withdraws to Pray")
* [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Often Withdrew to Pray")
* [John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - Jesus Withdraws from Crowds After Feeding the Five Thousand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 8:18 offers invaluable insights for contemporary believers regarding discernment, leadership, and the nature of discipleship. Just as Jesus recognized the need to shift His focus from the clamoring crowds to more intimate instruction and strategic movement, we too must cultivate spiritual discernment to understand when to engage and when to withdraw. This might mean setting healthy boundaries in our lives, prioritizing focused time with God, or investing deeply in a few key relationships rather than being constantly consumed by external demands. Following Jesus often calls us out of our comfort zones and into new territories, both physically and spiritually. We must be prepared to follow His leading, even when it means venturing into the "other side" of our expectations, fears, or familiar routines. True discipleship requires proactive decision-making and a willingness to embrace change, trusting that Jesus' commands always lead to His greater purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel overwhelmed by "multitudes" or constant demands, and how might Jesus' example of strategic withdrawal inform your response?**
* **What "other side" might Jesus be calling you to depart to in your spiritual journey, and what might that transition entail?**
* **How can you cultivate greater discernment to know when to engage publicly and when to seek more focused, private time for spiritual growth and preparation?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus give commandment to depart from the multitudes?**

Answer: Jesus' decision to depart was multifaceted and strategic. Firstly, it allowed Him to escape the overwhelming pressure and constant demands of the "great multitudes" ([Matthew 8:18](/matthew/8-18 "Matthew 8:18 - Jesus Commands to Depart")). The crowds, while eager for healing and teaching, often misunderstood His messianic mission, sometimes seeking to make Him an earthly king ([John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - Jesus Withdraws from Crowds")). Secondly, departing to "the other side" provided an opportunity for more focused, intimate instruction with His disciples, preparing them for their future ministry. This is evident in the subsequent events, such as the calming of the storm ([Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and the encounter with the Gerasene demoniacs ([Matthew 8:28-34](/matthew/8-28-34 "Matthew 8:28-34 - Jesus Heals Two Demon-Possessed Men")), which offered crucial lessons on His authority and the nature of the spiritual realm. It was a strategic move to advance His kingdom purposes and deepen the understanding of His closest followers.

**What is the significance of "the other side" in this context?**

Answer: "The other side" (Greek: _péran_) primarily refers to the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, a region largely populated by Gentiles, particularly the Decapolis cities. This geographical shift is significant because it marks Jesus' intentional movement into non-Jewish territory, foreshadowing the universal scope of His ministry and the eventual inclusion of Gentiles into the Kingdom of God. It also represents a departure from the familiar, predominantly Jewish, environment of Capernaum. Spiritually, "the other side" can symbolize a step into new, often challenging, spiritual territory, requiring faith and a willingness to confront unfamiliar circumstances, as exemplified by the storm they encounter on the way ([Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and the demon-possessed men they meet upon arrival ([Matthew 8:28-34](/matthew/8-28-34 "Matthew 8:28-34 - Jesus Heals Two Demon-Possessed Men")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 8:18, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, profoundly illustrates Christ's sovereign control over His mission and His deliberate preparation of His disciples for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, the Lord of all, was not swayed by the clamor of the "great multitudes" or driven by popular demand; rather, He "gave commandment" to depart, demonstrating His divine authority and strategic foresight. This act of withdrawal and transition to "the other side" foreshadows the broader scope of His redemptive work, extending beyond the confines of Israel to embrace the Gentiles, ultimately culminating in the Great Commission to make disciples of "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). His intentional separation from the crowds also highlights His commitment to nurturing His inner circle, imparting deeper truths to those who would carry on His ministry after His ascension. This prefigures the intimate fellowship and intensive training Christ provides to His Church, equipping them through His Holy Spirit to navigate the storms of life and proclaim the gospel to every corner of the earth, just as He prepared His disciples for the journey across the stormy sea to a new, challenging territory ([Mark 4:35-41](/mark/4-35-41 "Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). In every strategic move, Jesus was fulfilling His Father's will, demonstrating the perfect wisdom of God in bringing about salvation for all who believe.

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 8:22

¶ Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

Luke 4:42

And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.

Luke 4:43

And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

Mark 4:35

¶ And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

John 6:15

¶ When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

Matthew 14:22

¶ And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

Mark 8:13

And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.