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Matthew 13:1

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¶ The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.

{G1161} The same {G1722}{G1565} day {G2250} went {G1831} Jesus {G2424} out of {G575} the house {G3614}, and sat {G2521} by {G3844} the sea side {G2281}.

That same day, Yeshua went out of the house and sat down by the lake;

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea.

On that day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.

Commentary

Matthew 13:1 marks a pivotal transition in Jesus’ ministry as recorded by Matthew. Following a period of intense confrontation and growing opposition from religious leaders, Jesus shifts His teaching approach, moving from more private instruction to public parables.

Context and Setting

The phrase "The same day" connects this verse directly to the preceding events in Matthew chapter 12, where Jesus faces accusations of blasphemy and debates with the Pharisees. This indicates an immediate continuation of His public ministry despite the rising tension.

Jesus "went out of the house," which likely refers to a dwelling in Capernaum, His base of operations in Galilee. Moving "by the sea side" indicates the shore of the Sea of Galilee, a large, open area where vast crowds could easily gather. This setting provided a natural amphitheater, ideal for public address, and would soon lead to Jesus teaching from a boat, as described in subsequent verses (Matthew 13:2).

Key Themes and Significance

  • Transition in Teaching Method: This verse introduces a major shift in Jesus' pedagogical strategy. Up to this point, much of His teaching was direct. Here, He begins to teach extensively in parables, a method that would both reveal truth to those with open hearts and veil it from those hardened by unbelief (as explained in Matthew 13:10-17).
  • Accessibility and Public Ministry: Despite the opposition, Jesus does not withdraw but actively seeks out public spaces to engage the masses. His presence by the sea side underscores His commitment to reaching all people, demonstrating His compassion for the crowds who were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
  • Divine Authority: Jesus' ability to command such large audiences and transition His teaching style with purpose highlights His inherent authority as a teacher and Son of God, fulfilling prophecies related to His ministry (Isaiah 42:1-4).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "The same day" translates the Greek en tē hēmera ekeinē, emphasizing the immediate chronological link to the preceding narrative. The term for "sea side" (Greek: para tēn thalassan) simply means "by the sea," referring to the shore of the Sea of Galilee, a central location for much of Jesus' Galilean ministry.

Practical Application

Matthew 13:1 reminds us that effective communication often requires adaptability. Jesus, the master teacher, changed His method to suit His audience and the spiritual climate. For us, this suggests the importance of finding appropriate ways to share truth, meeting people where they are. It also reinforces the idea that true ministry is often found among the people, in accessible places, rather than exclusively within confined religious structures. Jesus consistently sought to connect with ordinary people, inviting them to hear and understand God's kingdom.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 8:4 (7 votes)

    ¶ And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:

  • Luke 8:10 (7 votes)

    And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

  • Matthew 13:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.

  • Matthew 13:15 (5 votes)

    For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

  • Mark 4:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

  • Mark 4:12 (3 votes)

    That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and [their] sins should be forgiven them.

  • Matthew 13:36 (2 votes)

    Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.