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Matthew 4:17

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From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

From {G575} that time {G5119} Jesus {G2424} began {G756} to preach {G2784}, and {G2532} to say {G3004}, Repent {G3340}: for {G1063} the kingdom {G932} of heaven {G3772} is at hand {G1448}.

From that time on, Yeshua began proclaiming, "Turn from your sins to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near!"

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

From that time began Jesus to preach, and to say, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Commentary

Matthew 4:17 marks a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative: the inauguration of Jesus Christ's public ministry. After His temptation in the wilderness and the arrest of John the Baptist, Jesus steps onto the public stage in Galilee with a profound and urgent message that would define His entire ministry.

Context

This verse follows significant events in Jesus' early life and ministry. Having successfully withstood the temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), Jesus heard of the imprisonment of John the Baptist (Matthew 4:12). This event signaled a transition, as John's preparatory ministry concluded and Jesus' active public phase began. Jesus then withdrew to Galilee, settling in Capernaum (Matthew 4:13), fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah 9:1-2 regarding "Galilee of the Gentiles" being the place where a great light would shine (Matthew 4:14-16). From this strategic location, Jesus launched His mission, proclaiming a message that was both familiar and revolutionary.

Key Themes

  • Repentance: The primary call to action is "Repent." This isn't merely feeling sorry for one's sins, but a fundamental change of mind (Greek: metanoeō) that leads to a change in direction, attitude, and behavior. It signifies a turning away from sin and a turning towards God.
  • The Kingdom of Heaven: Central to Jesus' teaching, this phrase (Matthew's preferred term for "Kingdom of God") refers to God's sovereign rule and reign, not just a geographical place. It is a spiritual reality where God's will is done, His authority is recognized, and His blessings are experienced.
  • Imminence: The phrase "is at hand" (Greek: ēngiken) emphasizes the kingdom's nearness and accessibility. It signifies that the long-awaited reign of God, prophesied in the Old Testament, has drawn near and is now breaking into human history through the person and ministry of Jesus. It is not just a future hope, but a present reality that has become available.
  • Inauguration of Jesus' Ministry: This verse marks the official beginning of Jesus' public preaching. It sets the stage for His subsequent teachings, miracles, and the gathering of His disciples.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "repent" is metanoeō (μετανοέω), which literally means to "change one's mind." However, in the biblical context, it carries the deeper implication of a complete reorientation of one's life—a moral and spiritual transformation that results in a new way of living aligned with God's will. The "kingdom of heaven" (basileia tōn ouranōn - βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν) is a Jewish circumlocution for "kingdom of God," used by Matthew to show reverence for God's name, avoiding direct utterance. The concept of the kingdom is dynamic, representing God's active rule rather than a static realm. Its being "at hand" (ēngiken - ἤγγικεν) suggests that it has arrived and is now accessible, not just approaching from a distance.

Practical Application

The call to repentance and the declaration of the kingdom's nearness remain timeless. For believers today, Matthew 4:17 serves as a foundational reminder:

  • Ongoing Repentance: Repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing posture of humility and willingness to align one's life with God's standards.
  • Living in the Kingdom: The kingdom of heaven is not just a future destination but a present reality that we can live within. It invites individuals to align their lives with God's active reign, which is both a present spiritual reality and a future consummation.
  • Urgency and Hope: Jesus' message carries both urgency (to repent) and immense hope (the kingdom is near). This echoes the message of John the Baptist, signaling a continuity but also an intensification with the arrival of the King Himself.

This verse encapsulates the core of Jesus' early preaching, emphasizing transformation of heart and life in light of God's present and powerful reign.

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

  • Matthew 3:2 (33 votes)

    And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

  • Mark 1:14 (23 votes)

    ¶ Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

  • Mark 1:15 (23 votes)

    And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

  • Acts 2:38 (22 votes)

    Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

  • Luke 5:32 (16 votes)

    I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

  • Luke 24:47 (15 votes)

    And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

  • Acts 17:30 (14 votes)

    And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: