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Matthew 9:1

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¶ And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

And {G2532} he entered {G1684} into {G1519} a ship {G4143}, and passed over {G1276}, and {G2532} came {G2064} into {G1519} his own {G2398} city {G4172}.

So he stepped into a boat, crossed the lake again and came to his own town.

Jesus got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own town.

And he entered into a boat, and crossed over, and came into his own city.

Commentary

Matthew 9:1 serves as a concise transitional verse, marking a significant shift in Jesus's ministry location and setting the stage for a new series of impactful events. Following His powerful display of authority on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus returns to the familiar grounds of His established base.

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic events recounted in Matthew chapter 8. Jesus had just demonstrated His divine power by calming a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee and then casting a legion of demons out of two men into a herd of swine in the region of the Gergesenes (Matthew 8:28-34). The inhabitants of that region, fearful and perhaps concerned about their economic loss, urged Him to leave. Thus, Jesus "entered into a ship, and passed over," crossing the Sea of Galilee back to the western shore.

The phrase "his own city" refers to Capernaum. While Jesus was born in Bethlehem and grew up in Nazareth, Capernaum became His primary residence and the hub of His Galilean ministry after He left Nazareth (Matthew 4:13). It was a bustling fishing town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, strategically located for His teachings and healings.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Purposeful Movement: Jesus's actions were always intentional. His departure from the Gergesenes and return to Capernaum were part of His divine plan to reach and teach different communities.
  • Capernaum's Centrality: The designation "his own city" underscores Capernaum's importance as the operational center for Jesus's early public ministry. Many significant miracles, parables, and teachings occurred in this city.
  • Transition in Ministry: This verse serves as a bridge, concluding the accounts of Jesus's authority over nature and demons, and preparing for a new series of demonstrations of His authority over sin and sickness, beginning with the healing of the paralytic in the very next verse.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "his own city" translates the Greek idios polis (ἰδίας πόλιν). The term idios emphasizes a personal connection or possession, indicating that Capernaum was Jesus's adopted home or base of operations during His public ministry, distinct from His familial hometown of Nazareth. This highlights the establishment of His ministry headquarters in a strategic location.

Practical Application

Though brief, Matthew 9:1 reminds us of Jesus's strategic and consistent engagement with the world. He didn't stay where He wasn't wanted but moved to where His message could be received. For believers today, this can inspire us to find our own "bases" or communities where we can consistently serve and share the Gospel, much like Capernaum was for Jesus. It also shows the importance of moving forward in ministry, even when faced with rejection, trusting in God's guiding hand to lead us to new opportunities for impact.

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 4:13 (5 votes)

    And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:

  • Luke 8:37 (4 votes)

    Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

  • Matthew 7:6 (3 votes)

    Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

  • Matthew 8:18 (3 votes)

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

  • Mark 5:21 (3 votes)

    ¶ And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.

  • Revelation 22:11 (2 votes)

    He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

  • Matthew 8:23 (2 votes)

    ¶ And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.