Matthew 11:1
And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
G1096
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
2 of 21
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἐτέλεσεν
had made an end
G5055
ἐτέλεσεν
had made an end
Strong's:
G5055
Word #:
4 of 21
to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
διατάσσων
of commanding
G1299
διατάσσων
of commanding
Strong's:
G1299
Word #:
7 of 21
to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κηρύσσειν
to preach
G2784
κηρύσσειν
to preach
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
17 of 21
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 10:38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.Matthew 9:35And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.Luke 8:1And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
Historical Context
Galilean ministry centered in synagogues where Jesus taught Scripture and proclaimed the kingdom. His itinerant pattern visited multiple towns, maximizing gospel reach. Early church continued this multiplication model: apostles established churches while continuing missionary journeys. Paul trained Timothy and Titus while planting new churches. This pattern—personal ministry plus trained workers—characterized effective gospel expansion throughout church history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus model both personal ministry and leadership development?
- What does ministry multiplication teach about effective kingdom expansion?
- How can we maintain personal engagement while delegating to others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
After commissioning the Twelve, 'Jesus departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities' (μετεβη εκειθεν του διδασκειν και κηρυσσειν εν ταις πολεσιν αυτων). Jesus doesn't cease ministry while sending disciples; He multiplies it. 'Their cities' refers to Galilean towns where He ministered. 'Teach' (διδασκειν) and 'preach' (κηρυσσειν) represent comprehensive ministry: instruction and proclamation. This models ministry multiplication: Jesus delegates to the Twelve while continuing His own work. The kingdom advances through both personal ministry and trained workers. Effective leadership develops others while maintaining personal engagement.