Matthew 14:35
And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;
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
ἐπιγνόντες
had knowledge
G1921
ἐπιγνόντες
had knowledge
Strong's:
G1921
Word #:
2 of 21
to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
αὐτῷ
of him
G846
αὐτῷ
of him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τόπου
place
G5117
τόπου
place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
7 of 21
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
ἐκείνην
of that
G1565
ἐκείνην
of that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
8 of 21
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ἀπέστειλαν
they sent out
G649
ἀπέστειλαν
they sent out
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
9 of 21
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὅλην
all
G3650
ὅλην
all
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
11 of 21
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περίχωρον
country round about
G4066
περίχωρον
country round about
Strong's:
G4066
Word #:
13 of 21
around the region, i.e., circumjacent (as noun, with g1093 implied vicinity)
ἐκείνην
of that
G1565
ἐκείνην
of that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
14 of 21
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσήνεγκαν
brought
G4374
προσήνεγκαν
brought
Strong's:
G4374
Word #:
16 of 21
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
αὐτῷ
of him
G846
αὐτῷ
of him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 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
Historical Context
News traveled rapidly in first-century Galilee through word of mouth and traveling merchants. The densely populated region around the Sea of Galilee contained numerous villages within walking distance. Gennesaret's central location and the Via Maris (major trade route) passing through the region facilitated rapid communication. The response shows the desperation of those with chronic illnesses in an age without modern medicine.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the spreading of news about Jesus model evangelistic responsibility—telling others what we've witnessed?
- What does their immediate action teach about responding to spiritual opportunity while Christ is accessible?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when the men of that place had knowledge of him (καὶ ἐπιγνόντες αὐτὸν οἱ ἄνδρες τοῦ τόπου ἐκείνου)—The verb ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginōskō, 'to recognize, to know fully') indicates they didn't merely see a stranger but recognized Jesus specifically. His fame had spread throughout Galilee (4:24), making Him recognizable. The phrase οἱ ἄνδρες (hoi andres, 'the men') may indicate the male heads of households who organized the response, though women and children certainly came as well (v. 38 implies their presence).
They sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased (ἀπέστειλαν εἰς ὅλην τὴν περίχωρον ἐκείνην καὶ προσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ πάντας τοὺς κακῶς ἔχοντας)—The verb ἀποστέλλω (apostellō, 'to send with a commission') shows organized effort. They sent messengers throughout the περίχωρος (perichōros, 'surrounding region') and brought (προσφέρω, prospherō) all the κακῶς ἔχοντας ('badly having,' idiom for 'sick' or 'ill'). Their faith contrasts with Nazareth's unbelief (13:58)—they acted on Jesus's reputation, gathering the sick for healing.