Matthew 20:29
And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκπορευομένων
as they departed
G1607
ἐκπορευομένων
as they departed
Strong's:
G1607
Word #:
2 of 9
to depart, be discharged, proceed, project
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 9
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
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
4 of 9
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἠκολούθησεν
followed
G190
ἠκολούθησεν
followed
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 9
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
First-century Jericho was Herod the Great's winter palace city, rebuilt magnificently with palaces, fortresses, and aqueducts. The city had dual settlements: Old Testament Jericho (Tel es-Sultan) and Herodian Jericho. Jesus likely passed through both, explaining the apparent discrepancy between Matthew/Mark (leaving Jericho) and Luke 18:35 (entering Jericho). The road to Jerusalem was the primary Passover pilgrimage route for Galilean Jews avoiding Samaritan territory.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the geographical 'going up' from Jericho to Jerusalem mirror the spiritual journey Jesus calls His disciples to make?
- What does the large crowd's mixed motives reveal about the danger of following Jesus for the wrong reasons?
- How do the Old Testament echoes of Jericho (conquest, healing) foreshadow Jesus's work in Jerusalem?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And as they departed from Jericho (ἐκπορευομένων αὐτῶν ἀπὸ Ἰεριχώ)—The genitive absolute construction marks a geographical and theological transition. Jericho, Israel's gateway city 17 miles from Jerusalem, symbolizes the beginning of the final ascent to Calvary. A great multitude followed him (ὄχλος πολὺς)—The ochlos polys (large crowd) consisted of Passover pilgrims; Josephus estimates 2-3 million Jews crowded Jerusalem during the feast. Most followed for spectacle and hoped-for political revolution, not understanding Jesus's true mission.
Jericho carries rich Old Testament typology: Joshua conquered it as Israel's first victory in the Promised Land (Joshua 6); Elisha healed its waters (2 Kings 2:19-22); now Jesus passes through on the way to His ultimate conquest of sin and death. The road from Jericho to Jerusalem, ascending 3,500 feet over 17 miles through wilderness, was notorious for bandits (Luke 10:30).