Matthew 4:17
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Original Language Analysis
Ἀπὸ
From
G575
Ἀπὸ
From
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
1 of 15
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τότε
that time
G5119
τότε
that time
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
2 of 15
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
κηρύσσειν
to preach
G2784
κηρύσσειν
to preach
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
6 of 15
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγειν
to say
G3004
λέγειν
to say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Μετανοεῖτε·
Repent
G3340
Μετανοεῖτε·
Repent
Strong's:
G3340
Word #:
9 of 15
to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
the kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Matthew 3:2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.Acts 2:38Then 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 5:32I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.Luke 24:47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.Acts 17:30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:Matthew 9:13But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.Acts 26:20But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.Luke 15:7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.Acts 3:19Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;Luke 15:10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Historical Context
Jesus' ministry began in Galilee, not Jerusalem—significant because Galilee was considered backward by Judean standards. This fulfills Isaiah 9:1-2 about light shining in 'Galilee of the Gentiles.' John's imprisonment occurred around 28 AD after about 18 months of ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus taking up John's message challenge you about faithfulness despite opposition?
- What does it mean for you today that the kingdom of heaven is 'at hand'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
After John's imprisonment, Jesus begins preaching the identical message: 'Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' This continuity shows Jesus fulfills John's preparatory ministry. However, Jesus as King proclaims the kingdom's arrival with greater authority. 'From that time' marks the formal beginning of Jesus' Galilean ministry, demonstrating God's sovereign timing despite opposition.