Matthew 4:19
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 11
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
ὀπίσω
G3694
ὀπίσω
Strong's:
G3694
Word #:
5 of 11
to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιήσω
I will make
G4160
ποιήσω
I will make
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 11
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
John 12:26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.Matthew 16:24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.John 1:43The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.Luke 9:59And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.John 21:22Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.Luke 5:27And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.Mark 2:14And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.Matthew 19:21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.Matthew 8:22But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.Matthew 9:9And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
Historical Context
Simon and Andrew were commercial fishermen on Galilee—hard, skilled work requiring strength and patience. Jesus' wordplay ('fishers' to 'fishers of men') gave dignity to their background while redirecting their skills. The immediate call required instant decision.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' call to 'follow' require you to leave behind?
- How have you experienced Christ 'making' you into what He called you to be?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' call 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men' transforms the disciples' occupation into a metaphor for evangelism. The promise 'I will make you' shows discipleship is a process where Christ shapes His followers. The shift from catching fish to catching men requires leaving former occupations and priorities—following precedes being 'made' effective.