Matthew 4:22
And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρα
father
G3962
πατέρα
father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
9 of 12
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 12
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
Cross References
Matthew 10:37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.Mark 1:20And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.Luke 14:26If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Historical Context
This second calling of fishermen established a pattern for apostolic ministry. Most disciples came from Galilee's working class—fishermen, tax collectors—not from religious elite or wealthy classes. This fulfilled God's pattern of choosing the foolish and weak to shame the wise and strong (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the repeated pattern of immediate obedience demonstrate that genuine faith produces visible life transformation?
- What might you need to 'leave behind' to follow Christ more fully, and what assurance do you have about what you leave?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The repetition of immediate obedience ('immediately they left the ship and their father, and followed him') reinforces the radical nature of discipleship. True conversion produces immediate, visible transformation of life priorities. The detail that Zebedee remained with hired servants suggests the business would continue, showing that obeying Christ's call doesn't necessarily destroy what we leave behind—God cares for remaining responsibilities.