Matthew 4:25
And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἠκολούθησαν
there followed
G190
ἠκολούθησαν
there followed
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
2 of 18
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 #:
3 of 18
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
ὄχλοι
multitudes of people
G3793
ὄχλοι
multitudes of people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
4 of 18
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
πολλοὶ
great
G4183
πολλοὶ
great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
5 of 18
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 18
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Γαλιλαίας
Galilee
G1056
Γαλιλαίας
Galilee
Strong's:
G1056
Word #:
8 of 18
galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Δεκαπόλεως
from Decapolis
G1179
Δεκαπόλεως
from Decapolis
Strong's:
G1179
Word #:
10 of 18
the ten-city region; the decapolis, a district in syria
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἱεροσολύμων
from Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσολύμων
from Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
12 of 18
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἰουδαίας
from Judaea
G2449
Ἰουδαίας
from Judaea
Strong's:
G2449
Word #:
14 of 18
the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Luke 6:17And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;Mark 5:20And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.Mark 7:31And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.
Historical Context
Decapolis ('ten cities') was a region southeast of Galilee with predominantly Gentile population. The geographic list shows Jesus' ministry attracting both Jews and Gentiles. Travel required significant effort, indicating strong motivation to hear Jesus despite distance and difficulty.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the mixed composition of the crowds teach about distinguishing between genuine disciples and mere followers?
- How should the church today respond to those who come with varied motives—some genuine, some superficial?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'great multitudes' following Jesus from multiple regions demonstrates the magnetic power of His teaching and miracles. The geographic breadth—Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond Jordan—shows how quickly His fame spread. These crowds represent varied motives: some sought healing, others teaching, some were merely curious. This mixed multitude foreshadows the visible church containing both wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-30).