Matthew 9:9
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παράγων
passed forth
G3855
παράγων
passed forth
Strong's:
G3855
Word #:
2 of 22
to lead near, i.e., (reflexively or intransitively) to go along or away
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 22
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
εἶδεν
he saw
G1492
εἶδεν
he saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 22
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καθήμενον
sitting
G2521
καθήμενον
sitting
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
8 of 22
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
ἐπὶ
at
G1909
ἐπὶ
at
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ματθαῖον
Matthew
G3156
Ματθαῖον
Matthew
Strong's:
G3156
Word #:
12 of 22
matthaeus (i.e., matthitjah), an israelite and a christian
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
13 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 22
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 #:
15 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 22
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
ἠκολούθησεν
Follow
G190
ἠκολούθησεν
Follow
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
17 of 22
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀναστὰς
he arose
G450
ἀναστὰς
he arose
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
20 of 22
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
Cross References
Mark 3:18And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,Galatians 1:16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:Acts 1:13And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.Matthew 10:3Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;Luke 6:15Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,
Historical Context
Tax collectors purchased the right to collect taxes, then extorted excess for profit. They worked with Roman occupiers, making them religious and social outcasts. Matthew's toll booth was likely on a major trade route. His decision to follow cost financial security but gained eternal life.
Questions for Reflection
- What is Jesus' call to 'follow' costing you?
- How does Jesus' call to Matthew encourage you about your past or present?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' call to Matthew (also called Levi), a tax collector, demonstrates grace to notorious sinners. The command 'Follow me' required abandoning a lucrative career and facing social ostracism. Matthew's response—'he arose, and followed him'—shows immediate, costly obedience. Tax collectors were despised as traitors collaborating with Rome and known for extortion. Jesus' willingness to call Matthew reveals the gospel's radical inclusivity.