Matthew 14:35
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Matthew 14:35
35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;
Chapter Context
Matthew 14 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, worship, obedience. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-36: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 14:35
35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;
Analysis
And when the men of that place had knowledge of him (καὶ ἐπιγνόντες αὐτὸν οἱ ἄνδρες τοῦ τόπου ἐκείνου)—The verb ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginōskō, 'to recognize, to know fully') indicates they didn't merely see a stranger but recognized Jesus specifically. His fame had spread throughout Galilee (4:24), making Him recognizable. The phrase οἱ ἄνδρες (hoi andres, 'the men') may indicate the male heads of households who organized the response, though women and children certainly came as well (v. 38 implies their presence).
They sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased (ἀπέστειλαν εἰς ὅλην τὴν περίχωρον ἐκείνην καὶ προσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ πάντας τοὺς κακῶς ἔχοντας)—The verb ἀποστέλλω (apostellō, 'to send with a commission') shows organized effort. They sent messengers throughout the περίχωρος (perichōros, 'surrounding region') and brought (προσφέρω, prospherō) all the κακῶς ἔχοντας ('badly having,' idiom for 'sick' or 'ill'). Their faith contrasts with Nazareth's unbelief (13:58)—they acted on Jesus's reputation, gathering the sick for healing.
Historical Context
News traveled rapidly in first-century Galilee through word of mouth and traveling merchants. The densely populated region around the Sea of Galilee contained numerous villages within walking distance. Gennesaret's central location and the Via Maris (major trade route) passing through the region facilitated rapid communication. The response shows the desperation of those with chronic illnesses in an age without modern medicine.
Reflection
- How does the spreading of news about Jesus model evangelistic responsibility—telling others what we've witnessed?
- What does their immediate action teach about responding to spiritual opportunity while Christ is accessible?