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Matthew 4

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,

The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.

What does Matthew 4:17 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 4:17 is a concise statement summarizing Jesus's core message at the beginning of his public ministry. When it says "Repent," it is calling for a change of mind and heart, a turning away from sin and turning toward God.

The phrase "for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" indicates the immediate presence of God's reign, suggesting that with Jesus's coming, the sovereign rule and saving power of God are now accessible to people.

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Historical Context

This verse occurs shortly after Jesus's baptism by John the Baptist and his temptation in the wilderness, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.

It marks the beginning of Jesus's active ministry in Galilee, following the arrest of John the Baptist.

The proclamation of the kingdom of heaven reflects Jewish Messianic expectations of the time, where people anticipated the arrival of God’s chosen One who would inaugurate a new age of righteousness and peace.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse presents several insights:

Repentance: It underscores the importance of repentance, a common theme throughout the Bible, indicating not just sorrow for sin but also an active turning away from it.
Kingdom of Heaven: The term "kingdom of heaven" is unique to Matthew's Gospel and is often interpreted as synonymous with "kingdom of God," indicating a realm where God's will is fulfilled.
Eschatology: The immediacy of the kingdom's arrival has eschatological overtones, suggesting the end times were perceived as being near.
Jesus’s Authority: It establishes Jesus's authority as a preacher and teacher, and one who declares and brings about God’s rule.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life by:

Encouraging ongoing self-reflection and repentance as part of one’s spiritual process.
Reminding believers to live with an awareness of God’s proximity and sovereignty.
Inspiring individuals to prioritize spiritual transformation and alignment with God's will.

Cross-References

Mark 1:15 - "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."
Luke 13:3 - "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."
Acts 3:19 - "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."

Language Study

In the original Greek language:

"Repent" translates from "μετανοέω" (metanoeō), meaning to change one's mind or purpose.
"Kingdom" is “βασιλεία” (basileia), often referring to the reign or realm of a king.
"At hand" is from “ἐγγίζω” (engizō), meaning near or close by.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a coming kingdom and the necessity for repentance has parallels in other ancient cultures and religions.

For example, in Judaism, the idea of a Messianic age and the accompanying call for a return to God is prominent.

Outside of the Abrahamic traditions, many ancient religions also have concepts of an approaching age or era, often tied to cycles of time and requiring purity or transformation.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself does not intersect directly with scientific understanding, modern psychology might contribute insights into the process and effects of repentance, which involves cognitive and behavioral change.

Commentaries

Differring scholars and theologians offer several viewpoints:

Some scholars suggest Jesus's message reflects an apocalyptic tone, with an imminent expectation of God's intervention.
Others believe that "the kingdom of heaven is at hand" suggests the presence of a spiritual reality that Jesus was initiating through his teachings and actions.
There's also a perspective that sees this verse as an invitation to personal transformation aligned with Jesus's own ministry, beyond merely preparing for an eschatological event.

Matthew 4

Matthew 4

What does Matthew 4:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 4:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?