Matthew 19 2

Matthew 19:2 kjv

And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

Matthew 19:2 nkjv

And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them there.

Matthew 19:2 niv

Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.

Matthew 19:2 esv

And large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.

Matthew 19:2 nlt

Large crowds followed him there, and he healed their sick.

Matthew 19 verses

Matthew 19 2 Meaning

Matthew 19:2 describes a significant aspect of Jesus's public ministry: His compassionate healing power attracting widespread attention. Large numbers of people followed Him as He traveled through Judea, and in every instance, He responded to their physical ailments by completely healing all who sought His help in that specific location.

Matthew 19 2 Context

Matthew 19:2 begins Jesus's journey from Galilee to Judea, marking a pivotal transition in His ministry. Verse 1 notes Jesus's departure from Galilee and arrival "in the region of Judea beyond the Jordan." This location, also known as Perea, was on the eastern side of the Jordan River. While Matthew does not elaborate on the specific journey, the mention of "large crowds" indicates His widespread renown.

The preceding chapter (Matthew 18) focuses on discipleship teachings: humility, avoiding causing offense, the parable of the lost sheep, church discipline, and forgiveness. Immediately following this verse, Jesus is challenged by the Pharisees on the issue of divorce (Mt 19:3ff), which highlights a stark contrast between His compassionate acts toward the suffering crowds and the legalistic, challenging inquiries of the religious leaders. His healing ministry here underscores His identity and authority before engaging in contentious theological debate.

Matthew 19 2 Word analysis

• Large crowds (Greek: ὄχλοι πολλοί, ochloi polloi):

  • Significance: This phrase emphasizes the immense public interest and the widespread impact of Jesus's ministry. It signifies that Jesus was not a fringe figure but a widely recognized and followed leader, whose fame attracted vast numbers from diverse backgrounds.
  • Biblical context: The Gospels frequently mention large crowds following Jesus (e.g., Mt 4:25, 8:1, 13:2, 14:14). They were drawn by His teaching and, notably, by His miraculous works, especially healing.

• followed him (Greek: ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ, ēkolouthēsan autō):

  • Significance: This is not a passive observance but an active, deliberate pursuit. It indicates that the crowds actively sought out Jesus, journeying to be in His presence. This often implies a measure of expectation or hope for relief.
  • Connection: To "follow" Jesus can also refer to discipleship (Mk 1:17), but in this context, it emphasizes their seeking Him out physically.

• and he healed (Greek: καὶ ἐθεράπευσεν, kai etherapeusen):

  • Significance: "Therapeuō" (heal) implies care and service, often pointing to a thorough restoration, not just alleviation of symptoms. It suggests compassionate action stemming from divine power. The continuous action of "He healed" signifies Jesus's consistent practice of bringing restoration.
  • Implication: Jesus's power to heal validates His authority and divine mission (Jn 3:2, Acts 2:22), authenticating His claims as the Messiah.

• them (Greek: αὐτούς, autous):

  • Significance: Refers to the specific individuals within the large crowds who were suffering and brought to Him. This indicates that Jesus's healing was not a general phenomenon but applied personally to each individual needing help.
  • Context: While the crowds were large, Jesus's healing was specific to each afflicted person who came to Him, demonstrating His profound individual care.

• there (Greek: ἐκεῖ, ekei):

  • Significance: Points back to the specific location mentioned in Matthew 19:1, "the region of Judea beyond the Jordan." This stresses that Jesus's power to heal was not confined to a single area like Galilee, but was active wherever He went. It connects His healing presence directly to His physical location.
  • Meaning: It emphasizes that Jesus did not need a special setting or ritual; His healing power was intrinsically linked to His presence and availability.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • Large crowds followed him: This phrase highlights Jesus's immense popularity and the public's eagerness to seek Him out. It shows the societal impact of His ministry, driven by both His teaching and His miraculous deeds. The gathering of these multitudes underscores the great human need present at the time.
  • and he healed them there: This concise statement acts as the direct result of the crowds following Him. It showcases Jesus's consistent response to human suffering—divine compassion manifesting in tangible acts of healing. The phrase confirms the effective demonstration of God's power in Jesus's presence, signifying the breaking in of the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 19 2 Bonus section

• The widespread healing ministry recorded throughout the Gospels, and particularly in verses like Matthew 19:2, often served as direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming Messiah (e.g., Isa 35:5-6, 53:4).
• The spontaneous outpouring of healing wherever Jesus was present suggests that His power was inherent and readily accessible, not dependent on elaborate rituals or specific conditions from the supplicant beyond a willingness to approach Him.
• This verse provides a vivid contrast with the motivations of the religious leaders who often followed Jesus not to be healed or taught, but to test and entrap Him. The crowds were seeking help and healing, while the Pharisees sought grounds for accusation.
• The mention of "Judea beyond the Jordan" points to the expansive nature of Jesus's ministry, reaching beyond traditional Jewish areas to Perea, underscoring His universal appeal and the reach of God's grace.

Matthew 19 2 Commentary

Matthew 19:2 provides a profound summary of Jesus's public ministry, emphasizing the magnetic convergence of widespread human suffering and divine, compassionate power. The "large crowds" following Jesus speak to a world desperate for hope and restoration, driven by reports of His miraculous abilities and teachings. Jesus's consistent response, "He healed them there," underscores a key aspect of His Messianic identity and the inauguration of God's Kingdom.

His healing was not arbitrary or limited but consistently applied to all who came to Him, wherever He happened to be ("there"). This unwavering demonstration of authority over sickness and disease served multiple purposes: it validated His claims, revealed God's profound compassion for the afflicted, and acted as a powerful sign that the promised age of redemption was actively present in His person. Unlike the upcoming contentious debates with the Pharisees, this verse paints a picture of Jesus in selfless ministry, meeting tangible needs and offering practical hope, reinforcing the truth that where Jesus is present, restoration and power are available.