Matthew 4 22

Matthew 4:22 kjv

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

Matthew 4:22 nkjv

and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.

Matthew 4:22 niv

and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Matthew 4:22 esv

Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Matthew 4:22 nlt

They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.

Matthew 4 verses

Matthew 4 22 Meaning

Matthew 4:22 describes the immediate and radical response of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, to Jesus' call. They instantly left their livelihood and their familial ties to follow Him, demonstrating total surrender and complete reorientation of their lives towards Christ. This act highlights the uncompromising nature of true discipleship, which demands absolute loyalty and an unwavering commitment to Jesus above all earthly pursuits or relationships.

Matthew 4 22 Context

Matthew 4:22 appears in the narrative of Jesus beginning His public ministry in Galilee after His temptation in the wilderness. Having heard of John the Baptist's arrest, Jesus withdraws to Galilee and begins proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and calling people to repentance (Matt 4:12-17). Directly preceding this verse (Matt 4:18-20), Jesus called Peter and Andrew in a similar fashion, also on the Sea of Galilee. Matthew 4:22 completes this initial wave of disciple recruitment, introducing James and John as the final two of the first four core disciples. The chapter concludes with Jesus ministering throughout Galilee, teaching, healing, and drawing large crowds (Matt 4:23-25).

Culturally, fishing was a family trade, a primary means of sustenance, and an integral part of community life in ancient Galilee. For sons to "leave the boat and their father" was an extraordinarily significant act, signaling a departure from their established economic security, their inherited family duties, and the very foundation of their societal identity. This immediate response challenges the deeply ingrained values of filial piety and familial loyalty prevalent in Jewish society, emphasizing the unparalleled authority and supreme call of Jesus. Unlike typical rabbinic discipleship where students sought out teachers, here, Jesus takes the initiative, demonstrating His divine authority.

Matthew 4 22 Word analysis

• And (καὶ - kai): This conjunction links the call of James and John to the previous narrative about Peter and Andrew. It shows a continuous, deliberate pattern of Jesus calling His first disciples, rather than isolated events. It establishes a sequence of divine initiation.
• immediately (εὐθέως - eutheōs): This adverb emphasizes the absolute promptness and lack of hesitation in their response. There was no discussion, no delay for calculation of cost, and no farewells. It underscores the decisive, faith-filled nature of their commitment to Jesus' call. This term frequently appears in Mark's Gospel to denote swift divine action.
• they (αὐτοὶ - autoi): Refers to James and John, previously identified as the sons of Zebedee in verse 21. Their plural reference confirms a unified and simultaneous act of obedience.
• left (ἀφέντες - aphentes): This participle, from the verb aphiēmi, means to abandon, forsake, or let go. It signifies a decisive and deliberate severance from their former way of life and ties. It implies not just stepping away, but a permanent departure from what once defined them.
• the boat (τὸ πλοῖον - to ploion): Represents their livelihood, their workplace, their economic security, and their social standing as fishermen. Leaving it symbolizes a radical departure from their entire secular life and reliance on material provision for sustenance. It is a symbol of worldly stability being forsaken.
• and their father (καὶ τὸν πατέρα αὐτῶν - kai ton patera autōn): Zebedee. This is perhaps the most culturally profound aspect of their departure. In a highly familial and communal society, leaving one's father signified a dramatic shift in ultimate loyalty. It superseded traditional obligations, showcasing Jesus' supreme claim on their lives. However, Matt 4:21 notes Zebedee was with "hired servants," subtly indicating he wasn't left utterly helpless, mitigating some cultural shock while maintaining the impact of the sons' radical choice.
• and followed (ἠκολούθησαν - ēkolouthēsan) Him (αὐτῷ - autō): This phrase describes their core action. The verb akoloutheō signifies not merely walking behind but becoming a disciple, adopting His teachings, lifestyle, and mission. It denotes a change in direction, allegiance, and purpose—a complete reorientation of life toward Jesus as their new Lord and Master. It represents an active discipleship.

Matthew 4 22 Bonus section

• The parallel accounts in Mark and Luke also emphasize the "immediately" aspect of their call and response, underscoring the decisive nature of these initial disciples' faith. Matthew’s account specifically includes "hired servants" with Zebedee (Matt 4:21), a detail that somewhat tempers the idea of absolute filial neglect. It allows the radical obedience to Jesus to be highlighted without necessarily implying the dereliction of critical familial responsibility in an irresponsible way, thereby keeping the focus on their commitment to Jesus.
• The call to be "fishers of men" (Matt 4:19) which preceded their call in this passage is inherently connected to their leaving the boats. They were literally called from catching fish to metaphorically "catching" people for the Kingdom of God, indicating a profound shift in vocation, purpose, and spiritual identity. Their former skills were re-purposed for a higher calling.
• The alacrity of their response is a crucial component of genuine faith. It signifies an absence of worldly calculation or doubt in the face of a divine summons. This immediacy distinguishes their call from those who later presented conditions or excuses for not following Jesus (e.g., Lk 9:59-62).

Matthew 4 22 Commentary

Matthew 4:22 succinctly captures the essence of radical discipleship at its outset. Following Jesus requires an "immediate" and unreserved relinquishment of everything that once defined one's existence—the "boat" symbolizing livelihood and earthly security, and "their father" representing familial obligations, identity, and comfort. This is not a partial commitment but a total surrender. The sons of Zebedee model a response driven by absolute faith in Jesus' authority and person, illustrating that true devotion prioritizes Christ above all earthly attachments. Their action signifies a new life orientation, exchanging their secure, predictable lives for an unknown path with Jesus, founded entirely on His call. It serves as an archetypal call to total commitment, challenging believers to examine what worldly "boats" or familial ties might hinder their complete devotion to Christ. For example, modern disciples might be called to leave behind a secure career for ministry, relocate for service, or even distance themselves from family pressures that conflict with biblical commands, demonstrating that allegiance to Christ takes precedence.