Matthew 4 24

Matthew 4:24 kjv

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.

Matthew 4:24 nkjv

Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.

Matthew 4:24 niv

News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.

Matthew 4:24 esv

So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them.

Matthew 4:24 nlt

News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed ? he healed them all.

Matthew 4 verses

Matthew 4 24 Meaning

Matthew 4:24 describes the wide-reaching impact of Jesus' initial ministry. His reputation for divine power, evidenced by remarkable healings and exorcisms, spread throughout the entire region of Syria, prompting large numbers of afflicted people to be brought to Him from various places. These individuals suffered from a range of severe conditions, including diverse physical illnesses, agonizing torments, demonic possession, ailments believed to be "moon-struck" (likely epilepsy), and paralysis. Jesus demonstrated His unparalleled authority by healing all of them, revealing the presence and power of the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 4 24 Context

Matthew chapter 4 marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry following His temptation in the wilderness. It opens with Jesus returning to Galilee, settling in Capernaum (verse 13), and beginning to preach the good news of the Kingdom (verse 17). He then calls His first disciples (verses 18-22). Verse 23 provides a summary of His activities: teaching, preaching the Kingdom, and healing. Matthew 4:24 then elaborates on the nature and scale of this healing ministry, particularly highlighting how Jesus' reputation rapidly extended beyond Galilee into the wider Roman province of Syria, drawing massive crowds of diverse sufferers seeking healing. This widespread healing ministry serves as a powerful demonstration of the Kingdom of God actively breaking into the world through Jesus, authenticating His Messianic claims and establishing His authority before His Sermon on the Mount (chapter 5).

Matthew 4 24 Word analysis

• And His fame (Καὶ ἀκοὴ αὐτοῦ - Kai akōē autou):
  • ἀκοή (akōē): Literally "a hearing" or "report." Here, it signifies "reputation" or "fame." It emphasizes that the news or account of Jesus' deeds, specifically His powerful healings, was spreading widely, generating public interest and movement toward Him. This points to the supernatural nature of His acts, as mere rumor wouldn't gather such crowds.
• went throughout all Syria (ἐξῆλθεν εἰς ὅλην τὴν Συρίαν - exēlthen eis holēn tēn Syrian):
  • ἐξῆλθεν (exēlthen): "Went out," implying a rapid and expansive dissemination, much like a flood or a pervasive rumor.
  • ὅλην (holēn): "Whole," "entire." Stresses the completeness of the reach, indicating Jesus' fame was not confined to a small locality but saturated the entire vast region.
  • Συρίαν (Syrian): Syria was a Roman province bordering Galilee to the north. This indicates Jesus' influence extended beyond Jewish territories, highlighting the universal scope of His Kingdom message, though His primary ministry focus remained Galilee. It encompasses a broader cultural and political region, not just the modern nation-state.
• and they brought unto Him (καὶ προσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ - kai prosēnenkan autō):
  • προσηνέγκαν (prosēnenkan): "They brought to" or "offered to." Shows the active participation of others in bringing the sick to Jesus, likely due to their helplessness, reflecting both their faith and desperation. It implies an organized effort driven by the hopeful report.
• all sick people (πάντας τοὺς κακῶς ἔχοντας - pantas tous kakōs echontas):
  • πάντας (pantas): "All." Emphasizes the universality of those brought to Jesus – no one in distress was excluded, underscoring His all-encompassing compassion and healing power.
  • κακῶς ἔχοντας (kakōs echontas): Literally "those who fared badly" or "those who were ill." This is a general term for those afflicted with any form of illness or suffering, serving as an umbrella term for the specific conditions listed next.
• that were taken with divers diseases (ποικίλαις νόσοις συνεχομένους - poikilais nosois synechomenous):
  • ποικίλαις (poikilais): "Various," "many-colored," "diverse." Indicates a wide array of physical illnesses, not just a few specific types, demonstrating Jesus' mastery over all forms of physical malady.
  • νόσοις (nosois): "Diseases," "sicknesses." Refers to specific physical ailments or chronic conditions.
  • συνεχομένους (synechomenous): "Held fast by," "tormented by." Describes the grip and severity of their illnesses, highlighting the deep suffering experienced.
• and torments (καὶ βασάνοις - kai basanois):
  • βασάνοις (basanois): "Tortures," "excruciating pains." This term goes beyond general illness, denoting acute, severe, agonizing suffering or extreme pain. It might suggest illnesses that caused great anguish or perhaps referred to periods of intense physical or mental torment beyond mere sickness.
• and those which were possessed with devils (καὶ δαιμονιζομένους - kai daimonizomenous):
  • δαιμονιζομένους (daimonizomenous): "Those who are demonized" or "under the influence of a demon." This points to a significant aspect of Jesus' ministry – His direct confrontation with evil spiritual powers, showing His supreme authority over them and His power to liberate people from their grasp. This highlights a supernatural element beyond natural illness.
• and those which were lunatic (καὶ σεληνιαζομένους - kai selēniazomenous):
  • σεληνιαζομένους (selēniazomenous): Literally "moon-struck." This term, common in antiquity, was used to describe people afflicted with fits or seizures, most notably epilepsy, often believed to be influenced by the moon or even demons (as suggested in Matt 17:15, where a "lunatic" child is cured and later identified as demon-possessed). Jesus' healing of such conditions demonstrated His power over both the physical and what was perceived as supernatural affliction.
• and those that had the palsy (καὶ παραλυτικούς - kai paralytikous):
  • παραλυτικούς (paralytikous): "Paralytics," "those afflicted with paralysis." This specific condition, involving loss of bodily movement or sensation, would have rendered individuals severely helpless, requiring others to bring them to Jesus. It emphasizes the extent of His power to restore full bodily function (e.g., Matt 9:2).
• and He healed them (καὶ ἐθεράπευσεν αὐτούς - kai etherapeusen autous):
  • ἐθεράπευσεν (etherapeusen): "Healed," from θεραπεύω (therapeuō), implying to restore to health or make well. This term confirms the efficacy and completeness of Jesus' work – He did not merely alleviate symptoms but brought genuine healing. The direct and unambiguous statement highlights the power and authority inherent in His actions, providing definitive restoration.
  • αὐτούς (autous): "Them." The plural "them" stresses that Jesus healed all who were brought to Him, encompassing every condition listed and further validating the divine nature of His healing ministry.

Matthew 4 24 Bonus section

• The broad list of ailments (diverse diseases, torments, demon-possessed, lunatics, paralytics) showcases Jesus' authority over every category of human affliction, whether understood as physical, psychological, or spiritual. No condition was too severe or complex for His power.
• The fact that His fame "went throughout all Syria" signifies that the ripple effect of His ministry was immediately felt far beyond the Galilean villages, signaling a widespread recognition of His unique power even at this early stage. This implies people were traveling considerable distances, indicating strong desperation and belief in His abilities.
• The phrase "taken with divers diseases and torments" likely describes both chronic and acute conditions, suggesting the varied nature of the pain and suffering brought to Him. The term "torments" (βασάνοις) indicates severe distress, akin to being tortured by one's own body.
• This verse effectively portrays Jesus as a powerful and compassionate liberator, not just a teacher. His actions validated His words, providing a compelling introduction to His message of the Kingdom.

Matthew 4 24 Commentary

Matthew 4:24 serves as a powerful declaration of Jesus' early ministry and authority. It succinctly describes His fame spreading throughout a significant Gentile region (Syria), drawing a diverse spectrum of human suffering—from common illnesses and intense physical pain to conditions involving demonic oppression and neurological disorders like epilepsy (then called "lunacy"), along with paralysis. The central message is not merely that Jesus healed, but that "He healed them all." This sweeping statement underlines His supreme power over sickness, physical anguish, and spiritual evil. It establishes Him as the true Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies (like Isa 53:4) where the Servant of the Lord would bear infirmities. These healing miracles were not just acts of compassion, though they certainly were that; they were undeniable signs that the Kingdom of God had drawn near, demonstrating God's sovereign rule breaking into human suffering and bringing restorative power through His Son. This ministry laid the groundwork for Jesus' later teaching by showing the tangible presence of God's power and love.