Matthew 8 18

Matthew 8:18 kjv

Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

Matthew 8:18 nkjv

And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side.

Matthew 8:18 niv

When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake.

Matthew 8:18 esv

Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side.

Matthew 8:18 nlt

When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.

Matthew 8 verses

Matthew 8 18 Meaning

When Jesus observed the large multitudes gathered around Him, pressing in for various reasons, He issued an authoritative directive to His disciples to prepare to cross the Sea of Galilee to the eastern side. This decision signifies Jesus' sovereign control over His ministry schedule and trajectory, strategically shifting His focus from the immediate crowds and location to pursue broader redemptive purposes, including ministering in Gentile territories and further testing/training His disciples.

Matthew 8 18 Context

Matthew 8:18 marks a significant transitional moment within Matthew's narrative. The preceding verses (8:1-17) showcase Jesus' immense power and authority through a series of miraculous healings: cleansing a leper, healing the Centurion's servant, and Peter's mother-in-law, followed by casting out many demons and curing many sick. These events underscore Jesus' dominion over sickness and spiritual darkness, fulfilling prophetic scriptures (Mt 8:17 citing Isa 53:4). The increasing crowds demonstrate His rising fame and the desperate human need. This verse initiates a shift from displaying power to emphasizing the cost of discipleship and further demonstrations of His absolute authority, setting the stage for the calming of the storm and the exorcism of the Gerasene demoniacs. The decision to depart for the "other side," generally understood as the predominantly Gentile region of the Decapolis on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, highlights Jesus' strategic intent to expand His ministry beyond Jewish communities.

Matthew 8 18 Word analysis

• Now when Jesus (Καὶ ἰδὼν ὁ Ἰησοῦς - Kai idōn ho Iēsous):
  • Καὶ (kai): "And" or "Now," a common Greek conjunction used to connect narratives. Here it indicates a continuation of Jesus' actions.
  • ἰδὼν (idōn): Aorist active participle of horaō, "to see" or "to perceive." This is not a casual glance but a perceptive observation. Jesus fully comprehended the situation with the throngs surrounding Him.
  • ὁ Ἰησοῦς (ho Iēsous): "The Jesus." The definite article emphasizes His identity and unique authority as the Son of God, the Messiah, making this a deliberate action on His part.
• saw great multitudes (ὄχλους πολλοὺς - ochlous pollous):
  • ὄχλους (ochlous): Accusative plural of ochlos, "crowds" or "multitudes." It denotes a large, often undifferentiated mass of people. These were not His intimate disciples, but the general public, likely seeking healing or signs, possibly for superficial reasons.
  • πολλοὺς (pollous): "Many," "much," or "great." It functions as an adjective intensifying the size of the ochlos. The sheer volume of people signifies the intensity of demand and attention upon Jesus.
• about Him (περὶ αὐτὸν - peri auton):
  • περὶ (peri): "Around," "about," or "concerning." This preposition signifies physical encirclement, suggesting that Jesus was hemmed in or closely attended by the crowds, indicating their persistence and perhaps the challenge they posed to His continued focused ministry.
  • αὐτὸν (auton): "Him" (accusative, referring to Jesus).
• He gave a command (ἐκέλευσεν - ekeleusen):
  • ἐκέλευσεν (ekeleusen): Aorist active indicative of keleuō, "to command," "to order," or "to give a charge." This is a strong verb indicating a direct, authoritative instruction, not a mere suggestion. It reflects Jesus' leadership and decisive will. It demonstrates His initiative and sovereignty.
• to depart (ἀπελθεῖν - aperthein):
  • ἀπελθεῖν (aperthein): Aorist active infinitive of aperchomai, "to go away," "to depart." It denotes a purposeful withdrawal or movement away from the current location and situation. It suggests a strategic shift rather than a flight from trouble.
• to the other side (εἰς τὸ πέραν - eis to peran):
  • εἰς (eis): "Into," "to," or "for the purpose of." Indicates direction and purpose.
  • τὸ πέραν (to peran): "The other side" or "the region beyond." This phrase refers to the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. This region was largely Gentile territory, specifically the Decapolis. This geographical instruction carries significant theological weight, foreshadowing Jesus' wider mission beyond the Jewish population.

Matthew 8 18 Bonus section

The journey to "the other side" (east of the Sea of Galilee) was more than a mere change of scenery; it was a transition into a culturally distinct, primarily Hellenistic region known as the Decapolis. This geographical shift symbolizes the breadth of Jesus' redemptive work, not exclusively confined to Israel, laying foundational groundwork for the Great Commission to all nations. This verse implicitly introduces the themes of the cost of following Christ (as seen in the subsequent interactions with aspiring disciples), the nature of spiritual authority, and the Lord's absolute mastery over creation and spiritual forces, as unfolded in Matthew 8:23-34. It illustrates Jesus' deliberate movements as part of God's overarching plan for humanity.

Matthew 8 18 Commentary

Matthew 8:18 acts as a pivot, highlighting Jesus' intentional and sovereign direction of His ministry. Observing the "great multitudes" reflects not only His popularity but also the pragmatic challenges of being perpetually surrounded. Jesus' command to cross "to the other side" is a deliberate act, not an escape, but a strategic redeployment. This move emphasizes His autonomy and leadership, prioritizing divine schedule over popular demand. It also serves as a pedagogical moment for His disciples, demonstrating that the scope of the Kingdom transcends geographical and ethnic boundaries (moving into Gentile territory) and prepares them for new challenges (the storm) and manifestations of His authority (over nature and demons) that will follow immediately. This decision underscores Jesus' discerning wisdom, choosing solitude and a new sphere of activity for His own spiritual sustenance, deeper discipleship training, and the expansion of the Gospel's reach.