Matthew 4:12-17

Preaching in Galilee

4:12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, he went into Galilee. 4:13 While in Galilee, he moved from Nazareth to make his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, 4:14 so that what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled:

4:15Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,

the way by the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles –

4:16 the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light,

and on those who sit in the region and shadow of death a light has dawned.

4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach this message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”


tn Grk “he.”

tn Or “arrested,” “taken into custody” (see L&N 37.12).

map For location see Map1-D3; Map2-C2; Map3-D5; Map4-C1; Map5-G3.

tn Grk “and leaving Nazareth, he came and took up residence in Capernaum.”

sn Capernaum was a town located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, 680 ft (204 m) below sea level. It was a major trade and economic center in the North Galilean region, and it became the hub of operations for Jesus’ Galilean ministry.

map For location see Map1-D2; Map2-C3; Map3-B2.

tn Or “by the lake.”

sn By the sea refers to the Sea of Galilee.

tn The redundant participle λέγοντος (legontos) has not been translated here.

sn A quotation from Isa 9:1.

tn Grk “and to say.”