New International VersionSuch large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.
New Living TranslationA large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore.
English Standard VersionAnd great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach.
Berean Standard BibleSuch large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat down, while all the people stood on the shore.
Berean Literal BibleAnd great crowds were gathered together to Him, so that He having entered into a boat, sat down, and all the crowd stood on the shore.
King James BibleAnd great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
New King James VersionAnd great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
New American Standard BibleAnd large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach.
NASB 1995And large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach.
NASB 1977And great multitudes gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole multitude was standing on the beach.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach.
Amplified BibleBut such large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat there [positioning Himself as a teacher], while the whole crowd stood on the shore.
Christian Standard BibleSuch large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, while the whole crowd stood on the shore.
Holman Christian Standard BibleSuch large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat down, while the whole crowd stood on the shore.
American Standard VersionAnd there were gathered unto him great multitudes, so that he entered into a boat, and sat; and all the multitude stood on the beach.
Contemporary English VersionSuch large crowds gathered around him that he had to sit in a boat, while the people stood on the shore.
English Revised VersionAnd there were gathered unto him great multitudes, so that he entered into a boat, and sat; and all the multitude stood on the beach.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat. He sat in the boat while the entire crowd stood on the shore.
Good News TranslationThe crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it, while the crowd stood on the shore.
International Standard VersionSuch large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, while the entire crowd stood on the shore.
NET BibleAnd such a large crowd gathered around him that he got into a boat to sit while the whole crowd stood on the shore.
New Heart English BibleAnd large crowds gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat, and sat, and all the crowd stood on the beach.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd great multitudes were gathered to him, so that he went into a boat, and sat down; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
Weymouth New Testamentwhen a vast multitude of people crowded round Him. He therefore went on board a boat and sat there, while all the people stood on the shore. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSuch large crowds gathered around Him that He got into the boat and sat down, while all the people stood on the shore.
World English BibleGreat multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat and sat; and all the multitude stood on the beach. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand gathered together to Him were many multitudes, so that He having gone into the boat sat down, and all the multitude on the beach stood,
Berean Literal BibleAnd great crowds were gathered together to Him, so that He having entered into a boat, sat down, and all the crowd stood on the shore.
Young's Literal Translation and gathered together unto him were many multitudes, so that he having gone into the boat did sit down, and all the multitude on the beach did stand,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd many crowds were assembled together to him; therefore having entered into the ship, he sat down, and all the crowd stood upon the sea-shore. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd great multitudes were gathered unto him, so that he went up into a boat and sat: and all the multitude stood on the shore.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd such great crowds were gathered to him that he climbed into a boat and he sat down. And the entire multitude stood on the shore.
New American BibleSuch large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore.
New Revised Standard VersionSuch great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd many people gathered around him, so that he had to go up and sit in a boat, and all the people stood on the seashore.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd great crowds were assembled to him so that he embarked, seating himself in a ship, and all the crowds were standing on the beach by the sea. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd many multitudes came together to him, so that he went into a ship and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
Godbey New Testament
and many multitudes were gathered unto Him, so that having gone into a ship, He sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
Haweis New Testament
And vast multitudes were gathered together unto him, insomuch that he entered into a vessel to be seated; and all the multitude stood on the beach.
Mace New Testament
and there was so great a croud of people got about him, that he was oblig'd to go into a bark, where he sat, while the people all stood on the shore.
Weymouth New Testament
when a vast multitude of people crowded round Him. He therefore went on board a boat and sat there, while all the people stood on the shore.
Worrell New Testament
And there were gathered to Him great multitudes; so that He, having entered into a boat, sat down, and all the multitudes were standing on the beach.
Worsley New Testament
and many people were gathered together tobear Him, so that He went into a ship and sat down, and all the multitude stood upon the shore; and He spake to them manythings in parables,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Parable of the Sower1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. 2SuchlargecrowdsgatheredaroundHimthatHegot intoa boatand sat down,whileallthepeoplestoodontheshore.3And He told them many things in parables, saying, “A farmer went out to sow his seed.…
Cross References Mark 4:1-2Once again Jesus began to teach beside the sea, and such a large crowd gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people crowded along the shore. / And He taught them many things in parables, and in His teaching He said,
Luke 8:4While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, He told them this parable:
Matthew 5:1-2When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and sat down. His disciples came to Him, / and He began to teach them, saying:
John 6:2-3A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick. / Then Jesus went up on the mountain and sat down with His disciples.
Mark 3:9Jesus asked His disciples to have a boat ready for Him so that the crowd would not crush Him.
Luke 5:1-3On one occasion, while Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret with the crowd pressing in on Him to hear the word of God, / He saw two boats at the edge of the lake. The fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. / Jesus got into the boat belonging to Simon and asked him to put out a little from shore. And sitting down, He taught the people from the boat.
John 6:24-25So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor His disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to look for Him. / When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they asked Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?”
Matthew 14:13-14When Jesus heard about John, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. But the crowds found out about it and followed Him on foot from the towns. / When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Mark 6:34When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.
Luke 9:11But the crowds found out and followed Him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and He healed those who needed healing.
John 4:1When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were aware He was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John
Matthew 15:30Large crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at His feet, and He healed them.
Mark 2:13Once again Jesus went out beside the sea. All the people came to Him, and He taught them there.
Luke 6:17-19Then Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of His disciples was there, along with a great number of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon. / They had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases, and those troubled by unclean spirits were healed. / The entire crowd was trying to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all.
John 8:2Early in the morning He went back into the temple courts. All the people came to Him, and He sat down to teach them.
Treasury of Scripture And great multitudes were gathered together to him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. great. Matthew 4:25 And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, andfrom Decapolis, andfrom Jerusalem, andfrom Judaea, andfrom beyond Jordan. Matthew 15:30 And great multitudes came unto him, having with themthose that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto himshall the gathering of the peoplebe. so. Mark 4:1 And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. Luke 5:3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. a ship. Jump to Previous BeachBoardBoatCrowdCrowdedCrowdsEnteredGatheredGreatLargeMultitudeMultitudesNumbersPositionRoundSatSeaShipShoreSitStandStandingStoodTogetherVastWholeJump to Next BeachBoardBoatCrowdCrowdedCrowdsEnteredGatheredGreatLargeMultitudeMultitudesNumbersPositionRoundSatSeaShipShoreSitStandStandingStoodTogetherVastWholeMatthew 13 1.The parable of the sower and the seed;18.the explanation of it.24.The parable of the weeds;31.of the mustard seed;33.of the leaven;36.explanation of the parable of the weeds.44.The parable of the hidden treasure;45.of the pearl;47.of the drag net cast into the sea.53.Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country.Such large crowds gathered around HimThe gathering of large crowds around Jesus indicates His growing popularity and the widespread interest in His teachings and miracles. This reflects the fulfillment of prophecies such as Isaiah 9:2, which speaks of a great light shining on those in darkness. The crowds were drawn by His authority and the hope He offered, contrasting with the religious leaders of the time. This scene is set in Galilee, a region known for its diverse population and openness to new ideas, which may have contributed to the large following. that He got into a boat and sat down
Jesus using a boat as a platform to teach is significant both practically and symbolically. Practically, the boat provided a natural amphitheater effect, allowing His voice to carry over the water to the large crowd. Symbolically, the boat can be seen as a type of the church, a vessel through which Jesus continues to teach and reach the multitudes. Sitting down to teach was a common practice for rabbis, indicating authority and a formal teaching moment, as seen inLuke 4:20 when Jesus reads from Isaiah in the synagogue. while all the people stood on the shore
The posture of the people standing while Jesus sat to teach highlights the respect and attentiveness they had for His words. This setting also emphasizes the accessibility of Jesus' message; He was not confined to synagogues or temples but taught in open, accessible spaces. The shore of the Sea of Galilee, where this event likely took place, was a bustling area with fishermen and traders, making it an ideal location for reaching a diverse audience. This scene foreshadows the Great Commission inMatthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His disciples to go out into all the world, teaching all nations. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching the crowds. His choice to sit in a boat to address the people highlights His role as a teacher and leader. 2. The CrowdsLarge groups of people gathered to hear Jesus speak. Their presence indicates the widespread interest in His teachings and the impact of His ministry. 3. The BoatJesus uses the boat as a platform to teach from, which is both practical and symbolic. It allows Him to address the large crowd effectively and symbolizes His authority over creation. 4. The ShoreThe setting where the people stood to listen to Jesus. It represents a place of learning and receiving spiritual truths. 5. The Event of TeachingThis event marks the beginning of Jesus' use of parables to convey deeper spiritual truths to the people. Teaching Points The Importance of Accessibility in MinistryJesus made Himself accessible to the people by using a boat to address the crowd. In ministry, we should seek ways to reach people where they are, using available resources creatively. The Power of the WordDespite the large crowd, Jesus' words were powerful enough to reach everyone. This reminds us of the power of God's Word to penetrate hearts and minds, regardless of the setting. The Role of Creation in God's PlanJesus' use of natural elements, like the boat and the shore, shows how creation can serve God's purposes. We should recognize and utilize the resources God has provided in our environment for His glory. The Significance of Gathering for TeachingThe gathering of the crowd signifies the importance of community in learning and growing in faith. We should prioritize gathering with others to study and learn from God's Word. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Matthew 13:2?
2.How does Matthew 13:2 illustrate Jesus' approach to teaching large crowds effectively?
3.What can we learn from Jesus' use of parables in Matthew 13?
4.How does Matthew 13:2 connect to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?
5.How can we apply Jesus' teaching methods from Matthew 13:2 in our lives?
6.What does the crowd's gathering in Matthew 13:2 reveal about Jesus' influence?
7.Why did Jesus choose to teach from a boat in Matthew 13:2?
8.What significance does the large crowd in Matthew 13:2 have for understanding Jesus' ministry?
9.How does Matthew 13:2 reflect the importance of parables in Jesus' teachings?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 13?
11.How do variations in the parable of the sower between Mark 4 and other Gospels not constitute contradictions in the Bible's message?
12.Do any historical records or archaeological findings corroborate the gathering of 4,000 people near the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 15:32-38)?
13.In Matthew 13:41-42, angels are said to remove all evil from God's kingdom; how does this reconcile with the broader biblical theme that God desires none to perish (e.g., 2 Peter 3:9)?
14.What are the key events in Jesus' life timeline?What Does Matthew 13:2 Mean Such large crowds gathered around HimThe verse opens by stressing sheer numbers. Jesus’ miracles and message drew people from every direction, and the press of bodies was literal, not symbolic. •Matthew 4:25 says, “Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan followed Him”—a recurring scene. •Mark 3:7–8 adds that they came from Idumea, Tyre, and Sidon, proving the reach of His fame. •Luke 5:15 notes the crowds “grew even larger” after healings, confirming an escalating momentum. Each reference underlines that the crowds inMatthew 13:2 were no exaggeration; prophecy likeIsaiah 42:4 anticipated nations gathering to the Servant.
that He got into a boatFaced with a shoreline packed tight, Jesus used a simple, practical solution. •Luke 5:1–3 shows Him earlier asking for Simon’s boat so He could teach from the water. •Mark 4:1 records the same strategy: “He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, while the whole crowd was on the shore”. Reasons the boat mattered: – It created space so no one was trampled (compassion). – Water carried His voice like a natural amphitheater (effectiveness). – It provided a boundary that let everyone see Him clearly (visibility). The Son of God chose common sense methods to serve people, modeling stewardship of opportunities.
and sat down“Sat down” signals the formal posture of a rabbi beginning to teach. •Matthew 5:1–2: “He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him”. •Luke 4:20: in the synagogue at Nazareth, He sat before expounding Isaiah. •John 8:2: “He sat down and taught them.” Sitting showed settled authority and calm control. Though the scene was busy, Jesus was never hurried; He ruled the moment, embodyingPsalm 29:10’s image of the Lord enthroned above the flood.
while all the people stood on the shoreThe crowd’s posture highlights reverence and readiness. •Nehemiah 8:5: when Ezra opened the Law, “all the people stood up.” •Acts 10:33: Cornelius told Peter, “We are all here present before God to hear everything you have been commanded.” •Exodus 19:17 pictures Israel standing at the foot of Sinai awaiting God’s voice. Standing kept listeners attentive and maintained a clear view across the water. The contrast—Teacher seated, learners standing—underscores Christ’s authority and the people’s hunger for truth.
summaryMatthew 13:2 paints a vivid, literal scene: overflowing crowds compel Jesus to step into a nearby boat, sit as the authoritative Rabbi, and speak to a shoreline filled with expectant listeners. The verse showcases His magnetic draw, practical wisdom, calm authority, and the reverent eagerness of those who came to hear the Word of God. Verse 2. - And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship. The article wrongly inserted in the Received Text ( τὸ πλοῖον) suggests that it was the boat which, as some think, waited upon him. (For another occasion when he taught from a boat, cf. Luke 5:3.) And sat; and the whole multitude stood;was standing. The position of ἱστήκει at the end of the sentence in the Greek emphasizes their attitude. Their numbers compelled it, and they disregarded the fatigue. Further, the tense (pluperf., equivalent to imperf.) pictures them as patiently standing there. On the shore;beach (Revised Version); ἐπὶ τὸν αἰγιαλόν: i.e. this part at least of the shore was covered with sand or pebbles. Possibly we have signs of an eyewitness, both in the exact description of the spot, and in the vividness of the ἱστήκει (comp. John 1:35, al.; and Bishop Westcott's remarks in Expositor, III. 5:248; cf., too, Introduction, p. 12.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [Such]καὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.largeπολλοί(polloi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.crowdsὄχλοι(ochloi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3793:From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.gatheredσυνήχθησαν(synēchthēsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4863:From sun and ago; to lead together, i.e. Collect or convene; specially, to entertain.aroundπρὸς(pros)Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.Himαὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.thatὥστε(hōste)Conjunction
Strong's 5620:So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.Heαὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.got intoἐμβάντα(embanta)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1684:To step in; I go onboard a ship, embark. From en and the base of basis; to walk on, i.e. Embark, reach.a boatπλοῖον(ploion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4143:A ship, vessel, boat. From pleo; a sailer, i.e. Vessel.[and] sat down,καθῆσθαι(kathēsthai)Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 2521:To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside.whileκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.allπᾶς(pas)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.peopleὄχλος(ochlos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793:From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.stoodεἱστήκει(heistēkei)Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2476:A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.onἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.shore.αἰγιαλὸν(aigialon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 123:Sea-coast, (sandy) beach; shore (of sea or lake), land. From aisso and hals (on which the waves dash).
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NT Gospels: Matthew 13:2 Great multitudes gathered to him so that (Matt. Mat Mt) |
