Devine Scripture

Matthew 12:15

What does Matthew 12:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 12:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 12:15 means

Perceiving their murderous intent, Jesus withdraws. Yet many follow him, and he heals them all. Jesus understands when to avoid violent confrontation and chooses to continue his compassionate ministry. Despite threats, his popularity persists because of his compassion and power to heal. The verse highlights Jesus’ pastoral wisdom—he protects himself and his mission while still ministering to the needy who seek him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jesus perceivingitwithdrew from thence: and many followed him; and he healed them all,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jesus perceivingitwithdrew from thence: and many followed him; and he healed them all,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus, having knowledge of this, went away from there, and a great number went after him; and he made them all well,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jesus having known, withdrew thence, and there followed him great multitudes, and he healed them all,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Jesus knowing it, retired from thence: and many followed him, and he healed them all.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus knowing [it], withdrew thence, and great crowds followed him; and he healed them all:

Context

This follows the Pharisees’ plotting and gives a strategic response: withdrawal rather than provocation. The chapter balances conflict with continued ministry. The crowd’s following and Jesus’ continued healings set up the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy cited in the next verses, showing prophetic validation of his mission.

v.14But the Pharisees went out, and took counsel against him, how they might destroy him.

v.15This passage

v.16and charged them that they should not make him known:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Peter 2:21

    For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:

  • Matthew 19:2

    and great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

  • Mark 3:7

    And Jesus with his disciples withdrew to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and from Judæa,

  • Luke 6:12

    And it came to pass in these days, that he went out into the mountain to pray; and he continued all night in prayer to God.

  • John 11:54

    Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but departed thence into the country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim; and there he tarried with the disciples.

  • Luke 6:17

    and he came down with them, and stood on a level place, and a great multitude of his disciples, and a great number of the people from all Judæa and Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 12

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 12.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 12:15.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary