Devine Scripture

Matthew 4:14

What does Matthew 4:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 4:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 4:14 means

Matthew highlights that Jesus' move to Capernaum, within the territories of Zebulun and Naphtali, directly fulfilled a prophecy spoken by Isaiah. This emphasizes to a Jewish audience that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah, acting in accordance with God's ancient plan. His actions were not arbitrary but divinely orchestrated to validate His identity and mission.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that the word of the prophet Isaiah might come true,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

that it might be fulfilled that was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That it might be fulfilled which was said by Isaias the prophet:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that that might be fulfilled which was spoken through Esaias the prophet, saying,

Context

This verse clearly states the theological purpose of Jesus' move to Capernaum, directly referencing its fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. It prepares the reader for the extended quotation from Isaiah in the following verses. This emphasis on prophecy connects Jesus' actions to God's long-standing plan and underscores His messianic identity for Matthew's intended audience.

v.13and leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali:

v.14This passage

v.15The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, Toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 2:23

    and came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets, that he should be called a Nazarene.

  • Matthew 8:17

    that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our diseases.

  • Isaiah 9:1

    But there shall be no gloom to her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time hath he made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

  • John 19:28

    After this Jesus, knowing that all things are now finished, that the scripture might be accomplished, saith, I thirst.

  • John 15:25

    But this cometh to pass, that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

  • Matthew 2:15

    and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son.

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