Matthew 4:15
What does Matthew 4:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 4:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 4:15 means
This verse quotes Isaiah 9:1-2, beginning with the geographical designation of "the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali." This area, identified as "Galilee of the Gentiles" and lying "beyond the Jordan" and "toward the sea," was historically a region often scorned by those in Judea. Prophecy declared that this specific, seemingly insignificant area would be the initial recipient of a profound spiritual enlightenment.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, Toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
KJV
King James Version · 1611The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, Toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations! --
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Land of Zabulon and land of Nephthalim, the way of the sea beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Land of Zabulon and land of Nepthalim, way of [the] sea beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations:
Context
This verse begins the direct quotation from Isaiah, explaining *which* prophecy Jesus' move to Capernaum fulfilled. It identifies the geographical regions central to the prophecy. This detailed prophetic connection serves to validate Jesus' actions and mission, laying the groundwork for the radical spiritual light promised to these regions in the next verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 4
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 4.
Devotionals
Devotional
Small Faith, Real Faith
A mustard seed is enough. Not a mountain of certainty — a seed of trust.
Devotional
The Weight We Were Not Built to Carry
Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
Devotional
Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Memorizing Scripture
Memorizing Scripture is a vital spiritual discipline that offers profound benefits for faith and daily life, anchoring believers in God's truth and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Scripture
God's Word is a lamp to our feet, a guide for our lives, and a source of truth and salvation.
Topic
Bible Verses About Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual warfare is the cosmic conflict Christians face against evil forces as they live out their faith.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Can't Sleep Because of Anxious Thoughts
Verses to read in bed when your mind won't stop.