Devine Scripture

Matthew 4:17

What does Matthew 4:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 4:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 4:17 means

From this point forward, following His victory over temptation and His relocation to Galilee, Jesus began His public ministry with a clear and urgent message: "Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." This call to repentance signified a summons to change one's mind and life, acknowledging sin and turning toward God. The accompanying declaration meant that God's reign and kingly authority, embodied in Jesus, had drawn near, demanding an immediate response.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

From that time began Jesus to preach, and to say, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

From that time began Jesus to preach, and to say, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

From that time Jesus went about preaching and saying, Let your hearts be turned from sin, for the kingdom of heaven is near.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

From that time began Jesus to proclaim and to say, `Reform ye, for come nigh hath the reign of the heavens.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

From that time began Jesus to preach and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn nigh.

Context

This verse marks the official beginning of Jesus' public preaching ministry, following His temptation and the fulfillment of prophecy concerning Galilee. It introduces the core content of His initial message, setting the theological foundation for all that will follow. This succinct summary of His early preaching establishes the urgency and nature of His mission before He calls His first disciples.

v.16The people that sat in darkness Saw a great light, And to them that sat in the region and shadow of death, To them did light spring up.

v.17This passage

v.18And walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 5:32

    I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.

  • Matthew 13:24

    Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field:

  • Acts 11:18

    And when they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then to the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life.

  • Matthew 13:47

    Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:

  • Matthew 9:13

    But go ye and learn what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice: for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

  • Luke 24:47

    and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

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