Devine Scripture

Matthew 4:18

What does Matthew 4:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 4:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 4:18 means

As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, He encountered two brothers, Simon (later called Peter) and Andrew, engaged in their fishing trade. They were casting their net into the sea, indicating their livelihood. This encounter shows Jesus actively seeking out and engaging with ordinary people in their daily work, initiating the process of gathering a core group of followers for His kingdom work.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when he was walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, whose other name was Peter, and Andrew, his brother, who were putting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon named Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a drag into the sea--for they were fishers--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers;

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' initial proclamation of the kingdom's arrival, transitioning from His preaching to the active calling of His first disciples. The setting by the Sea of Galilee is significant as it provides the context for their fishing profession. This interaction sets the stage for Jesus' transformative invitation to follow Him, which will occur in the next verse.

v.17From that time began Jesus to preach, and to say, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

v.18This passage

v.19And he saith unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Cross references

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

  • Exodus 3:1

    Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the back of the wilderness, and came to the mountain of God, unto Horeb.

  • Matthew 15:29

    And Jesus departed thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and he went up into the mountain, and sat there.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:27

    but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;

  • John 21:1

    After these things Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and he manifestedhimselfon this wise.

  • Luke 6:14

    Simon, whom he also named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip and Bartholomew,

  • Exodus 3:10

    Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

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