Devine Scripture

Matthew 4:19

What does Matthew 4:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 4:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 4:19 means

Jesus issued a direct and transformative invitation to Simon and Andrew: "Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of men." This call demanded they leave their familiar trade and follow Him, promising to redirect their skills and lives toward a greater spiritual purpose—drawing people into the kingdom of God. It was a call to discipleship, requiring abandonment of their former life and commitment to His mission.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he saith to them, `Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of men,'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he saith to them: Come ye after me, and I will make you to be fishers of men.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and he says to them, Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Context

This verse presents Jesus' direct call to Simon and Andrew, building upon their introduction as fishers in the previous verse. His evocative metaphor of "fishers of men" explains the revolutionary nature of the new work He offers them. This call is pivotal, leading directly to their immediate response and setting the pattern for how Jesus gathers His inner circle of followers.

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.

v.19This passage

v.20And they straightway left the nets, and followed him.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 2:14

    And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphæus sitting at the place of toll, and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

  • John 1:43

    On the morrow he was minded to go forth into Galilee, and he findeth Philip: and Jesus saith unto him, Follow me.

  • Matthew 16:24

    Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

  • Matthew 19:21

    Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

  • Ezekiel 47:9

    And it shall come to pass, that every living creature which swarmeth, in every place whither the rivers come, shall live; and there shall be a very great multitude of fish; for these waters are come thither, and the waters of the sea shall be healed, and everything shall live whithersoever the river cometh.

  • John 12:26

    If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will the Father honor.

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