Devine Scripture

Matthew 8:18

What does Matthew 8:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 8:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 8:18 means

As Jesus observes the massive crowds still surrounding Him, He gives instructions for His disciples to cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. This decision to depart from the throngs of people potentially indicates a desire to avoid overwhelming popularity or to seek a quieter place for teaching and rest, away from the constant demands of the multitudes. It sets the stage for new encounters and challenges.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now when Jesus saw a great mass of people about him, he gave an order to go to the other side.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus having seen great multitudes about him, did command to depart to the other side;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus seeing great multitudes about him, gave orders to pass over the water.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus, seeing great crowds around him, commanded to depart to the other side.

Context

Following the extensive healings and the theological reflection on Isaiah, this verse marks a geographical shift as Jesus decides to leave the populated area. This directive to cross the sea sets the scene for upcoming lessons on the cost of discipleship and for the dramatic display of Jesus' power over nature, moving from healing human bodies to commanding creation.

v.17that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our diseases.

v.18This passage

v.19And there came a scribe, and said unto him, Teacher, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 5:21

    And when Jesus had crossed over again in the boat unto the other side, a great multitude was gathered unto him; and he was by the sea.

  • Mark 1:35

    And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose up and went out, and departed into a desert place, and there prayed.

  • Mark 6:45

    And straightway he constrained his disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before him unto the other side to Bethsaida, while he himself sendeth the multitude away.

  • Mark 8:13

    And he left them, and again entering into the boat departed to the other side.

  • Matthew 14:22

    And straightway he constrained the disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before him unto the other side, till he should send the multitudes away.

  • Matthew 8:1

    And when he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

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