Matthew 4:13 Meaning and Explanation
“And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus leaves Nazareth and settles in Capernaum by the sea, in the old territory of Zebulun and Naphtali.
What Does Matthew 4:13 Mean?
Jesus leaves his hometown of Nazareth and makes his base in Capernaum, a town on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Matthew carefully locates it "in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim," the lands once given to two of Israel's tribes. The geographic detail is not idle; it sets up the prophecy quoted next.
By naming these ancient tribal lands, Matthew reaches back across centuries to show that Jesus' movements answer words spoken long before. The Lord does not settle by chance. Even the choice of a lakeside town belongs to a larger design, and the gospel writer wants us to see the long arc of God's faithfulness running straight through ordinary places.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 4:13
What does Matthew 4:13 mean?
Jesus leaves Nazareth and settles in Capernaum by the sea, in the old territory of Zebulun and Naphtali.