Matthew 4:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus sees two more brothers, James and John, mending nets with their father, and calls them as well.
What Does Matthew 4:21 Mean?
Moving along the shore, Jesus sees another pair of brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, in the boat with their father, mending their nets. Like Peter and Andrew, they are caught in the middle of honest, unremarkable work. Once again the Lord takes the first step and calls them.
The repeated pattern underlines the point: Jesus gathers his followers one by one, from the same shore and the same trade. The detail that their father is present hints at the family ties and livelihood they are leaving behind. God's call comes to ordinary households and asks ordinary people to rise and come, and Jesus keeps building his company from those whom others might overlook.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 4:21
What does Matthew 4:21 mean?
Jesus sees two more brothers, James and John, mending nets with their father, and calls them as well.