Matthew 9:1 Meaning and Explanation
“And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee and returns to Capernaum, the town that had become the base for his ministry.
What Does Matthew 9:1 Mean?
Having calmed the storm and freed the demoniac on the far shore, Jesus recrosses the lake by boat. "His own city" is Capernaum, the lakeside town where he had settled after leaving Nazareth and which had become the center of his Galilean work. This brief travel note closes one scene and opens another, setting the stage for a long string of encounters that fill the chapter, each revealing something further about who he is.
The Lord does not linger where the crowds first marveled at his power; he keeps moving toward the people who need him. Even a single sentence of travel reminds us that his coming is purposeful, not aimless. He returns to where the sick, the outcast, and the grieving are waiting, drawing near to ordinary human life rather than holding himself apart from it. Wherever he goes, he goes on purpose, and that purpose is mercy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 9:1
What does Matthew 9:1 mean?
Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee and returns to Capernaum, the town that had become the base for his ministry.