New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 4:13

Tested and Triumphant

Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, Matthew 4:13 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 4:13, in plain English

Jesus left His hometown of Nazareth and settled in Capernaum, a busy fishing village by the sea. This would be His home base for the work ahead.

Why it's here

Jesus didn't set up shop in the capital. He chose a small lakeside town full of fishermen and traders. He started where real people lived and worked.

Who's speaking

Matthew describes Jesus moving to Capernaum.

Where it sits in the story

The King of the universe chose a working-class fishing village as His headquarters. That tells you everything about His priorities.

A Closer Look

The scholar's commentary

Jesus relocates from Nazareth to Capernaum (Kepharnaoum, 'village of Nahum'), a fishing village on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee in the tribal territories of Zebulun and Naphtali.

Language and setting

Capernaum was a strategic location on a major trade route (Via Maris), giving Jesus access to diverse populations. It became His ministry headquarters and is called 'His own town' in Matthew 9:1.

Voice

Matthew, narrating Jesus's relocation.

Significance

Jesus establishes His base in Galilee rather than Jerusalem, beginning His ministry among common working people rather than the religious elite.

In context

Matthew 4:11–15

11Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him.

12When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, He withdrew to Galilee.

13Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,

14to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

15“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—

Read all of Matthew 4 — Forty days of hunger, three devastating temptations, and the devil's best offer — Jesus refuses every shortcut to power.

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