Definition: And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 4:2: “And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.” Basically, it means Jesus was really suffering a lot before he started his journey. Here's a more detailed explanation: "Fasted forty days and forty nights…" – This refers to a period of intense fasting – meaning abstaining from food – for a significant amount of time. It’s described as a very difficult test, almost like a trial. “…he was afterward an hungred.” - “Hunger” in this context means deep and persistent hunger. It wasn't just a little bit hungry; he was truly starving. What does this tell us about Jesus? This is often interpreted as a sign of his commitment to his mission – that he’s willing to endure hardship for the sake of bringing good news to humanity. It shows: He's dedicated: He’s putting himself through immense effort. He’s serious: It wasn’t just a whim; it was a deliberate choice to be tested and prepared. He's humbled: It speaks to his humility – recognizing that he doesn't have all the answers or power in himself. In short, it's a powerful illustration of Jesus’s willingness to endure difficult things for the sake of bringing salvation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about this passage? Answer any specific questions you have about the meaning of this verse?

Definition: And they straightway left [their] nets, and followed him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 4:20: “And they straightway left [their] nets, and followed him.” Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus is moving on to something new and exciting. “They straightway left [their] nets”: This refers to the fishermen who had been teaching him and guiding him. They were focused on catching fish – that’s their livelihood and how they were getting paid. "Straightway" means immediately, without hesitation. It suggests a sudden shift in focus. “And followed him.” This is the core of the verse. Jesus is now moving away from his familiar fishing grounds and following him. So, what does it mean? It's a sign that Jesus is ready to do something bigger and more important than just teaching people or catching fish. He’s willing to leave behind what he already knows for something new and challenging. It shows his desire to be with people and to help them in a way that goes beyond simply providing food. It's often interpreted as a sign of Jesus’s purpose – to teach, to comfort, and to lead. In short, it means he’s ready for a new adventure! --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about this passage in the Bible?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 4:21. It’s a really important passage about Jesus’ early ministry! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Jesus was watching two of his closest disciples – James and John – as they were working on fishing nets. “Going on from thence”: This is a bit tricky, but it means "and then he continued..." It’s just a way of saying he wasn't stopping to talk to them. "He saw other two brethren…" This tells us Jesus was looking at James and John. "...James the son, and John his brother…” : These are the names of the two disciples Jesus was watching. “…in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets;”: They were working together to clean and repair their fishing nets. “Mending” means to fix or repair something. “And he called them.” This is the key part! Jesus noticed them and invited them to come with him. So, what’s the big deal? This verse is a significant sign that Jesus was beginning his ministry – that's when he started doing things like this. It shows that he wanted to connect with these two important disciples and prepare them for their future roles in following him. It also implies that Jesus was interested in spending time with them, which was a huge step in his plan. In short, it’s a snapshot of Jesus starting to work with his closest followers. --- Would you like me to explain any part of this verse further? For example: Do you want me to elaborate on the significance of "mending their nets?" Are there any specific interpretations or theological meanings we could discuss?

Definition: And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse from Matthew 4:22: “And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.” Basically, it means: They stopped trusting in their father (who was a fisherman) and immediately started following Jesus. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “They immediately left the ship…” – This is a key part. It suggests they were already comfortable with their father and routine. They weren't hesitant; they made a quick decision to move on. “…and their father…” – This refers to Joseph, who was Jesus’s adoptive father. It highlights that this wasn’t just about leaving his side, but also leaving behind the familiar life he had built. “and followed him.” – This is the core of the verse. They decided to spend time with Jesus and continue following his teachings and mission. What does it tell us about Jesus? This passage is often seen as a sign that Jesus was beginning his ministry. It shows: He was drawn to something bigger: He wasn’t just interested in being a fisherman; he was drawn to a purpose – to teach, to heal, and to offer salvation. He was willing to leave things behind: Leaving the familiar (the ship and Joseph) demonstrates his commitment to his mission. In short, it's a powerful story of faith and obedience! --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about Matthew 4?

Definition: And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 4:23 together. It's a really important part of Jesus’ early ministry! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Jesus was actively spreading the good news and helping people. Let’s unpack it: “And Jesus went about all Galilee…” – This means Jesus traveled around the region of Galilee (a coastal area near Jerusalem). He wasn't just wandering aimlessly; he was making a purposeful journey. “…teaching in their synagogues…” – He was teaching people, specifically in religious gatherings called synagogues. Synagogues were places where Jewish people gathered to worship and learn about the teachings of the Bible. “…preaching the gospel of the kingdom…” – This is the big part! The “gospel” in this context refers to Jesus’ message about God's plan for the world. He was proclaiming that God wants to create a new, perfect world, and he believed that through his teachings and actions, people could see that future. It’s like saying, "God is going to create a better world!" “…healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” – Jesus was actively working to help people who were sick and dying. He was using his power and teachings to make people feel better physically and spiritually. He was offering comfort, healing, and hope. So, putting it all together: Jesus was actively spreading the message that God's plan involves a new world – a world of peace, justice, and good health – and he was doing this through teaching, sharing his message, and providing healing. In essence, it’s about the beginning of Jesus’ mission to share the good news of God's Kingdom and bring comfort and hope to people. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you a different perspective on what this verse means? Connect it to a specific biblical story or concept?

Definition: And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 4:24. It’s a really important passage about Jesus’ ministry! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus was healing people who were sick, possessed by demons, or had physical problems. Let's unpack each part: “And his fame went throughout all Syria…” – This means that as Jesus traveled and preached, his reputation started spreading far and wide. “Syria” is a region in the Middle East, which was then a large area encompassing parts of modern-day Turkey and Lebanon. So it’s like a ripple effect of his healing and good deeds spreading out. “…and they brought unto him…” – People were coming to Jesus with their problems. They weren't just asking for help; they were bringing him requests. "...all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments..." - This is a broad category of people who were experiencing physical suffering. It included people with things like: Illness: They had infections, fever, etc. Pain: People were hurting themselves physically. Torment: This could mean anything from a deep ache to a spiritual affliction – something that was causing them great distress. "...and those which were possessed with devils..." - This refers to people who were under the control of evil spirits (demons). It suggests they were experiencing fear, anxiety, or other distressing feelings caused by these spirits. "...and those which were lunatick..." – This is a more figurative term meaning “crazy” or “unstable.” It describes someone experiencing mental illness. "...and those that had the palsy..." - This refers to people who had physical problems, specifically neurological issues like palsy (a condition affecting the muscles of the face and neck). "...and he healed them." – Jesus performed miracles – physically healing people with his touch. So, what's the big takeaway? This verse shows that Jesus was a powerful healer and that his ministry wasn’t just about teaching or preaching; it was also about offering comfort and restoration to those who were suffering. In short, Jesus was actively bringing relief and healing to people experiencing physical, emotional, and spiritual difficulties. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? Give some examples of how this might have been interpreted at the time?

Definition: And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and [from] Decapolis, and [from] Jerusalem, and [from] Judaea, and [from] beyond Jordan.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse! It’s a really important one in the Bible, and it tells us about Jesus’ early ministry. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, it says that Jesus was being surrounded by a huge crowd – lots and lots of people – from all over: “And there followed him great multitudes…” This means there were many people gathered to see and hear Jesus. “Multitudes” is a fancy word for a really big group! “…from Galilee, and Decapolis…” "Galilee" is where he lived and taught in the region near Jerusalem. "Decapolis" was a large area that included parts of modern-day Israel and Lebanon. So, it means he had people from all over the Levant (the region around the Mediterranean) – including areas further east. “…from Jerusalem…” This refers to the Jewish people in Jerusalem. “…and from beyond Jordan.” “Beyond Jordan” meant that the crowd came from both sides of the border between Israel and the region of modern-day Syria and Turkey. So, it was a really big, diverse gathering – a massive crowd of Jews, and also people from other parts of the region. Why is this significant? This verse shows that Jesus was beginning his ministry, which meant he was teaching, healing, and doing good things to people in many different places. It’s a sign that he was gaining popularity and attracting attention. Do you want me to explain anything else about this verse, like: What “multitudes” means? The context of this event in the Bible?