New Testament
Matthew 4:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus starts His public ministry by calling people to repentance.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
From that time on, Jesus began to preach, saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus starts His public ministry by calling people to repentance. The term 'repent' means to turn away from sin and change one's mind and behavior. Jesus emphasizes that the 'kingdom of heaven' is near, indicating that God's reign and rule are about to be established through His teachings and actions. This message is urgent and transformative, inviting individuals to reconsider their lives and align themselves with God's will. The call to repentance is foundational in Christian teaching, as it signifies a turning point where one acknowledges their need for change and seeks a relationship with God. Jesus' proclamation marks the beginning of a new era where the presence of God is accessible to all who respond to His call. This verse sets the tone for the rest of His ministry, highlighting the importance of repentance as a step towards experiencing the fullness of God's kingdom.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 4:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our lives and identify areas where we need to change. By repenting, we can align ourselves with God's purpose and experience the blessings of His kingdom. Embrace the call to turn away from sin and seek a deeper relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 4:17 mean?
Matthew 4:17 marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, where He calls people to repent, meaning to turn away from sin and change their lives. He emphasizes that the kingdom of heaven is near, indicating that God's reign is about to be established.
What is the meaning of 'repent' in Matthew 4:17?
In Matthew 4:17, 'repent' means to acknowledge one's sins and make a conscious decision to turn away from them. It involves a change of heart and mind, leading to a transformation in behavior.
How does Matthew 4:17 relate to Jesus' overall message?
Matthew 4:17 introduces the core message of Jesus' ministry, which centers on repentance and the coming of God's kingdom. This theme of transformation and urgency is foundational to His teachings throughout the Gospels.
What practical steps can I take based on Matthew 4:17?
Based on Matthew 4:17, you can reflect on your life to identify areas needing change and actively seek to turn away from those behaviors. Embracing repentance can help you align with God's purpose and deepen your relationship with Him.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
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