New Testament
Matthew 4:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
From that time on, Jesus began to preach, saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'
Compare translations
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
What Matthew 4:17 means
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.
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
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 4:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 4:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.