New Testament
Matthew 4:19
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Jesus called out to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
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And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
What Matthew 4:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to Simon Peter and Andrew, who were fishermen by trade. He invites them to leave their nets and follow him, promising to transform their lives. The phrase "fishers of men" suggests that they will be involved in gathering people into the kingdom of God, much like they catch fish. This call signifies a shift from their ordinary work to a divine mission. Jesus is not just asking them to follow him physically but to embrace a new purpose in life. The call to discipleship involves commitment, sacrifice, and a willingness to share the message of God’s love with others. This verse highlights the transformative power of Jesus' call and the importance of responding to it. It emphasizes that following Jesus means participating in his mission to reach and save others, which is a central theme in the New Testament.
How to apply Matthew 4:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider what it means to follow Jesus in our daily lives. We are called to share our faith and reach out to others, just as the disciples did. Reflect on how you can be a 'fisher of men' in your community.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Calling the Fishermen (Matthew 4:18–22)
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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.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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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 4:19 mean?
Matthew 4:19 captures Jesus inviting Simon Peter and Andrew to leave their fishing jobs and follow him. He promises to make them 'fishers of men,' indicating they will gather people into God's kingdom.
What is the meaning of 'fishers of men' in Matthew 4:19?
The phrase 'fishers of men' in Matthew 4:19 means that Jesus will equip the disciples to attract and bring people to faith in God, similar to how fishermen catch fish.
How can I apply Matthew 4:19 in my life?
You can apply Matthew 4:19 by reflecting on how you can share your faith and reach out to others in your community, becoming a 'fisher of men' in your own context.
Who was Jesus speaking to in Matthew 4:19?
In Matthew 4:19, Jesus was speaking to Simon Peter and Andrew, who were fishermen. He called them to leave their nets and follow him for a greater purpose.
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