1. Matthew 4:13 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why does Matthew 4:13 highlight that Capernaum was “by the sea?”

Matthew 4:13 (ESV)

13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali,

In short

Matthew 4:13 stresses that Capernaum was by the sea to prepare us to read about Jesus walking along the shore of Galilee (Matthew 4:18). As well, this phrase is part of the location of the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, which fulfills Isaiah 8:22–9:1.

The reference to Capernaum by the sea prepares us for the story about Jesus walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, which is soon to follow (Matthew 4:18). Furthermore, the phrase by the sea also prepares the readers for the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 8:22–9:1, as the evangelist immediately proceeds to elucidate that this was located within the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali.1