1. Matthieu 4:13 (NEG79)
  2. Explication du texte

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

Matthieu 4:13 (NEG79)

13 Il quitta Nazareth, et vint demeurer à Capernaüm, située près de la mer, dans le territoire de Zabulon et de Nephthali,

En bref

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