So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus' fame spread so widely that people traveled from all of Syria, bringing not just those with ordinary sicknesses, but also those afflicted by what were then understood as torments, demonic oppression, seizures ("lunatic"), and paralysis. This extensive list highlights how comprehensive Jesus' healing ministry was, addressing a vast spectrum of human suffering beyond simple ailments.
So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus's healing ministry has rapidly expanded beyond Galilee, with his reputation now reaching throughout the Roman province of Syria. People from all over, suffering from a wide array of debilitating illnesses and afflictions, are being brought to him in desperate hope for relief. This widespread acclaim and the sheer volume of desperate pleas highlight the growing impact of Jesus's powerful, compassionate work.
When people brought their sick to Jesus, they weren't just looking for a pain reliever. They brought a whole spectrum of suffering, revealing a deeper need.
Matthew 4:24 paints a vivid picture of the conditions people brought to Jesus: 'various diseases and torments,' 'oppressed by demons,' 'having seizures,' and 'paralytics.' This wasn't just about a headache or a broken bone.
Jesus' response to this entire spectrum shows His authority over not just physical ailments, but also the spiritual and mental anguish that plagued people. He met them at their deepest points of need.
Jesus' reputation didn't stop at the local village or even the borders of His own region. It traveled, drawing people from far and wide.
The phrase 'throughout all Syria' in Matthew 4:24 is significant. Syria was a large Roman province, encompassing regions far beyond Galilee.
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Understand the original words
akoē · Greek Noun
Reputation or report; in a biblical context, it often refers to the widespread recognition of God's power manifest through the ministry of His anointed messenger.
daimonizomenous · Greek Adjective/Participle
Being under the hostile control or influence of demonic powers. This denotes an external spiritual intrusion into the physical or mental well-being of a person.
Jesus' ministry occurred within a complex Roman provincial context where his fame, originating in Galilee, quickly extended into the neighboring Roman province of Syria, indicating the reach of his message and healing power beyond immediate borders.
c. 4 BC
Death of Herod the Great
The death of Herod the Great led to a period of instability and division of his kingdom among his sons, creating a volatile political landscape in Judea.
c. AD 6-7
Quirinius' Census in Judea
A Roman census ordered by Quirinius, the legate of Syria, caused significant unrest and resistance in Judea, highlighting Roman authority.
c. AD 27-29
Beginning of Jesus' Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, teaching in synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus' Fame Spreads to Syria
News of Jesus' teachings and miraculous healings spreads from Galilee into the wider Roman province of Syria, drawing people from surrounding regions.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry in Judea and Jerusalem
Jesus' ministry expands to include visits to Judea and Jerusalem, culminating in his crucifixion and resurrection.
This passage describes Jesus healing various afflictions, mirroring the comprehensive nature of the healing mentioned in Matthew 4:24 and showing a consistent pattern of Jesus' ministry.
Acts 10:38Peter recounts how God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power, enabling Him to go about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, which directly aligns with the scope of healing described in Syria.
Isaiah 61:1This Old Testament prophecy speaks of the Spirit of the Lord being upon the Messiah to 'proclaim good news to the poor,' 'bind up the brokenhearted,' and 'set at liberty those who are oppressed,' which Jesus' healing ministry in Matthew 4:24 fulfills.
Matthew 12:15-16After Jesus heals a man with a withered hand, he instructs them not to make him known, showing a similar pattern of widespread healing and a desire for discretion, even as his fame spread.
1 John 3:8The verse states that the Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil, which directly relates to Jesus healing those oppressed by demons, as mentioned in Matthew 4:24, demonstrating his power over spiritual evil.
barnesMatthew 4:24: "And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them."
And his fame went throughout all Syria - It is not easy to fix the exact bounds of Syria in the time of our Saviour. It was, perhaps, the general name for the country lying between the Euphrates on the east, and the Mediterra…
clarkeMatthew 4:24: "And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them."
Sick people - Τους, κακως εχοντας, those who felt ill - were afflicted with any species of malady. And torments - βασανοις, from βασανιζω, to examine by torture, such as cholics, gouts, and rheumatisms, which racked every joi…
Jesus' fame spread so widely that people traveled from all of Syria, bringing not just those with ordinary sicknesses, but also those afflicted by what were then understood as torments, demonic oppression, seizures ("lunatic"), and paralysis. This extensive list highlights how comprehensive Jesus' healing ministry was, addressing a vast spectrum of human suffering beyond simple ailments.
Jesus's healing ministry has rapidly expanded beyond Galilee, with his reputation now reaching throughout the Roman province of Syria. People from all over, suffering from a wide array of debilitating illnesses and afflictions, are being brought to him in desperate hope for relief. This widespread acclaim and the sheer volume of desperate pleas highlight the growing impact of Jesus's powerful, compassionate work.
Jesus's healing ministry has rapidly expanded beyond Galilee, with his reputation now reaching throughout the Roman province of Syria. People from all over, suffering from a wide array of debilitating illnesses and afflictions, are being brought to him in desperate hope for relief. This widespread acclaim and the sheer volume of desperate pleas highlight the growing impact of Jesus's powerful, compassionate work.
"So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them." — Jesus' fame spread so widely that people traveled from all of Syria, bringing not just those with ordinary sicknesses, but also those afflicted by what were then understood as torments, demonic oppre…
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Last reviewed October 2026