Matthew 4:20

20 At once they left their nets and followed him.

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Matthew 4:20 in Other Translations

KJV

20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

ESV

20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

NLT

20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.

MSG

20 They didn't ask questions, but simply dropped their nets and followed.

CSB

20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

Matthew 4:20 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 4:20

And they straightway left their nets
That is, as soon as he had called them, they left their worldly employment, and followed him; they gave up themselves to his service, and became his disciples; they not only left their "nets", but their fishing boats, and fishing trade, and all that belonged to it, even all their substance; and also their relations, friends, and acquaintance, see ( Matthew 19:27 ) which shows what a mighty power went along with the words and call of Christ; and what a ready, cheerful, and voluntary subjection this produces, wherever it takes place.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Matthew 4:20 In-Context

18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

20 At once they left their nets and followed him.

21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them,

22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.