STRONGS NT 3979: πεζόςπεζός, πεζῇ πεζον (πέζα; see πέδη), from Homer down;

1. on foot (as opposed to riding).

2. by land (as opposed to going by sea): ἠκολούθησαν πεζοί, Matthew 14:13, T L marginal reading WH marginal reading (so the Sinaiticus manuscript also) for R G πεζῇ (cf. Winers Grammar, § 54, 2; Buttmann, § 123, 9). (The Sept. for רַגְלִי and בְּרֶגֶל.)

Strong’s Greek 3979 highlights the simple yet powerful image of movement “on foot.” Appearing only twice in the New Testament, the term underscores a humble, ground-level mode of travel that contrasts with journeys by boat or animal. In both instances, the word frames scenes in which large crowds eagerly pursue Jesus, emphasizing their determination to reach Him regardless of inconvenience or distance.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. Matthew 14:13 – “But the crowds heard about it and followed Him on foot from the towns.”
2. Mark 6:33 – “But many saw them leaving and recognized them. They ran on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them.”

Both verses precede the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. The crowds’ choice to travel by land—often over difficult terrain—sets the stage for Jesus’ compassionate response and reveals the spiritual hunger of the people.

Historical and Cultural Background

First-century Galilee was crisscrossed by Roman roads and informal pathways. While boats offered speed across the Sea of Galilee, most common people walked. A coastal track could span some eight miles around the lake’s northern edge, and travelers often covered it under a hot sun without modern footwear or shade. That multitudes willingly undertook the journey underscores the magnetism of Jesus’ ministry.

Ministry Context

• Transition Moments: In both passages Jesus seeks solitude—after John the Baptist’s death in Matthew and after the apostles’ taxing mission in Mark. The crowds interrupt His retreat by overtaking Him on foot, prompting public ministry in lieu of private rest.

• Catalyst for Compassion: Seeing their exertion, “He had compassion on them” (Matthew 14:14). The physical effort of the crowds becomes the narrative trigger for Jesus’ teaching and miraculous provision.

• Demonstration of Authority: Their foot travel indirectly testifies to Jesus’ authority. Even without official summons or incentives, ordinary people voluntarily traverse significant distances, declaring by action that His words and works surpass any hardship.

Theological Significance

1. Hunger for Truth: Walking symbolizes earnest seeking. The crowds’ effort mirrors the believer’s pursuit of Christ: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

2. Faith in Motion: Physical steps represent an outward manifestation of inward faith. By recording that they came “on foot,” the Gospel writers spotlight faith expressed through action, aligning with James 2:17.

3. Foreshadowing the Church’s Mission: Just as the crowd gathered by simple travel, the early church would spread the gospel along the very roads and footpaths of the Roman Empire. The term anticipates the pedestrian evangelism of apostles like Paul (Acts 20:13).

Practical Application for Discipleship

• Persistence in Pursuit: The example urges believers to seek Christ with similar tenacity, laying aside comfort and convenience.
• Compassionate Ministry: Seeing the crowds’ fatigue, Jesus meets both spiritual and physical needs. Modern disciples mimic His pattern when they recognize exhaustion in others and respond with holistic care.
• Readiness to Serve: Jesus allows His plans for rest to be interrupted. Ministry often arises when personal agendas yield to divine appointments.

Related Themes in Scripture

• Old Testament Pilgrimage: Annual ascents to Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16:16) occurred primarily on foot, linking Jesus’ followers with a longstanding tradition of bodily devotion.
• Walking as Metaphor: “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). The literal walking of the crowds becomes a living parable of the believer’s daily walk with God.
• Journey Imagery in Acts: Missionary journeys frequently mention travel “by land” (Acts 15:3), highlighting continuity between the Gospels and the church age.

Conclusion

Though used only twice, Strong’s Greek 3979 anchors pivotal Gospel moments, illustrating how determined, ground-level pursuit of Jesus invites divine compassion and miraculous provision. The term challenges readers to embody the same wholehearted pursuit and to recognize ministry opportunities that emerge along the ordinary paths of life.