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Matthew 13:2
ESV And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach.
NIV Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.
NASB And large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach.
CSB Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, while the whole crowd stood on the shore.
NLT A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore.
KJV And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

What does Matthew 13:2 mean?

Jesus has left behind the overcrowded house He was teaching in at the end of the previous chapter. He has moved outside and sat down on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 13:1). The crowd that has gathered around to hear Him teach has grown so large it will be difficult for many of the people to hear what He is saying.

To solve this, Jesus gets into a boat that is pushed a bit back from the shore. The crowd remains on the beach, allowing more of them to see and hear Him. Tradition says this took place on the Sea of Galilee at a place now called the "Cove of the Parables." It provides a kind of natural, curved amphitheater which would have allowed Jesus' voice to carry a great distance.

Once in the boat, Jesus again sits down, assuming the customary position of a rabbi when teaching.
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