5:28

and: In Greek, a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as and connects 5:27c and 5:28. However, 5:28 is the result of Jesus’ command in 5:27c. So in some languages, it may more natural to introduce this result with a different conjunction. For example:

So (New Living Translation (2004))

Another way to connect these verses is:

Then

In other languages, no conjunction may be necessary here.

Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him: In Greek, the phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as got up, left everything, and followed Him is literally “abandoning all things, rising up, he followed him.”

In English, it is not natural to say “he abandoned everything” before saying “he got up.” For this reason, a number of English versions, including the Berean Standard Bible, have changed the order.

left everything: The phrase left everything in this context means “left/abandoned his work as a tax collector.” It appears from the following verses that Levi still had his own house and personal money.

This phrase emphasizes Levi’s commitment to follow Jesus. See also the note on “left everything” at 5:11b.

followed Him: In this context the phrase followed Him indicates that Levi became a disciple of Jesus. See the note on “Follow me” at 5:27c.

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