Matthew 13 - IVP New Testament Commentaries

Setting

In view of the heavy crowds, Jesus entered into a boat and pushed out slightly from the shore, a technique that had enabled him to speak to large crowds at other times (Lk 5:3). Many natural acoustic settings existed in Galilee, including a cove near Capernaum, that would enable thousands to hear the voice of someone properly positioned (Crisler 1976:134-37).