John 10:39

KJV

¶ Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767} they sought {G2212} again {G3825} to take {G4084} him {G846}: but {G2532} he escaped {G1831} out of {G1537} their {G846} hand {G5495},

Complete Jewish Bible

One more time they tried to arrest him, but he slipped out of their hands.

Berean Standard Bible

At this, they tried again to seize Him, but He escaped their grasp.

American Standard Version

They sought again to take him: and he went forth out of their hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
records a pivotal moment in Jesus' public ministry, where the escalating hostility from the Jewish religious leaders culminates in yet another attempt to seize Him. Enraged by His profound claims of divine unity with the Father, they sought to arrest Him, but Jesus, demonstrating His sovereign control over His own destiny, miraculously eluded their grasp. This incident underscores the persistent rejection of Jesus' identity by those in authority while simultaneously affirming His divine power and the unfolding of God's perfect timing for His ultimate redemptive mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' bold and unequivocal declaration of His divine identity during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in Jerusalem. In [John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus' Unity with the Father"), Jesus states, "I and my Father are one," a claim that the Jewish leaders instantly recognized as an assertion of equality with God. Their immediate response, recorded in [John 10:31](/john/10-31 "John 10:31 - Jews Pick Up Stones"), was to pick up stones to stone Him for perceived blasphemy. When Jesus challenged their intent, further asserting that He is the one "whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world" in [John 10:36](/john/10-36 "John 10:36 - Jesus Sanctified and Sent"), their fury intensified. The attempt "to take him" in [John 10:39](/john/10-39 "John 10:39 - Jesus Escapes") signifies a shift from a spontaneous mob stoning to a more deliberate attempt at arrest, likely with the intention of bringing Him to a formal trial. This event is part of a recurring pattern of opposition and attempts to seize Jesus, as seen earlier in [John 7:30](/john/7-30 "John 7:30 - Jesus' Hour Not Yet Come") and [John 8:59](/john/8-59 "John 8:59 - Jesus Hides Himself").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication, or Hanukkah, which commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple after its desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. This feast celebrated God's miraculous deliverance and light, ironically becoming the backdrop for the rejection of the true Light of the World. The Jewish leaders' accusation of blasphemy ([John 10:33](/john/10-33 "John 10:33 - Accusation of Blasphemy")) was based on their understanding of Mosaic Law, which prescribed death by stoning for those who blasphemed God's name or claimed divine prerogatives ([Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - Blasphemy Law")). While the Jewish authorities had limited judicial autonomy under Roman rule and could not carry out capital punishment without Roman consent (a point that becomes crucial later in Jesus' trial), mob actions like stoning were not uncommon. The shift from stoning to attempting to "take him" suggests a desire for a more "legal" process to condemn Jesus, reflecting the increasing desperation and hardening of hearts among the religious elite who perceived Jesus as a threat to their authority and interpretation of the Law.

* **Key Themes:** [John 10:39](/john/10-39 "John 10:39 - Jesus Escapes") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Timing**. Jesus' repeated escapes from capture (e.g., [John 7:30](/john/7-30 "John 7:30 - Jesus' Hour Not Yet Come"), [John 8:59](/john/8-59 "John 8:59 - Jesus Hides Himself")) are not mere coincidences or clever evasions but demonstrations that His "hour"—the divinely appointed time for His crucifixion—had not yet come. This underscores God's meticulous control over the unfolding of His redemptive plan, independent of human malice or intent. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the persistent **Rejection of Christ** by the religious authorities. Despite Jesus' clear teachings, miraculous signs, and self-attestations, their unbelief hardened into active opposition, culminating in repeated attempts to silence or eliminate Him rather than acknowledge His divine claims. Finally, Jesus' effortless escape points to His **Miraculous Power and Authority**. The manner of His departure, simply "He escaped out of their hand," suggests a supernatural intervention, affirming His inherent power and control over His own life and destiny, which He would later voluntarily lay down ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Authority to Lay Down His Life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sought (Greek, _zētéō'_):** G2212. This verb signifies a deliberate, earnest, and often persistent effort to find or obtain something. In this context, it implies a determined and repeated attempt by the Jewish leaders to apprehend Jesus, not merely a casual search. It conveys their resolve and the intensity of their opposition, indicating a plot or scheme against His life or freedom.
* **escaped (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** G1831. Literally meaning "to come out" or "to go forth," this word, when used in the context of escaping from a grasp or a dangerous situation, suggests a departure that is often effortless or supernatural. It does not imply a physical struggle or a clever evasion on Jesus' part, but rather a miraculous, unhindered exit from their attempted seizure, emphasizing divine intervention.
* **hand (Greek, _cheír'_):** G5495. While literally referring to the physical hand, in this context, "hand" is used idiomatically to represent power, authority, control, or grasp. Thus, Jesus escaping "out of their hand" means He escaped from their power, their control, and their ability to apprehend Him, highlighting His sovereignty over their attempts to seize Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore they sought again to take him":** The adverb "Therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) directly links this renewed attempt to the preceding discourse, specifically Jesus' claims of unity with the Father and His divine sonship, which the Jewish leaders deemed blasphemous. The phrase "sought again" (G3825, _pálin_ with G2212, _zētéō_) emphasizes the persistence and repeated nature of their efforts, demonstrating their unwavering resolve to apprehend Jesus. "To take him" (G4084, _piázō_) indicates an intent to seize or arrest Him, likely for formal legal proceedings rather than another spontaneous stoning.
* **"but he escaped out of their hand":** The conjunction "but" (G2532, _kaí_) introduces a stark contrast to their determined efforts. "He escaped" (G1831, _exérchomai_) signifies a miraculous and effortless departure, not a physical struggle or a clever trick. The phrase "out of their hand" (G1537, _ek_ with G5495, _cheír_) underscores that He slipped beyond their power, control, and physical grasp, highlighting His divine authority and the fact that His life was not subject to human will or timing.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. There is a strong element of **Irony**, as the very people who claim to uphold God's law are attempting to seize and condemn the Son of God Himself, who embodies that law. The repeated attempts to seize Jesus, followed by His effortless escapes, create a pattern of **Repetition** that underscores the futility of human opposition against divine will. The manner of Jesus' escape, described simply as "he escaped out of their hand," suggests a **Divine Passive** or **Miraculous Intervention**, implying that God's power was actively at work in His deliverance, rather than Jesus employing a human strategy. This also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Jesus' ultimate control over His own destiny, including His eventual voluntary surrender to death at the appointed time, rather than being forcibly taken against His will. The stark **Contrast** between the intense human malice and the serene divine power is powerfully conveyed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 10:39 is a powerful testament to the sovereignty of God and the unique nature of Jesus Christ. It underscores that Jesus' life, ministry, and ultimate sacrifice were not subject to human machinations or timing, but were unfolding according to a divine plan. The inability of the Jewish leaders to seize Jesus when they desired highlights that His "hour" had not yet come, a recurring theme in John's Gospel. This divine control over His life demonstrates His inherent deity and authority, affirming that He would lay down His life voluntarily, not as a helpless victim. This passage thus reinforces the truth that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human opposition, no matter how intense or determined.

* [John 7:30](/john/7-30 "John 7:30 - Jesus' Hour Not Yet Come"): "Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come."
* [John 8:59](/john/8-59 "John 8:59 - Jesus Hides Himself"): "Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by."
* [Luke 4:29-30](/luke/4-29-30 "Luke 4:29-30 - Jesus Escapes Nazareth Mob"): "And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them went his way."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 10:39 offers profound spiritual nourishment and practical application for believers today. Jesus' miraculous escape reminds us that God's ultimate plan and timing are sovereign, even amidst fierce opposition and seemingly insurmountable challenges. Just as Jesus' life was not subject to the whims of His enemies but to the perfect will of the Father, so too are the lives of His followers held securely in God's hands. This instills a deep sense of trust and peace, knowing that our ultimate protection and purpose are divinely ordained. It encourages us to persevere in speaking truth and living faithfully, even when it evokes hostility, because God is ultimately in control. We are called to rest in His sovereignty, confident that no human power can thwart His purposes for our lives or for the advancement of His kingdom. This passage strengthens our faith in Jesus' divine power and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His Father's will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' escape in John 10:39 affirm God's sovereignty over human plans and timing in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to fear human opposition more than you trust in God's ultimate control?**
* **What truths about Jesus' identity and mission, as revealed in this passage, can strengthen your faith and courage today?**

### FAQ

**Why did they want to "take him" rather than stone him again?**

Answer: The shift from picking up stones ([John 10:31](/john/10-31 "John 10:31 - Jews Pick Up Stones")) to seeking to "take him" in [John 10:39](/john/10-39 "John 10:39 - Jesus Escapes") indicates a desire for a more formal and "legal" process. Stoning was often a spontaneous mob action, driven by immediate outrage. To "take him" (Greek _piázō_) implies an arrest, with the intent of bringing Jesus before a religious court (like the Sanhedrin) for a formal trial and condemnation. This would lend a veneer of legitimacy to their actions and potentially allow them to involve Roman authorities for capital punishment, which they themselves could not directly administer. It reflects an escalating and more calculated strategy to eliminate Jesus.

**How did Jesus "escape"? Was it a physical feat or something else?**

Answer: The text states "he escaped out of their hand" (Greek: _exēlthen ek tēs cheirós autōn_), which literally means "he went out from their hand." This phrasing, coupled with other instances of Jesus eluding capture ([John 8:59](/john/8-59 "John 8:59 - Jesus Hides Himself"); [Luke 4:30](/luke/4-30 "Luke 4:30 - Jesus Passes Through the Crowd")), strongly suggests a supernatural or miraculous departure rather than a mere physical struggle, clever evasion, or stealthy retreat. It implies that Jesus simply passed through them, became invisible, or was supernaturally enabled to leave their grasp without their ability to prevent it. This highlights His divine power and His sovereign control over His own life and the timing of His eventual surrender.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The escape of Jesus in [John 10:39](/john/10-39 "John 10:39 - Jesus Escapes") is a profound demonstration of His divine sovereignty and foreshadows the ultimate, voluntary nature of His sacrifice. While His enemies sought to seize Him by force, Jesus repeatedly proved that His life was not subject to their will, but to the Father's perfect timing. This temporary escape highlights His inherent power, a power He would later choose to lay down. The true Christ-centered fulfillment is not in His ability to escape death, but in His *willingness* to embrace it for the redemption of humanity. This passage sets the stage for the climactic moment when Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), would voluntarily surrender Himself to the cross, as He Himself declared, "[No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Authority Over His Life")." His escape here is a powerful affirmation that His death would not be an accident or a forced event, but the sovereign act of a divine King, fulfilling the eternal plan of salvation ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Determined Purpose")). Thus, His temporary escape ultimately points to His purposeful and redemptive surrender, securing eternal life for all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 7:30

Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.

John 8:59

Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

John 7:44

And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.

Luke 4:29

And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.

Luke 4:30

But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

John 10:31

Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.