John 10:40

KJV

And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} went away {G565} again {G3825} beyond {G4008} Jordan {G2446} into {G1519} the place {G5117} where {G3699} John {G2491} at first {G4412} baptized {G907}{G2258}; and {G2532} there {G1563} he abode {G3306}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He went off again beyond the Yarden, where Yochanan had been immersing at first, and stayed there.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had first been baptizing, and He stayed there.

American Standard Version

And he went away again beyond the Jordan into the place where John was at the first baptizing; and there he abode.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following an intense confrontation with Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, where they sought to stone Him, Jesus strategically withdraws from Judea. He returns to the region beyond the Jordan River, specifically to the place where John the Baptist had initially commenced his ministry, and settles there for a period. This deliberate relocation demonstrates Jesus' divine prudence, reaffirms the foundational connection between His ministry and John's prophetic role, and signifies His unwavering commitment to continued outreach despite escalating opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate preceding verses ([John 10:30-39](/john/10-30-39 "John 10:30-39 - Jesus' Declaration and Attempted Stoning")) describe a dramatic and dangerous encounter in Jerusalem. Jesus' profound declaration, "I and my Father are one" ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus' Unity with the Father")), is perceived as blasphemy by the Jewish leaders, who then attempt to stone Him. Jesus skillfully defends His claims by appealing to His works and the Scriptures, but the threat to His life is undeniable. His withdrawal in [John 10:40](/john/10-40 "John 10:40 - Jesus' Strategic Retreat") is a direct and prudent response to this escalating hostility, allowing Him to avoid premature confrontation and continue His ministry in a safer environment. This strategic retreat aligns with earlier instances in John's Gospel where Jesus avoids danger or times when His hour had not yet come, as seen in [John 7:1](/john/7-1 "John 7:1 - Jesus Avoids Judea").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "beyond Jordan" (Greek: _peran tou Iordanou_) refers to the region of Perea, a territory situated east of the Jordan River. This area was part of the tetrarchy ruled by Herod Antipas, distinct from Judea, which was under direct Roman governorship and the authority of the Jerusalem religious establishment. Perea generally offered a less hostile environment for Jesus' ministry than Judea. The specific "place where John at first baptized" is widely identified with Bethany beyond the Jordan ([John 1:28](/john/1-28 "John 1:28 - John the Baptist at Bethany Beyond the Jordan")), a significant site where John the Baptist had gathered many followers and prepared the way for the Messiah. By returning to this location, Jesus engaged with a populace already familiar with John's prophetic message and the expectation of the coming Christ, which likely contributed to their receptivity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several prominent themes within John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Prudence and Timing**. Jesus, though possessing all divine power, consistently demonstrates wisdom in His earthly ministry, strategically withdrawing from danger to fulfill the Father's will according to His perfect timetable ([John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus' Timing")). Secondly, the return to John's baptismal site highlights the **Continuity and Validation of John the Baptist's Ministry**. Jesus' presence there implicitly affirms John's prophetic role as the forerunner and the divine connection between their ministries, drawing people who had been influenced by John to believe in Jesus ([John 10:41-42](/john/10-41-42 "John 10:41-42 - Many Believe in Jesus")). Lastly, the phrase "and there he abode" emphasizes Jesus' **Unwavering Commitment to Outreach and Disciple-Making**. Despite the opposition in Jerusalem, Jesus does not cease His work but adapts His location to continue teaching, healing, and gathering followers, demonstrating the unstoppable nature of God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **again (Greek, _pálin'_):** This adverb signifies a repetition or return. In the context of [John 10:40](/john/10-40 "John 10:40 - Jesus' Retreat"), it indicates that Jesus was returning to a place He had visited before, specifically the region where John had baptized. This reinforces a sense of continuity and a deliberate revisiting of a significant location associated with the beginning of His public ministry.
* **where (Greek, _hópou'_):** This relative adverb of place precisely identifies the destination. It emphasizes that Jesus' withdrawal was not a random flight but a deliberate movement to a specific, known, and previously significant site. This precision highlights the intentionality of His actions and the strategic nature of His retreat.
* **abode (Greek, _ménō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to stay, dwell, endure, remain." This word implies more than a brief stop or a hurried passage; it suggests a settled, sustained presence. Jesus established a temporary residence in this region, indicating a period of continued ministry, teaching, and engagement with the people there, rather than merely passing through.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And went away again beyond Jordan":** This clause describes Jesus' strategic departure from Jerusalem, crossing the Jordan River to the east into the region of Perea. The inclusion of "again" suggests a previous visit or familiarity with the area, reinforcing the idea that this was a deliberate and calculated move, not an impulsive escape.
* **"into the place where John at first baptized":** This specifies the precise destination as the very location where John the Baptist had initiated his public ministry. This detail is crucial, as it connects Jesus' current actions to the foundational work of His forerunner, likely drawing on the spiritual receptivity cultivated by John's preaching and the presence of his former disciples.
* **"and there he abode":** This final clause signifies that Jesus settled in this region for a significant period. The verb "abode" (Greek: _meno_) implies a sustained stay, during which He continued His teaching, healing, and disciple-making activities, effectively establishing a temporary base away from the immediate threat of the Judean authorities.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Geographical Symbolism** and **Narrative Continuity**. Jesus' movement "beyond Jordan" symbolizes a strategic withdrawal from a place of intense hostility (Judea) to a region of relative safety and greater receptivity (Perea). This geographical shift underscores His divine prudence and the necessity of preserving His life until the appointed time for His sacrifice. The return to "the place where John at first baptized" serves as a powerful instance of **Narrative Continuity**, linking Jesus' ministry directly back to its prophetic roots and validating John's crucial role as the forerunner. This deliberate revisiting of a significant site emphasizes the seamless progression of God's redemptive plan, from John's preparatory work to Jesus' fulfilling ministry. The fact that Jesus "abode" there also highlights the **Purposeful Action** of Christ, demonstrating that His ministry was not halted by opposition but merely redirected, leading to continued fruitfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 10:40 profoundly illustrates Jesus' divine wisdom and strategic discernment in His earthly ministry. His withdrawal from Jerusalem after the attempt to stone Him is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of His perfect alignment with the Father's timing and purpose. He did not rush to His death but skillfully navigated the escalating opposition, ensuring that His ministry continued to unfold according to the divine plan. This act also beautifully underscores the interconnectedness of salvation history, as Jesus returns to the very ground where John the Baptist had prepared the way, affirming the continuity of God's redemptive work from prophecy to fulfillment. It reveals that even in moments of apparent retreat, God's mission advances, often in unexpected and fruitful ways, preparing hearts for belief.

* [Matthew 10:23](/matthew/10-23 "Matthew 10:23 - Fleeing Persecution")
* [Luke 4:29-30](/luke/4-29-30 "Luke 4:29-30 - Jesus Escapes Nazareth")
* [John 7:6-8](/john/7-6-8 "John 7:6-8 - Jesus' Timing for the Feast")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 10:40 offers profound insights for believers navigating life's challenges. Jesus' strategic withdrawal teaches us the importance of divine wisdom and discernment in the face of opposition. There are times when courage calls us to stand firm, but there are also moments when prudence dictates a strategic retreat or a change of approach to preserve our capacity for future ministry and effectiveness. This is not about fear, but about the wise stewardship of our lives and calling, ensuring we are not prematurely derailed from God's purposes. Furthermore, Jesus' return to the place of John's baptism reminds us of the value of revisiting our spiritual foundations. When we feel adrift or challenged, returning to the core truths of our faith, the initial call of God, or the places where our faith was first ignited can provide renewed strength, clarity, and purpose. Finally, the fact that Jesus "abode" and continued His ministry in Perea, leading many to believe, encourages us to persevere in our calling even when circumstances are difficult. God's work is not limited by our immediate environment; He can open new doors and bring forth fruit in unexpected places, reminding us that the mission of the Gospel is resilient and adaptable to all environments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to exercise strategic prudence rather than confrontational persistence?**
* **How can revisiting the foundational truths or significant spiritual experiences of your past rejuvenate your faith and commitment today?**
* **When facing opposition or difficult circumstances, how can you adapt your approach to continue faithfully pursuing God's call on your life?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus go "beyond Jordan" specifically?**

Answer: Jesus went "beyond Jordan" to the region of Perea primarily for strategic reasons. After the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem attempted to stone Him for blasphemy ([John 10:31](/john/10-31 "John 10:31 - Attempted Stoning")), withdrawing to Perea offered a safer environment. Perea was outside the immediate jurisdiction of the hostile Jerusalem authorities, allowing Jesus to continue His ministry without constant threat. Furthermore, this region was familiar to many who had followed John the Baptist, making it fertile ground for further outreach, as evidenced by the positive response recorded in [John 10:41-42](/john/10-41-42 "John 10:41-42 - Many Believe in Jesus").

**What is the significance of returning to "the place where John at first baptized"?**

Answer: Returning to the initial site of John the Baptist's ministry, likely Bethany beyond the Jordan ([John 1:28](/john/1-28 "John 1:28 - John the Baptist at Bethany Beyond the Jordan")), carries significant symbolic and practical weight. Theologically, it affirms the divine connection and continuity between John's preparatory ministry and Jesus' own. John had testified to Jesus as the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - John's Testimony of Jesus")) and the Son of God ([John 1:34](/john/1-34 "John 1:34 - John's Witness to Jesus")). Practically, this location was known to many who had been impacted by John's message, creating a receptive audience who were already familiar with prophetic expectations and the call to repentance, making them more open to Jesus' teachings.

**Did Jesus "flee" out of fear?**

Answer: No, Jesus' withdrawal was not an act of fear but of divine prudence and strategic timing. As the Son of God, He was fully aware of His mission and the appointed time for His crucifixion ([John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus' Timing")). His actions consistently demonstrate His perfect control over His destiny, choosing when and where to engage or withdraw. This withdrawal allowed Him to continue His teaching and healing ministry for a longer period, gathering more disciples and preparing them for His eventual sacrifice, as seen in His continued work described in [John 10:41-42](/john/10-41-42 "John 10:41-42 - Many Believe in Jesus"). It was a strategic move to fulfill the Father's will, not a panicked escape.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 10:40, depicting Jesus' strategic withdrawal to Perea, beautifully foreshadows and embodies aspects of His ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. His temporary retreat from the immediate threat of stoning in Jerusalem, not out of fear but out of divine prudence, points to His perfect obedience to the Father's timing for His redemptive work. Just as He withdrew to continue His ministry and gather more disciples before His appointed hour, so too does His entire earthly life serve as a preparatory period for the climactic event of the cross. His return to the place of John's baptism also underscores the continuity of God's plan of salvation, where the Old Testament prophecies and John's preparatory ministry find their ultimate culmination in Him. He is the fulfillment of all that John proclaimed, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). This period in Perea, where many came to believe in Him ([John 10:41-42](/john/10-41-42 "John 10:41-42 - Many Believe in Jesus")), prefigures the broader mission of the church after His resurrection and ascension—to go into all the world and make disciples ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")), even when facing opposition. Ultimately, Jesus' control over His movements, culminating in His willing surrender to the cross at the Father's perfect time ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Final Words")), reveals Him as the sovereign Lord who orchestrates every detail for the salvation of humanity, demonstrating that even in apparent retreat, the path to redemption is being precisely laid.

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 1:28

These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

John 11:54

Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

John 3:26

And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all [men] come to him.

John 7:1

¶ After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.