John 10:40

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

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}.

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

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

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

Context

Following an intense confrontation with Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, where they sought to stone Him for declaring His unity with the Father (John 10:30-39), Jesus prudently withdraws from the immediate danger. John 10:40 describes His strategic relocation: "And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode." This move signifies a temporary retreat from the hostile environment of Judea into the region of Perea, east of the Jordan River.

Key Themes

  • Divine Prudence and Timing: Jesus, though possessing divine power, consistently demonstrated wisdom in His earthly ministry. His withdrawal was not an act of fear, but a strategic decision to avoid premature confrontation and continue His work until His appointed time (John 7:6). This highlights His perfect understanding of His Father's will and timing.
  • Continuity of Ministry: By returning to "the place where John at first baptized," Jesus deliberately revisited the roots of His public ministry. This location, likely Bethany beyond Jordan (John 1:28), was where John the Baptist had prepared the way for Him, testifying to Him and baptizing many. Jesus' presence there reaffirmed the divine connection between His ministry and John's, validating John's prophetic role and drawing people who were familiar with John's message.
  • Continued Outreach: The phrase "and there he abode" indicates that Jesus settled in this region for a period, continuing His teaching, healing, and disciple-making activities away from the direct threat of the Jerusalem authorities. This period in Perea proved fruitful, as many came to Him there and believed (John 10:41-42).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "abode" is meno (μένω), which implies not just a brief stop but a settled stay or residence. This suggests a period of sustained ministry in this region, rather than merely passing through. The geographical detail "beyond Jordan" (peran tou Iordanou) clearly points to the region of Perea, emphasizing its distinction from Judea.

Practical Application

John 10:40 offers several valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Wisdom in Adversity: Like Jesus, we are called to exercise wisdom and discernment, especially when facing opposition or danger. Prudence in avoiding unnecessary conflict allows us to preserve our energy and focus for our God-given tasks.
  • Returning to Foundations: Sometimes, retreating to foundational truths or places of spiritual significance can rejuvenate our faith and ministry. Jesus' return to John's baptismal site reminds us to connect with our spiritual roots and the initial call of God on our lives.
  • Perseverance in Ministry: Even when circumstances are challenging, God's work continues. Jesus did not cease His ministry; He merely relocated, demonstrating that the mission of sharing God's truth can adapt to different environments and challenges.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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