John 4:3

KJV

He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

KJV (with Strong's)

He left {G863} Judaea {G2449}, and {G2532} departed {G565} again {G3825} into {G1519} Galilee {G1056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua left Y’hudah and set out again for the Galil.

Berean Standard Bible

He left Judea and returned to Galilee.

American Standard Version

he left Judæa, and departed again into Galilee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 4:3 succinctly describes Jesus' strategic movement from Judaea back into Galilee, a deliberate repositioning following the Pharisees' awareness of His burgeoning ministry. This geographical shift was not an act of retreat but a purposeful decision to avoid premature confrontation with religious authorities and to advance the divine timeline for His mission, setting the stage for significant encounters, particularly His pivotal ministry in Samaria.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [John 4:1-2](/john/4-1-2 "John 4:1-2 - Jesus' Discipleship and the Pharisees' Awareness"), which reveals that the Pharisees had become aware that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John the Baptist. This growing prominence and the potential for conflict with the established religious authorities in Jerusalem (the heart of Judaea) provide the immediate impetus for Jesus' departure. The move to Galilee, as indicated by "departed again," also implies a return to a region where He had previously ministered, but this return now carries a new strategic significance, directly leading to the unexpected and profound encounter with the Samaritan woman in [John 4:4-42](/john/4-4-42 "John 4:4-42 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Judaea, particularly Jerusalem, was the center of Jewish religious and political power, dominated by the Temple and the Sanhedrin. Galilee, by contrast, was a more rural, ethnically diverse region to the north, often looked down upon by the Judaean elite as less sophisticated or religiously pure. The direct route between Judaea and Galilee typically involved passing through Samaria, a region inhabited by Samaritans, who were considered by many Jews to be ethnically and religiously impure, leading to deep-seated animosity and avoidance of their territory. Jesus' decision to leave Judaea and the subsequent necessity to travel through Samaria (as stated in [John 4:4](/john/4-4 "John 4:4 - Jesus Must Go Through Samaria")) directly challenges these prevailing cultural norms and prejudices.
* **Key Themes:** John 4:3 contributes to several major themes within the Gospel of John and Jesus' ministry. It highlights Jesus' **divine sovereignty and strategic wisdom**, demonstrating that His movements are not reactive but part of a larger, divinely orchestrated plan to fulfill His mission. His departure from Judaea avoids a premature clash, showcasing **divine timing** and control over His circumstances. Furthermore, the move to Galilee, and subsequently through Samaria, underscores the **expansion of the Gospel message** beyond traditional Jewish boundaries, foreshadowing the universal scope of salvation that would eventually reach "all nations" as commanded in [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"). This strategic repositioning also sets the stage for the theme of **breaking down barriers**, particularly between Jews and Samaritans, which is central to the narrative that immediately follows.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **left (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This word, meaning "to send forth, to leave, to let go, to forsake," implies a deliberate and conscious act of departure rather than a hasty retreat. Jesus was not fleeing out of fear but strategically disengaging from a situation that, if allowed to escalate, would have prematurely jeopardized His ministry before the appointed time for His ultimate sacrifice. It signifies His authority over His own movements and mission.
* **departed (Greek, _apérchomai'_):** Meaning "to go off, to depart, to go away," this verb reinforces the idea of movement away from one place to another. In conjunction with "left," it emphasizes the actual physical journey undertaken by Jesus. This was a purposeful relocation, not a wandering, but a directed movement towards a new phase of ministry.
* **again (Greek, _pálin'_):** This adverb signifies a return or repetition, meaning "anew, back, once more." Its inclusion indicates that Galilee was not a new destination for Jesus but a familiar region where He had previously resided or ministered. The use of "again" suggests a strategic return to a base or region conducive to His current ministerial objectives, highlighting the cyclical yet progressive nature of His work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He left Judaea":** This phrase signifies Jesus' intentional withdrawal from the region of Judaea, particularly its religious and political center in Jerusalem. The reason, as stated in the preceding verses, was the growing awareness among the Pharisees of His increasing number of disciples, which posed a potential threat to their authority and could have led to an early, unwanted confrontation.
* **"and departed again into Galilee":** This clause describes Jesus' destination and the nature of His journey. His departure was a return to Galilee, a region associated with His upbringing and early ministry. This movement was not random but a strategic repositioning, enabling Him to continue His work in a less hostile environment and to reach new audiences, including the Samaritans on the way.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Strategic Movement** as a key literary device, portraying Jesus' departure as a calculated act rather than an impulsive reaction. This highlights His divine wisdom and control over His ministry's timeline. The phrase "departed again into Galilee" also functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly preparing the reader for the significant events that will unfold on this journey, particularly the encounter in Samaria. It sets the stage for the breaking of social and religious barriers, indicating that Jesus' mission extends beyond the traditional confines of Jewish Judaea. Additionally, the concise nature of the statement, juxtaposed with the profound implications of the move, demonstrates **Understatement**, as a simple geographical shift carries immense theological and missional weight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 4:3 reveals Jesus' profound understanding of divine timing and strategic wisdom in the face of opposition. His departure from Judaea was not an act of fear, but a demonstration of His sovereignty over His ministry's trajectory, ensuring that His mission unfolded according to the Father's perfect plan. This strategic withdrawal allowed Him to avoid premature conflict that could have hindered the full scope of His redemptive work, redirecting His efforts to fertile ground where new opportunities for ministry, like the encounter with the Samaritan woman, awaited. It underscores the principle that God's plans often involve unexpected shifts and movements to accomplish His greater purposes.

* [Matthew 10:23](/matthew/10-23 "Matthew 10:23 - Fleeing Persecution")
* [Luke 4:14](/luke/4-14 "Luke 4:14 - Jesus Returns to Galilee in the Power of the Spirit")
* [John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus' Time Not Yet Come")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 4:3 offers a powerful lesson in discerning God's leading and trusting His sovereign timing, even when it involves unexpected changes of direction. For believers today, this verse reminds us that following God's will may sometimes require us to leave comfortable or familiar situations, or to strategically withdraw from potential conflicts, not out of cowardice, but out of wisdom and alignment with His greater purposes. It encourages us to be flexible and responsive to the Holy Spirit's guidance, recognizing that God often orchestrates our movements to open new doors for ministry, reach overlooked people, or prepare us for future challenges. Our paths are not random; they are guided by a God who knows exactly when and where we need to be to fulfill our part in His unfolding plan. This verse challenges us to trust in His perfect timing and to embrace the strategic shifts He may call us to make, knowing that His ultimate aim is always our growth and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to a "strategic departure" or a "return" to a different focus?**
* **How can I better discern God's timing for action or withdrawal in my personal and ministry life?**
* **What prejudices or cultural barriers might God be calling me to cross, much like Jesus did by going through Samaria?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus leave Judaea and go to Galilee at this specific time?**

Answer: Jesus left Judaea and departed again into Galilee primarily for strategic reasons, as indicated by the preceding verses in [John 4:1-2](/john/4-1-2 "John 4:1-2 - Jesus' Growing Ministry"). The Pharisees had become aware that Jesus was gaining more disciples than John the Baptist, a development that could have led to premature confrontation and opposition from the powerful religious authorities in Jerusalem. Jesus' departure was not a retreat born of fear, but a deliberate act of divine wisdom to avoid an untimely conflict that would have hindered the full scope of His ministry. By moving to Galilee, He ensured that His mission unfolded according to God's perfect timing and plan, leading directly to the significant encounter with the Samaritan woman and the expansion of His message beyond traditional Jewish boundaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 4:3, though seemingly a simple geographical notation, profoundly reveals the Christ-centered nature of Jesus' entire earthly ministry. His strategic departure from Judaea and return to Galilee is a microcosm of His perfect obedience to the Father's will and His mastery over the divine timeline for redemption. Unlike human leaders who might react impulsively to threats, Jesus, as the Son of God, moved with intentionality, always aligning His steps with the Father's preordained plan for salvation. This journey was not merely a physical relocation but a purposeful step towards His ultimate mission of seeking and saving the lost, exemplified immediately by His "must needs" journey through Samaria (as highlighted in [John 4:4](/john/4-4 "John 4:4 - Jesus Must Go Through Samaria")). This act foreshadows the universal scope of the Gospel, demonstrating that the Good News would transcend ethnic and religious boundaries, reaching "all the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness to the Ends of the Earth")). Jesus' journey to Galilee, therefore, is a Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive purpose, showcasing His sovereign control, His strategic wisdom, and His unwavering commitment to bringing salvation to all who would believe, regardless of their background, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice and resurrection, which opened the way for all humanity to come to God ([Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ's Second Coming for Salvation")).

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

Matthew 10:23

But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

John 2:11

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

John 1:43

¶ The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

John 3:22

¶ After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

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 10:40

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

Mark 3:7

But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,