Mark 10:1

KJV

¶ And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2547} he arose {G450} from thence {G2547}, and cometh {G2064} into {G1519} the coasts {G3725} of Judaea {G2449} by {G1223} the farther side {G4008} of Jordan {G2446}: and {G2532} the people {G3793} resort {G4848} unto {G4314} him {G846} again {G3825}; and {G2532}, as {G5613} he was wont {G1486}, he taught {G1321} them {G846} again {G3825}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yeshua left that place and went into the regions of Y'hudah and the territory beyond the Yarden. Again crowds gathered around him; and again, as usual, he taught them.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus left that place and went into the region of Judea, beyond the Jordan. Again the crowds came to Him and He taught them, as was His custom.

American Standard Version

And he arose from thence, and cometh into the borders of Judæa and beyond the Jordan: and multitudes come together unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:1 initiates a pivotal new phase in Jesus' ministry, detailing His departure from Galilee and His strategic movement towards Judea, specifically through the region of Perea east of the Jordan River. This verse highlights Jesus' enduring popularity as crowds continue to seek Him out, and it underscores the consistent, habitual nature of His teaching ministry, which remained central to His mission regardless of His geographical location. It marks the beginning of His final journey to Jerusalem, setting the stage for significant teachings and confrontations before His passion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 10:1 serves as a crucial geographical and narrative transition point within Mark's Gospel. It follows immediately after the disciples' intense discussions about humility, service, and the dangers of causing others to stumble in [Mark 9](/mark/9 "Mark 9 - Humility, Service, and Warnings"). The preceding chapters have focused heavily on Jesus' ministry in Galilee, His transfiguration, and His private teachings to the disciples about His impending suffering. This verse signals a deliberate shift, as Jesus now begins His resolute journey towards Jerusalem, a path that will culminate in His crucifixion and resurrection. The subsequent verses in [Mark 10](/mark/10 "Mark 10 - Teachings on Marriage, Wealth, and Suffering") will feature significant teachings on marriage and divorce, the blessing of children, the rich young ruler, and Jesus' third prediction of His passion, all occurring as He moves closer to the Judean capital.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' journey "into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan" refers to His passage through Perea, a region east of the Jordan River that was part of Herod Antipas's tetrarchy and culturally Jewish. This route was a common and preferred path for Galilean Jews traveling to Jerusalem, particularly during pilgrimage festivals, as it allowed them to bypass Samaria, a region with long-standing religious and ethnic animosity towards Jews. Traveling through Perea also offered a safer and more direct route, avoiding the more heavily Roman-controlled areas west of the Jordan. The phrase "coasts of Judaea" (Greek: _horion Ioudaias_) denotes the border regions or territories adjacent to Judea proper, indicating that Jesus was now operating in the broader sphere of influence leading directly to Jerusalem. This strategic movement underscores Jesus' adherence to Jewish customs while also positioning Himself for the final, decisive events of His ministry.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes **Geographical Progression and Purposeful Movement**, illustrating Jesus' deliberate and unwavering journey towards His ultimate destiny in Jerusalem. This echoes the theme of His resolute commitment to His mission, as seen in [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Resolute Journey to Jerusalem"). Secondly, the phrase "the people resort unto him again" highlights Jesus' **Enduring Popularity and the Crowds' Persistent Hunger** for His teaching and healing. Despite His occasional attempts to withdraw, the multitudes consistently sought Him out, demonstrating the widespread impact of His ministry and the spiritual longing of the common people. Finally, "as he was wont, he taught them again" powerfully portrays Jesus' **Consistent Teaching Ministry**. Teaching was not an incidental activity but a habitual, central component of His public life, affirming His role as the authoritative Rabbi and revealer of God's truth, a role consistently depicted throughout the Gospels, such as in [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - The Authority of Jesus' Teaching").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **arose (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** This verb signifies "to stand up" or "to rise up," indicating a physical movement of departure and initiation. In this context, it marks Jesus' active decision to leave His previous location and embark on a new leg of His journey, conveying a sense of purposeful action rather than passive relocation.
* **wont (Greek, _éthō'_):** This word, appearing in the neuter perfect participle, means "to be used by habit or conventionality" or "to be accustomed to." It powerfully conveys that Jesus' act of teaching was not an occasional or spontaneous event but a deeply ingrained and consistent practice throughout His ministry. It speaks to the regularity and reliability of His pedagogical mission.
* **taught (Greek, _didáskō'_):** Derived from a primary verb meaning "to learn," this word means "to teach" in a broad application. It highlights Jesus' primary role as an instructor, imparting divine truth and spiritual wisdom. Coupled with "wont," it underscores the continuous and fundamental nature of His teaching ministry to the crowds.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he arose from thence,"**: This opening clause signifies a definitive departure. "Thence" refers to the region of Galilee, where the events of [Mark 9](/mark/9 "Mark 9 - Humility, Service, and Warnings") concluded. Jesus' "arising" implies a purposeful and active decision to move, initiating a new geographical phase of His ministry.
* **"and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan:"**: This specifies Jesus' destination and route. "Coasts of Judaea" (Greek: _hórion Ioudaías_) refers to the border regions or territories adjacent to Judea, indicating His approach to the central Jewish province. "By the farther side of Jordan" (Greek: _diá péran Iordánou_) explicitly identifies His route through Perea, the region east of the Jordan River, a common bypass for Galileans avoiding Samaria on their way to Jerusalem. This sets the stage for His final approach to the capital.
* **"and the people resort unto him again;"**: This clause highlights Jesus' enduring popularity and the persistent desire of the multitudes to be near Him. The verb "resort" (Greek: _symporeúomai_) implies a gathering or assembling together, indicating that despite His change of location, the crowds continued to seek Him out, drawn by His reputation and authority. The word "again" (Greek: _pálin_) emphasizes the repeated nature of this phenomenon.
* **"and, as he was wont, he taught them again."**: This final clause underscores the consistent and habitual nature of Jesus' ministry. "As he was wont" (Greek: _hōs éthō_) means "as was His custom" or "as He was accustomed to doing," signifying that teaching was a regular and fundamental aspect of His mission. The repetition of "again" reinforces the continuous and unwavering dedication of Jesus to instructing the crowds, regardless of His location or circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:1 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Geographical Progression** is central, as the verse explicitly details Jesus' movement from Galilee towards Judea via Perea. This physical journey mirrors the narrative's theological progression towards the climax of Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem. The use of **Repetition** with the word "again" (Greek: _pálin_) twice in the latter half of the verse ("the people resort unto him again; and...he taught them again") serves to emphasize the continuous and persistent nature of both the crowds' pursuit of Jesus and Jesus' unwavering commitment to His teaching ministry. This repetition highlights the established pattern of His public life. Furthermore, the phrase "as he was wont" acts as a form of **Characterization**, revealing a core aspect of Jesus' identity and mission: He is fundamentally a teacher, and instruction is an integral, habitual part of His divine work. This phrase succinctly communicates His consistent dedication to imparting truth and wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:1, while seemingly a simple geographical transition, carries profound theological weight. It marks the deliberate and purposeful movement of Jesus towards the culmination of His earthly ministry in Jerusalem, where His atoning work would be accomplished. His consistent teaching, even amidst travel and changing locales, underscores the centrality of divine revelation and instruction in God's plan of salvation. The persistent gathering of the crowds highlights humanity's innate spiritual hunger and the magnetic draw of God's presence and truth embodied in Christ. This verse reminds us that God's redemptive plan unfolds progressively, with each step ordained and purposeful, and that Christ's ministry was characterized by an unwavering commitment to both proclaiming and embodying the Kingdom of God, preparing hearts for the ultimate sacrifice and resurrection.

* [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")
* [Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus Teaching and Healing Throughout Galilee")
* [John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Peter's Confession of Eternal Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:1 offers powerful insights for contemporary believers, inviting us to reflect on the nature of discipleship and the priorities of our lives. Jesus' purposeful movement towards Jerusalem, despite knowing the suffering that awaited Him, challenges us to embrace God's calling with unwavering commitment, even when the path is difficult or uncertain. His consistent teaching, "as he was wont," serves as a profound model for our own spiritual disciplines; just as teaching was central to His mission, engaging with God's Word and sharing its truth should be a habitual and non-negotiable part of our lives. The eagerness of the crowds to "resort unto him again" should inspire within us a similar hunger for God's presence and instruction, reminding us not to take His Word or His presence for granted. This verse encourages us to be intentional in our spiritual journey, consistent in our pursuit of God, and faithful in sharing the truth He has entrusted to us, recognizing that every step of our lives is part of a larger, divine purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' purposeful journey towards Jerusalem, knowing what awaited Him, challenge my own willingness to follow God's call, especially when it involves sacrifice or difficulty?**
* **In what areas of my spiritual life am I "wont" (consistent), and where do I need to cultivate greater discipline and regularity, particularly in engaging with God's Word?**
* **Am I actively "resorting" to Jesus, seeking His presence and teaching with the same eagerness as the crowds in this passage? How can I deepen my hunger for Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan" mean?**

Answer: This phrase describes the geographical area Jesus entered. "Coasts" (Greek: _hórion_) refers to the border regions or territories adjacent to Judea, the central province of Israel. "By the farther side of Jordan" (Greek: _diá péran Iordánou_) specifically indicates the region of Perea, which was located east of the Jordan River. This was a common route for Jewish travelers from Galilee to Jerusalem, as it allowed them to bypass Samaria, a region with which Jews had long-standing ethnic and religious tensions. So, Jesus was entering the Transjordanian territory that bordered Judea proper, on His way to Jerusalem.

**Why did Jesus choose to go through Perea on His way to Judea?**

Answer: Jesus' choice to travel through Perea (the "farther side of Jordan") was a practical and culturally sensitive decision. It was the customary route for Galilean Jews making pilgrimages to Jerusalem, as it allowed them to avoid passing through Samaria, which was often fraught with conflict and hostility. This route, while perhaps longer, ensured a safer passage and maintained cultural and religious purity for Jewish travelers. It also allowed Jesus to continue His ministry to Jewish populations in a different region before His final arrival in Jerusalem, as evidenced by the fact that "the people resort unto him again" even in this new territory. This strategic movement is part of Jesus' deliberate journey towards His ultimate purpose in Jerusalem, as highlighted in passages like [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem").

**What is the significance of the phrase "as he was wont"?**

Answer: The phrase "as he was wont" (Greek: _hōs éthō_) is an old English idiom meaning "as was his custom" or "as he was accustomed to doing." Its significance lies in underscoring the habitual and consistent nature of Jesus' teaching ministry. It tells us that teaching was not an occasional or spontaneous activity for Jesus, but a fundamental and ingrained practice. Regardless of His location or the circumstances, imparting truth and wisdom to the people was a core component of His mission. This highlights Jesus' identity as the authoritative teacher and rabbi, a role consistently emphasized throughout the Gospels, such as in [Matthew 5:2](/matthew/5-2 "Matthew 5:2 - Jesus Teaches the Sermon on the Mount").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:1, in depicting Jesus' purposeful journey and consistent teaching, points profoundly to His identity and mission as the Christ. His deliberate movement towards Judea and ultimately Jerusalem foreshadows His ultimate purpose: to fulfill the prophecies of the suffering Servant who would lay down His life as a ransom for many, as He Himself would later declare in [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). The fact that "the people resort unto him again" speaks to the divine magnetism of the Son of God, drawing humanity to Himself, for He is the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). Most significantly, "as he was wont, he taught them again" reveals Jesus as the ultimate Prophet and Teacher, the very Word of God incarnate, who consistently revealed the Father's truth. He is the one through whom God has spoken definitively in these last days ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")), and His teaching ministry continues today through the Holy Spirit, whom He sent to "teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Teacher")). Thus, this seemingly simple verse sets the stage for the climactic redemptive work of Christ and underscores His eternal role as the divine revealer and the one to whom all people are drawn for life and truth.

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 10:40

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

Mark 4:2

And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

Mark 6:34

And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

John 11:7

Then after that saith he to [his] disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.

Jeremiah 32:33

And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching [them], yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction.

Matthew 4:23

¶ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Matthew 19:1

¶ And it came to pass, [that] when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;