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;

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096}, that when {G3753} Jesus {G2424} had finished {G5055} these {G5128} sayings {G3056}, he departed {G3332} from {G575} Galilee {G1056}, and {G2532} came {G2064} into {G1519} the coasts {G3725} of Judaea {G2449} beyond {G4008} Jordan {G2446};

When Yeshua had finished talking about these things, he left the Galil and traveled down the east side of the Yarden River until he passed the border of Y'hudah.

When Jesus had finished saying these things, He left Galilee and went into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.

And it came to pass when Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judæa beyond the Jordan;

Commentary

Matthew 19:1 marks a significant geographical and thematic transition in the Gospel of Matthew, signaling a new phase in Jesus' earthly ministry. This verse sets the stage for His final journey towards Jerusalem and the events leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection.

Context

The phrase "when Jesus had finished these sayings" directly refers to the extensive discourse found in Matthew Chapter 18, where He taught His disciples about humility, forgiveness, and the value of every individual, particularly through the parable of the lost sheep. Having concluded this important teaching session, Jesus then "departed from Galilee." Galilee, in northern Israel, had been the primary region of His public ministry and miracles since Matthew 4:12. His movement south, "into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan," indicates a purposeful shift towards the heart of Jewish religious and political life, ultimately leading to Jerusalem. The region "beyond Jordan" is also known as Perea, a territory east of the Jordan River, often used as a route for pilgrims traveling from Galilee to Jerusalem to avoid passing through Samaria.

Key Themes

  • Transition in Ministry: This verse highlights a pivotal moment, moving Jesus from the familiar grounds of Galilee to the more confrontational and climactic setting of Judea. It underscores the progressive unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
  • Divine Purpose: Jesus' movements were not random but purposeful, guided by His divine mission. His journey towards Jerusalem was a deliberate step towards fulfilling prophecy and His ultimate sacrifice, as seen in other Gospels where He "steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem".
  • Geographical Significance: The shift from Galilee to Judea beyond Jordan foreshadows the increasing opposition Jesus would face from the religious authorities in Jerusalem, setting up crucial encounters such as the discussions on divorce and the rich young ruler that immediately follow in this chapter (Matthew 19:3ff).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan" translates the Greek eis ta horia tēs Ioudaias peran tou Iordanou. The word horia (ὅρια) can mean "borders," "regions," or "territories," indicating the general area rather than just the coastline. Peran tou Iordanou (πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου) literally means "beyond the Jordan," clearly identifying the Transjordanian region known as Perea, which was distinct from Judea proper but adjacent to it.

Practical Application

Matthew 19:1 reminds us that life often involves significant transitions and shifts in focus. Just as Jesus moved purposefully from one phase of ministry to the next, believers are called to live with intentionality, seeking God's will in every season. This verse encourages us to recognize that even in moments of transition, God's plan is unfolding, and new opportunities for growth and service may arise as we step into unfamiliar territory.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 10:40

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

  • 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;

  • Matthew 19:9

    And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

  • Mark 10:1

    ¶ 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.

  • Mark 10:12

    And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

  • Matthew 7:28

    And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
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