Matthew 19:1

KJV

¶ 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Matthew 19:1 marks a pivotal geographical and thematic transition in Jesus' ministry, signaling His departure from the familiar region of Galilee after concluding significant teachings and His purposeful movement towards Judea, specifically the Transjordanian region known as Perea. This strategic relocation sets the stage for the final phase of His earthly mission, leading inevitably to Jerusalem and the climactic events of His passion, death, and resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial narrative hinge, immediately following Jesus' extensive discourse in [Matthew 18](/matthew/18 "Matthew 18 - Teachings on Humility and Forgiveness"). In that chapter, Jesus delivers profound teachings on humility, the value of children, the dangers of causing others to stumble, the parable of the lost sheep, and instructions on church discipline and forgiveness. The phrase "when Jesus had finished these sayings" (Greek: _teléō_ G5055, _lógos_ G3056) explicitly connects this geographical shift to the completion of His pedagogical phase in Galilee, indicating a deliberate and divinely orchestrated progression in His ministry. This transition prepares the reader for a new series of encounters and teachings that will unfold as Jesus moves closer to Jerusalem, including discussions on divorce and the rich young ruler in the subsequent verses of [Matthew 19](/matthew/19 "Matthew 19 - Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem and Teachings").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For much of His public ministry, Jesus had based Himself in Galilee, a region in northern Israel known for its diverse population of Jews and Gentiles, and its relative openness to His teachings and miracles. Cities like Capernaum served as His operational hub (e.g., [Matthew 4:13](/matthew/4-13 "Matthew 4:13 - Jesus Settles in Capernaum")). His departure from Galilee signifies a move away from this familiar and generally receptive territory. The destination, "the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan," refers to Perea, a region east of the Jordan River, which was part of Herod Antipas's tetrarchy, distinct from Judea proper (ruled by a Roman prefect). This route was a common alternative for Galilean pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem, allowing them to bypass Samaria, a region often fraught with ethnic and religious tension (cf. [John 4:9](/john/4-9 "John 4:9 - Samaritan-Jewish Relations")). Entering Perea would also expose Jesus to new audiences and bring Him closer to the sphere of influence of the Jerusalem religious authorities, setting the stage for increased confrontation.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 19:1 powerfully underscores several major themes within the Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **Transition in Ministry**, marking a strategic shift from Jesus' primary Galilean phase to His final, climactic journey towards Jerusalem. This movement is not arbitrary but purposeful, demonstrating the **Divine Purpose** guiding Jesus' every step towards His ultimate sacrifice. Luke's Gospel similarly emphasizes this resolute journey, noting that Jesus "steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Resolute Journey to Jerusalem")). Secondly, the **Geographical Significance** of this shift is paramount. Moving from the more rural, less religiously rigid Galilee to the politically and religiously charged environs of Judea and its borderlands foreshadows the escalating opposition Jesus would face from the Jewish leadership. This geographical progression is integral to Matthew's narrative structure, building towards the passion week and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering and death in Jerusalem (e.g., [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came to pass (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb signifies "to come into being," "to happen," or "to become." In this context, it emphasizes the inevitability and divine orchestration of the event. It's not a random occurrence but a development that unfolds according to a pre-determined plan, highlighting the purposeful nature of Jesus' journey.
* **finished (Greek, _teléō'_):** Derived from _télos_ (end, goal, completion), _teléō_ means "to bring to an end," "to complete," or "to accomplish." Here, it denotes the full conclusion of a specific period of teaching. Jesus has completed a distinct phase of His public ministry, marking a decisive end to His Galilean discourse and preparing for a new stage of His redemptive work.
* **coasts (Greek, _hórion'_):** This term, often translated as "borders" or "regions," refers to the geographical boundaries or territories. It suggests Jesus entered the general vicinity or frontier region of Judea, specifically the area "beyond Jordan." It implies a movement into the sphere of influence of Judea, rather than just a narrow strip of land along a literal coastline, underscoring the political and theological significance of His destination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass, [that] when Jesus had finished these sayings":** This opening clause acts as a transitional marker, indicating the conclusion of Jesus' previous discourse, specifically the teachings found in [Matthew 18](/matthew/18 "Matthew 18 - Teachings on Humility and Forgiveness"). The phrase "it came to pass" (Greek _kai egéneto_) is a common biblical idiom signaling a new development in the narrative, often with a sense of divine intentionality. Jesus' completion of "these sayings" underscores His role as a teacher and prophet, whose words carry authority and whose ministry unfolds in deliberate stages.
* **"he departed from Galilee":** This signifies a major geographical and strategic shift. Galilee had been the primary setting for Jesus' public ministry, where He performed numerous miracles and taught large crowds. His departure marks the end of this extensive period, indicating a purposeful move away from His base of operations in the north, towards the south and the ultimate destination of Jerusalem. This is not a casual trip but a decisive reorientation of His ministry.
* **"and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;":** This specifies Jesus' new destination. "The coasts of Judaea" refers to the border regions or territory associated with Judea. The crucial qualifier "beyond Jordan" identifies this specific area as Perea, the Transjordanian region. By entering Perea, Jesus was moving into a region adjacent to Judea proper, often used as a route to avoid Samaria, but also a territory that would bring Him increasingly into the orbit of the religious and political powers centered in Jerusalem, setting the stage for the final, confrontational phase of His ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 19:1 employs several significant literary devices. **Transition** is the most prominent, as the verse explicitly marks a shift in Jesus' ministry from Galilee to Judea beyond Jordan. This geographical movement signals a new narrative phase in the Gospel, moving towards the climactic events in Jerusalem. This **Geographical Symbolism** is profound: Galilee represents the initial, more receptive phase of His ministry, while Judea and its borders signify increasing opposition and the path to His redemptive suffering. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the approaching confrontation and the ultimate purpose of Jesus' journey. His deliberate movement towards Jerusalem, even if via Perea, points to the fulfillment of His mission as the suffering Messiah, whose path leads to the cross. The phrase "it came to pass" also functions as a **Narrative Marker**, drawing the reader's attention to a significant new development in the unfolding story of Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 19:1 is more than a geographical update; it is a profound theological statement about the intentionality and purposefulness of Jesus' ministry. His movements were not random but were divinely orchestrated steps towards the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The transition from Galilee to Judea signifies a shift from a period of widespread teaching and healing to a more focused journey towards His atoning sacrifice in Jerusalem. This highlights God's sovereign control over history and the precise unfolding of His covenant promises. Jesus, as the obedient Son, steadfastly pursues the path laid out for Him, even when it leads to suffering and death, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His mission to save humanity.

* [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Resolute Journey to Jerusalem")
* [Mark 10:1](/mark/10-1 "Mark 10:1 - Jesus Departs for Judea and Perea")
* [John 11:54](/john/11-54 "John 11:54 - Jesus Withdraws to Ephraim Before Passover")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 19:1 offers a powerful reminder that life is often a series of transitions, each with its own purpose in God's larger plan. Just as Jesus deliberately moved from one phase of ministry to the next, we are called to live with intentionality, seeking God's guidance in every season of our lives. This verse encourages us to recognize that even when we depart from familiar territories or enter into new, perhaps challenging, "coasts," God's sovereign hand is at work, leading us towards His divine purposes. It challenges us to embrace transitions not as interruptions, but as opportunities for growth, deeper reliance on God, and the unfolding of new aspects of His will for our lives. Our journey, like Jesus', is ultimately about fulfilling God's mission, whether that involves teaching, serving, or enduring hardship for the sake of the Kingdom. We are to be attentive to the "sayings" God has given us and, having "finished" one task, be ready to "depart" and "come into" the next phase He has prepared.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "sayings" or periods of teaching has God recently completed in your life, preparing you for a new phase?**
* **Are there "Galilees" you are being called to depart from, or "coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan" you are being called to enter, in your spiritual journey or life circumstances?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater sense of divine intentionality and purpose in your own transitions, trusting God's leading even into unfamiliar territory?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge you to embrace change as part of God's unfolding plan for your life and ministry?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus leave Galilee at this point in His ministry?**

Answer: Jesus' departure from Galilee marked a significant and purposeful transition in His ministry. Having concluded a major phase of teaching and healing in the region (as indicated by "when Jesus had finished these sayings," referring to [Matthew 18](/matthew/18 "Matthew 18 - Teachings on Humility and Forgiveness")), He was now deliberately moving towards Jerusalem. This was part of God's divine plan for Him to fulfill prophecy and complete His mission through His passion, death, and resurrection, which would occur in Jerusalem. His journey was not random but a strategic step towards His ultimate sacrifice, as also highlighted in [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Resolute Journey to Jerusalem"), where it says He "steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem."

**What is meant by "coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan"?**

Answer: The phrase "coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan" refers to the region known as Perea. This was a territory located east of the Jordan River, opposite Judea proper. While not part of Judea itself, it was adjacent to it and under the rule of Herod Antipas, like Galilee. Traveling through Perea was a common route for Galilean Jews making pilgrimages to Jerusalem, as it allowed them to avoid passing through Samaria, a region often hostile to Jews (cf. [John 4:9](/john/4-9 "John 4:9 - Samaritan-Jewish Relations")). This geographical detail underscores Jesus' deliberate movement towards the heart of Jewish religious and political life, albeit via a less direct but culturally safer route.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 19:1, though seemingly a simple geographical notation, profoundly points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' deliberate departure from Galilee and His purposeful movement towards Judea "beyond Jordan" is not merely a change of scenery but a divinely orchestrated step towards His ultimate mission. This journey foreshadows the Lamb of God's resolute march to Jerusalem, where He would offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His steadfastness in setting His face towards Jerusalem, as noted in [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Resolute Journey to Jerusalem"), reveals His unwavering commitment to fulfilling the prophecies concerning the suffering Servant (e.g., [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")). Every step Jesus took was in perfect obedience to the Father's will, culminating in His atoning death and glorious resurrection, which secured salvation for all who believe. Thus, this verse subtly underscores the intentionality of Christ's entire life and ministry, each phase meticulously designed to achieve the Father's eternal purpose of reconciliation and redemption (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World Through Christ")).

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.

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: