Matthew 21:17

KJV

And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he left {G2641} them {G846}, and went {G1831} out of {G1854} the city {G4172} into {G1519} Bethany {G963}; and {G2532} he lodged {G835} there {G1563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With that, he left them and went outside the city to Beit-Anyah, where he spent the night.

Berean Standard Bible

Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where He spent the night.

American Standard Version

And he left them, and went forth out of the city to Bethany, and lodged there.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 21:17 succinctly describes Jesus' nightly departure from the tumultuous environment of Jerusalem to the peaceful village of Bethany following a day of intense ministry and confrontation. This seemingly simple act underscores Jesus' profound humanity, his strategic withdrawal from opposition, and his reliance on a place of refuge and rest as he prepared for the escalating events of Passion Week. It highlights a recurring pattern of seeking solace away from the city's hostility, a vital practice for physical and spiritual replenishment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 21:17 concludes a pivotal day in Jesus' final week before his crucifixion, often referred to as Passion Week. The preceding verses detail a series of highly significant and emotionally charged events. Jesus had just made his [triumphal entry into Jerusalem](/matthew/21-1-11 "Matthew 21:1-11 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry"), publicly acclaimed as the Messiah by the crowds, fulfilling prophecy. Immediately after, he entered the temple and dramatically [cleansed it](/matthew/21-12-13 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple"), driving out merchants and money changers, declaring it a "house of prayer" that had become a "den of robbers." Following this powerful act, he healed the blind and lame within the temple courts, further demonstrating his divine authority. This provoked a direct [confrontation with the chief priests and scribes](/matthew/21-15-16 "Matthew 21:15-16 - The Chief Priests and Scribes Question Jesus"), who questioned his authority and were indignant at the children's praises. Thus, by the time evening arrived, Jesus had endured a day of immense spiritual and physical exertion, marked by public acclamation, prophetic action, miraculous healing, and intense religious opposition. His departure from the city signifies a necessary retreat from this high-pressure environment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Bethany was a small village located approximately two miles (about 3 km) east of Jerusalem, on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. Its close proximity made it an ideal and practical overnight stop for pilgrims visiting Jerusalem, especially during crowded festivals like Passover, when lodging within the city walls would be scarce and expensive. For Jesus, Bethany was more than just a convenient lodging; it was a familiar and trusted place, famously the home of his dear friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, whom he had recently raised from the dead ([see John 11:1-44](/john/11-1-44 "John 11:1-44 - The Resurrection of Lazarus")). This personal connection imbued Bethany with significance as a sanctuary, a place where Jesus could find respite, companionship, and peace away from the political and religious hostility of Jerusalem. His daily pattern of leaving the city to lodge in Bethany during this final week was a strategic decision, allowing him to avoid night arrests and to prepare for the escalating conflict and his ultimate sacrifice.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew and the broader Gospels. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' genuine humanity and need for rest**. Despite his divine nature and the urgency of his mission, Jesus experienced physical fatigue and the necessity of retreat, underscoring his full identification with humanity, as seen throughout his ministry (e.g., [Mark 4:38](/mark/4-38 "Mark 4:38 - Jesus Asleep in the Storm")). Secondly, it illustrates **strategic withdrawal in the face of opposition**. Jesus' departure from Jerusalem was not a sign of weakness but a deliberate act to regroup and prepare for the intensifying conflict, demonstrating wisdom and divine timing in his movements. This pattern is consistent with other instances where Jesus withdrew from crowds or opposition to pray or rest (e.g., [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Often Withdrew to Lonely Places")). Finally, Bethany serves as a powerful symbol of **sanctuary and spiritual refreshment**. It represents the importance of having a place or community where one can find solace, support, and strength, a theme echoed in the Psalms where God is described as a refuge ([Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **left (Greek, _kataleípō'_):** This verb, G2641, means "to leave down, i.e. behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining." In this context, it signifies Jesus' intentional act of departing from Jerusalem and the people within it (the crowds, the religious authorities). It implies a deliberate separation from the day's events and interactions, leaving them behind as he sought a different environment.
* **went out (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** G1831, meaning "to issue (literally or figuratively); to come (forth, out), depart (out of), escape, get out, go (abroad, away, forth, out, thence), proceed (forth), spread abroad." This word emphasizes the physical movement of Jesus exiting the city, reinforcing the idea of a clear boundary being crossed—from the bustling, hostile city to the quiet, welcoming village.
* **lodged (Greek, _aulízomai'_):** G835, a middle voice verb meaning "to pass the night (properly, in the open air); to abide, lodge." While it can imply lodging in the open, in this context, given Bethany's known hospitality, it likely refers to taking up temporary residence for the night, perhaps with friends like Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, or in a simple inn. It conveys the act of settling down for rest after a long day, emphasizing the need for physical recuperation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he left them,"**: This opening clause indicates a decisive action by Jesus. "Them" refers to the crowds, the disciples, and especially the religious authorities and the general populace of Jerusalem with whom he had been interacting throughout the day. It signifies a necessary disengagement from the public sphere and its demands.
* **"and went out of the city into Bethany;"**: This describes Jesus' physical movement. He departed from Jerusalem, the center of Jewish religious and political life, which had become a place of intense opposition for him. His destination, Bethany, contrasts sharply with Jerusalem, representing a shift from public confrontation to private retreat. The journey itself would have offered a transition period.
* **"and he lodged there."**: This final clause states the purpose of his departure: to find rest and shelter for the night. "Lodged" implies settling down to pass the night, underscoring Jesus' physical needs and the practical reality of his human existence. It marks the end of the day's public ministry and the beginning of a period of personal replenishment.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 21:17, though brief, employs several literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, highlighting the stark difference between Jerusalem, a place of intense public ministry, confrontation, and hostility, and Bethany, a quiet village offering refuge and rest. This geographical contrast underscores the shift from external pressure to internal renewal. **Symbolism** is also at play; Bethany functions as a symbol of sanctuary and spiritual refreshment, a haven from the storm. It represents the necessity of retreat and the availability of peace amidst turmoil. Furthermore, the simple act of Jesus seeking rest can be seen as a form of **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the immense physical and spiritual strain he would soon endure on the cross, emphasizing his full humanity and the need for preparation even for the Son of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 21:17, while a simple narrative detail, carries profound theological weight, underscoring the incarnate reality of Jesus—fully God, yet fully human. His need for rest and withdrawal is not a sign of weakness but a testament to his genuine humanity, experiencing the same physical limitations as those he came to save. This act of seeking refuge in Bethany highlights the divine wisdom in strategic retreat, demonstrating that even God in the flesh honored the rhythms of rest and preparation. It also subtly emphasizes the theme of divine timing and purpose, as Jesus' movements were always deliberate, leading him inexorably towards his ultimate sacrifice. This pattern of withdrawal for rest and prayer is a recurring motif in Jesus' ministry, providing a model for believers to seek spiritual and physical replenishment, especially in times of intense spiritual warfare or demanding service.

* [Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place")
* [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Often Withdrew to Lonely Places")
* [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest Remains for the People of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 21:17 offers timeless wisdom for believers navigating the demands of life and ministry. Jesus, our perfect example, modeled the essential practice of intentional rest and strategic withdrawal. In a world that often glorifies constant activity and burnout, this verse reminds us that prioritizing physical and spiritual replenishment is not a luxury but a necessity for sustained faithfulness and effectiveness. Just as Jesus sought refuge in Bethany after a day of intense spiritual battle and public engagement, we too must identify and cultivate our "Bethanys"—whether they be specific places, quiet moments of prayer, supportive relationships, or Sabbath practices—where we can disengage from the world's pressures, find solace, and be spiritually re-centered. This deliberate act of retreat allows us to process, to commune with God, and to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, ensuring we are not running on empty but are continually filled by the Spirit for the work God has called us to do.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are your "Bethanys"—the places, practices, or relationships where you intentionally seek rest and spiritual replenishment?**
* **How effectively do you prioritize rest and withdrawal in your own life, especially after periods of intense activity or conflict?**
* **In what ways can you emulate Jesus' strategic withdrawal to better prepare yourself for future challenges or spiritual battles?**
* **How does recognizing Jesus' need for rest deepen your understanding of his full humanity and his empathy for your own limitations?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus leave Jerusalem daily during Passion Week to lodge in Bethany?**

Answer: Jesus' daily departure from Jerusalem to Bethany during Passion Week was a strategic and practical decision. Practically, Jerusalem would have been extremely crowded with Passover pilgrims, making lodging difficult and expensive. Bethany, a nearby village, offered a more accessible and quieter place to stay. Strategically, leaving the city each night allowed Jesus to avoid immediate arrest by the religious authorities, who were actively seeking to seize him but feared the crowds ([Matthew 21:46](/matthew/21-46 "Matthew 21:46 - They Feared the Crowds")). Furthermore, Bethany was home to his close friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus ([John 11:1-2](/john/11-1-2 "John 11:1-2 - Mary, Martha, and Lazarus")), providing him with a familiar and supportive environment for rest and spiritual replenishment away from the intense hostility and demands of the city.

**What is the significance of Bethany in the Gospels?**

Answer: Bethany holds significant spiritual and narrative importance in the Gospels. It was the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, a family with whom Jesus shared a deep friendship and from whom he received hospitality ([Luke 10:38-42](/luke/10-38-42 "Luke 10:38-42 - Mary and Martha")). Most notably, it was in Bethany that Jesus performed the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus, a powerful sign of his divine authority and a precursor to his own resurrection ([John 11:1-44](/john/11-1-44 "John 11:1-44 - The Resurrection of Lazarus")). During Passion Week, Bethany served as Jesus' regular retreat, a place of refuge and rest from the escalating tensions in Jerusalem. It was also near Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, that Jesus ascended into heaven after his resurrection ([Luke 24:50-51](/luke/24-50-51 "Luke 24:50-51 - The Ascension")). Thus, Bethany represents a place of friendship, miraculous power, and divine rest.

**Does this verse imply Jesus was tired or weak?**

Answer: Matthew 21:17 certainly implies Jesus experienced physical fatigue and the need for rest, underscoring his genuine humanity. Far from implying weakness, this highlights the profound truth of the Incarnation: Jesus was fully God and fully man. As a man, he experienced hunger, thirst, sorrow, and physical exhaustion, just like any human being ([John 4:6](/john/4-6 "John 4:6 - Jesus, Tired, Sits by the Well"); [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). His need for rest after a demanding day of ministry in Jerusalem demonstrates his complete identification with human experience. This makes his ultimate sacrifice all the more profound, as he fully entered into the human condition, including its limitations, yet remained without sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 21:17, in its simple depiction of Jesus seeking rest, profoundly points to the Christ-centered reality of our salvation. This verse highlights Jesus' authentic humanity, a foundational truth of Christian theology, as he fully emptied himself to take on the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ Emptied Himself")). His physical need for rest after a day of intense spiritual warfare and confrontation in Jerusalem underscores his complete identification with humanity, making him a sympathetic High Priest who can truly empathize with our weaknesses and struggles ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Furthermore, his strategic withdrawal to Bethany foreshadows his ultimate, deliberate withdrawal to the cross, a solitary and agonizing act of obedience that would secure our redemption. Just as Bethany provided temporary refuge, the cross became the ultimate place where Christ, by himself, bore the full weight of sin, accomplishing the work no other could. His lodging there, a place of peace, also subtly prefigures the "rest" he would ultimately provide for all who are weary and burdened ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), a spiritual Sabbath rest found only in him, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 11:18

Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:

Mark 11:11

And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

Luke 24:50

¶ And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

John 11:1

¶ Now a certain [man] was sick, [named] Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

Mark 11:19

And when even was come, he went out of the city.

Matthew 16:4

A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

Matthew 26:6

¶ Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,