Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Matthew 4:12

Next

¶ Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

Now {G1161} when Jesus {G2424} had heard {G191} that {G3754} John {G2491} was cast into prison {G3860}, he departed {G402} into {G1519} Galilee {G1056};

When Yeshua heard that Yochanan had been put in prison, he returned to the Galil;

When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, He withdrew to Galilee.

Now when he heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee;

Commentary

Matthew 4:12 (KJV): "¶ Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;"

Context

This verse marks a significant transition point in the Gospel of Matthew. Immediately prior, Jesus had just completed His 40-day fast and temptation in the wilderness. Having overcome Satan's trials, He receives news that His forerunner, John the Baptist, has been imprisoned. John's ministry was paving the way for Jesus, and his arrest signaled a change in the spiritual and political landscape.

Key Themes

  • Transition in Ministry: John the Baptist's imprisonment serves as a catalyst for Jesus to move from the region of Judea and the Jordan River to Galilee, a northern region known as "Galilee of the Gentiles."
  • Strategic Withdrawal: Jesus' departure was not a retreat born of fear, but a strategic move to begin His public ministry in a new location, fulfilling prophecy and avoiding immediate confrontation while His time had not yet fully come.
  • The Handover of the Torch: With John's preparatory ministry curtailed, Jesus steps fully into the public eye, initiating His own proclamation of the kingdom of heaven, as seen in the verses immediately following (Matthew 4:17).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cast into prison" translates the Greek word paradothēnai (παραδοθῆναι), which means "to be delivered up" or "handed over." This term is also used later to describe Jesus being "delivered up" to His accusers and ultimately to crucifixion. This subtle linguistic link foreshadows the opposition Jesus would also face, mirroring the fate of His forerunner.

The word "departed" (ἀνεχώρησεν - anechōrēsen) often implies a withdrawal or retirement, sometimes for safety or strategic reasons, highlighting the deliberate nature of Jesus' move rather than a simple change of location.

Related Scriptures

The news of John's imprisonment is also recorded in Mark 1:14. John was imprisoned by Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, primarily because of John's bold condemnation of Herod's unlawful marriage (see Matthew 14:3-4).

Jesus' subsequent relocation to Galilee and settlement in Capernaum fulfills an Old Testament prophecy from Isaiah (Matthew 4:14-16, citing Isaiah 9:1-2), indicating that His ministry move was part of God's divine plan.

Reflection

Jesus' response to adversity (John's imprisonment) was not inactivity or despair, but a strategic shift to continue God's work in a new area. This teaches us the importance of discerning God's timing and direction, even when circumstances are difficult or when key figures in our lives or ministries are removed. It highlights the continuity of God's plan, moving forward despite opposition, and calls us to continue the mission entrusted to us.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Mark 1:14 (13 votes)

    ¶ Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

  • Luke 3:20 (7 votes)

    Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

  • Matthew 14:3 (5 votes)

    For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put [him] in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.

  • Luke 4:14 (3 votes)

    ¶ And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

  • Mark 6:17 (3 votes)

    For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.

  • John 3:24 (3 votes)

    For John was not yet cast into prison.

  • Luke 4:31 (1 votes)

    ¶ And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.