Matthew 4:12

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Matthew 4:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now when it came to his ears that John had been put in prison, he went away to Galilee;

Free Bible Version FBV

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he returned to Galilee.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when Iesus had heard that Iohn was committed to prison, he returned into Galile.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jesus having heard that John was delivered up, did withdraw to Galilee,

World English Bible WEB

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

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when Jesus had heard that John was delivered up, he retired into Galilee:

Translation for Translators T4T

While Jesus was in Judea, John the Baptizer’s disciples told him that John had been put in prison and kept there {that Herod Antipas had put John the Baptizer in prison and kept him there}. So Jesus returned to Galilee District. While he was in Galilee, he first went to Nazareth town.

Plain English Version PEV

After that, Jesus heard that some soldiers grabbed John and put him in jail. So Jesus left Judea country and went back to Galilee country.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 4:12

BAB

Word Study

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Matthew 4:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ακουσας δε ο ιησους οτι ιωαννης παρεδοθη ανεχωρησεν εις την γαλιλαιαν

ακουσας akouō G191 to hear Verb-AAP-NSM

δε de G1161 then Conj

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

ιησους Iēsous G2424 Joshua Noun-NSM

οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj

ιωαννης Iōannēs G2491 John Noun-NSM

παρεδοθη paradidōmi G3860 to deliver Verb-API-3S

ανεχωρησεν anachōreō G402 to leave Verb-AAI-3S

εις eis G1519 toward Prep

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

γαλιλαιαν Galilaia G1056 (Sea of) Galilee Noun-ASF

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 4:12

ακουσας akouō G191 "to hear" Verb-AAP-NSM

To hear or listen, not just with our ears but also to understand and obey, as Jesus says in Mark 4:3 and Matthew 11:15. It involves paying attention to what is being said and responding accordingly.

Definition: ἀκούω, [in LXX chiefly for שׁמע ] to hear, listen, attend, perceive by hearing, comprehend by hearing. __1. Intrans.: Mrk.4:3 7:37, Jas.2:5, Rev.2:7, al.; τ. ὠσίν, Mat.13:15 (LXX); with cogn. dative, ακοῇ ἀ. (see: ἀκοή), Mat.13:14, Act.28:26" (LXX) ; ὁ ἔχων ὦτα (οὖς) ἀκούειν, ἀκουσάτω, Mat.11:15, Mrk.4:23, Rev.2:7, al. __2. Trans., prop. with accusative of thing(s), of thing heard, genitive of person(s), from whom heard (LS, see word): Act.1:4; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.12:19, Jhn.3:8 (Abbott, JG, 76), Act.22:9, al.; with dupl. accusative, Jhn.12:18, 1Co.11:18; with genitive of thing(s), Jhn.7:40 (Abbott, JV, 116); τ. φωνῆς (cf. Heb. שָׁמַע בְּקוֹל, Exo.18:19), Jhn.5:25, 28 Act.9:7 (on the distinction bet. this and ἀ. φωνήν, ib. 4, see M, Pr., 66; Field, Notes, 117; Abbott, Essays, 93f.); of God answering prayer, Jhn.9:31, 1Jn.5:14, 15; with accusative of thing(s), before παρά, Jhn.8:26, 40 Act.10:22, 2Ti.2:2; id. before ἀπό, 1Jn.1:5; with genitive pars. before ptcp., Mrk.14:58, Luk.18:36, al. (On NT usage generally, see Bl., §36, 5; Cremer, 82.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 401 NT verses. KJV: give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 23:16; Hebrews 2:1.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ιησους Iēsous G2424 "Joshua" Noun-NSM

Jesus is the Greek name for Joshua, which means God is salvation. It is used to refer to Jesus Christ, the son of God, as well as other Israelites with the same name. The name Jesus appears over 900 times in the New Testament.

Definition: Ἰωσή, see: Ἰωσῆς - -ῆ (Rec. -ή Luk.3:29; AV, Jose; see: Ἰησοῦς, 3), and -ῆτος (Mk, ll with), ὁ, Joses; __1. brother of our Lord: Mrk.6:3, Mat.13:55 (Rec., see: Ἰωσήφ). __2. Son of Mary: Mat.27:56 (-σήφ), WH, txt), Mrk.15:40, 47 __3. see: Βαρνάβας.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 932 NT verses. KJV: Jesus See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.

οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj

This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.

Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.

ιωαννης Iōannēs G2491 "John" Noun-NSM

John refers to several important figures in the Bible, including John the Baptist and John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve apostles. John the Baptist is mentioned in Matthew 3:1 and John the Apostle in Matthew 4:21.

Definition: Ἰωάνης (Rec. ννης, which see; cf. Dalman, Gr., 142; Tdf., Pr., 79; WH, App., 159; Bl., §3, 10; 10, 2), -ου, dative, -ῃ (but in Mat.11:4. Luk.7:18, 22 Rev.1:1, ει), accusative, -ην, ὁ (Heb. יוֹחָנָן, LXX: Ἰωανάν, 2Ch.23:1, al.; -ννάν, Je 47 (40):8, al., Aq.), Hellenized form of Ἰωανάν, John ( I Est.8:38(41)*), viz., __1. John the Baptist: Mat.3:1, al. __2. John the Apostle, son of Zebedee: Mat.4:21, Mrk.1:19, Luk.5:10, Act.1:13, al. __3. The father of St. Peter: Jhn.1:43 21:15-17. __4. John surnamed Mark: Act.12:12, 25 13:5, 13 15:37. __5. The writer of the Apocalypse, traditionally identified with 2: Rev.1:1, 4 9. Ἰωάννης (D, Ἰωνάθας; see MM, Exp., XV; Bl., §10, 2), ὁ, John: Act.4:6 13:5, Tr., WH, Rev.22:8 (cf. Ἰωάνης).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 128 NT verses. KJV: John See also: Acts 1:5; Luke 9:19; Revelation 1:1.

παρεδοθη paradidōmi G3860 "to deliver" Verb-API-3S

To deliver means to surrender or yield up, as when Jesus was handed over to the authorities in Matthew 11:27.

Definition: παρα-δίδωμι, [in LXX chiefly for נתן ;] correl. to παρδέχομαι, __1. to give or hand over to another: with accusative and dative, Mat.11:27 25:14, Luk.4:6, al.; of being delivered up to a course of teaching, pass. before εἰς, Rom.6:17. __2. to commit, commend: Act.14:26 15:40, 1Pe.2:23. __3. to give or deliver up to prison or judgment: with accusative of person(s), Mat.4:12, Mrk.1:14, Rom.4:25, 2Pe.2:4; id. before ὑπέρ, Rom.8:32; with dative, Mat.5:25, Mrk.15:1, Luk.12:58, Jhn.19:11, al.; id. before ἵνα, Jhn.19:16; with inf., Act.12:4; before εἰς, Mat.10:17 17:22 24:9, Luk.21:12, Act.8:3, 2Co.4:11, al.; τ. Σατανᾷ, 1Ti.1:20; id. before εἰς, 1Co.5:5; with the collat. idea of treachery (= προδίδωμι), with accusative of person(s), Mat.26:25, Mrk.14:11, Jhn.6:64, al.; id. with dative, Mat.26:15, al.; present ptcp., ὁ παραδιδοὺς, Mat.26:25, Mrk.14:42, Jhn.13:11. __4. to hand down, hand on or deliver verbally (traditions, commands, etc.): Mrk.7:13, Luk.1:2, Act.6:14, 1Co.11:2 15:2; pass., 2Pe.2:21, Ju 3. __5. to permit (for exx. in cl., see LS, see word): Mrk.4:29. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 118 NT verses. KJV: betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend See also: 1 Corinthians 5:5; Luke 23:25; 1 Peter 2:23.

ανεχωρησεν anachōreō G402 "to leave" Verb-AAI-3S

To leave or withdraw from a place, often to avoid danger, as seen in Matthew 2:12 and 14. This word means to go back or retire. It's used to describe physical departure.

Definition: ἀνα-χωρέω, -ῶ [in LXX for בָּרַח, נוּם, etc. ;] __1. to go back. __2. to withdraw: Mat.9:24; frequently in sense of avoiding danger (MM, VGT, see word), Mat.2:12 (but see Thayer), Mat.2:13-14, 22 4:12 12:15 14:13 15:21 27:5, Mrk.3:7, Jhn.6:15, Act.23:19 26:31.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: depart, give place, go (turn) aside, withdraw self See also: Acts 23:19; Matthew 2:22; Matthew 27:5.

εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep

This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.

Definition: εἰς, prep. with accusative, expressing entrance, direction, limit, into, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among (Lat. in, with accusative). __I. Of place. __1. After verbs of motion; __(a) of entrance into: Mat.8:23, 9:7, Mrk.1:45, Luk.2:15, 8:31, al.; __(b) of approach, to or towards: Mrk.11:1, Luk.6:8, 19:28, Jhn.11:31, 21:6, al.; __(with) before pl. and collective nouns, among: Mrk.4:7, 8:19, 20, Luk.11:49, Jhn.21:23, al.; __(d) Of a limit reached, unto, on, upon: Mat.8:18, 21:1, Mrk.11:1, 13:16, Luk.14:10, Jhn.6:3, 11:32, al.; with accusative of person(s) (as in Ep. and Ion.), Act.23:15, Rom.5:12, 16:19, 2Co.10:14; __(e) elliptical: ἐπιστολαὶ εἰς Δαμασκόν, Act.9:2; ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἱ., Rom.15:31; metaphorically, of entrance into a certain state or condition, or of approach or direction towards some end (Thayer, B, i, 1; ii, 1), εἰς τ. ὄνομα, M, Pr., 200. __2. Of direction; __(a) after verbs of seeing: Mat.6:26, Mrk.6:41, Luk.9:16, 62, Jhn.13:22, al.; metaphorically, of the mind, Heb.11:26, 12:2, al.; __(b) after verbs of speaking: Mat.13:10, 14:9, 1Th.2:9, al. __3. After verbs of rest; __(a) in "pregnant" construction, implying previous motion (cl.; see WM, 516; Bl., §39, 3; M, Pr., 234f.): Mat.2:23, 4:13, 2Th.2:4, 2Ti.1:11, Heb.11:9, al.; __(b) by an assimilation general in late Gk (see Bl., M, Pr., ll. with) = ἐν: Luk.1:44, 4:23, Act.20:16, 21:17, Jhn.1:18 (but see Westc, in l.), al. __II. Of time, for, unto; __1. accentuating the duration expressed by the accusative: εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Mat.21:19; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ., Luk.1:50; εἰς τ. διηνεκές, Heb.7:3, al. __2. Of a point or limit of time, unto, up to, until: Mat.6:34, Act.4:3, 25:21, Php.1:10, 2:16, 1Th.4:15, 2Ti.1:12; of entrance into a future period, σεις τὸ μέλλον (see: μέλλω), next (year), Luk.13:9 (but with ICC, in l.); εἰς τ. μεταξὺ σάββατον, on the next Sabbath, Act.13:42; εἰς τὸ πάλιν (see: πάλιν, 2Co.13:2. __III. Of result, after verbs of changing, joining, dividing, etc.: στρέφειν εἰς, Rev.11:6; μετας-, Act.2:20, Jas.4:9; μεταλλάσσειν, Rom.1:26; σχίζειν εἰς δύο, Mat.27:51, al.; predicatively with εἴναι, Act.8:23. __IV. Of relation, to, towards, for, in regard to (so in cl., but more frequently in late Gk., εἰς encroaching on the simple dative, which it has wholly displaced in MGr.; Jannaris, Gr., §1541; Robertson, Gr., 594; Deiss., BS, 117f.): Luk.7:30, Rom.4:20, 15:2, 26, 1Co.16:1, Eph.3:16, al.; ἀγάπη εἰς, Rom.5:8, al.; χρηστός, Eph.4:32; φρονεῖν εἰς, Rom.12:16; θαρρεῖν, 2Co.10:1. __V. Of the end or object: εὔθετος εἰς, Luk.14:34; σόφος, Rom.16:19; ἰσχύειν, Mat.5:13; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, al.; ἀφορίζειν εἰς, Rom.1:1; indicating purpose, εἰς φόβον, Rom.8:15; εἰς ἔνδειξιν, Rom.3:25; εἰς τό, with inf. (= ἵνα or ὥστε; Bl., §71, 5; M, Pr., 218ff.): Mat.20:19, Rom.1:11, 1Co.9:18, al. __VI. Adverbial phrases: εἰς τέλος, εἰς τὸ πάλιν, etc (see: τέλος, πάλιν, etc.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1512 NT verses. KJV: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:2.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

γαλιλαιαν Galilaia G1056 "(Sea of) Galilee" Noun-ASF

Galilee is a region in Palestine where Jesus ministered, as seen in Matthew 4:15 and John 6:1. It was also the location of the Sea of Galilee, a significant setting for Jesus' teachings and miracles.

Definition: Γαλιλαία, -ας, ἡ (Heb. הַגָּלִיל, the circle, district), Galilee, the name of the northern region of Palestine in NT times: Γ. τῶν ἐθνῶν, Mat.4:15 (LXX); θάλασσα τῆς Γ., Mat.15:29 (cf. Jhn.6:1). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 62 NT verses. KJV: Galilee See also: Acts 9:31; Luke 23:49; Matthew 28:16.

Study Notes — Matthew 4:12

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Context
Cross References
Matthew 4:12 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on Matthew 4:12
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 4:12
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 4:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 4:12
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 4:12
Barnes' Notes on Matthew 4:12
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 4:12
Sermons on Matthew 4:12

Context — Jesus Begins His Ministry

10“Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’ ” 11Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him.

12When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, He withdrew to Galilee.

13Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Mark 1:14	After the arrest of John, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God.
2	Luke 3:20	Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.
3	Matthew 14:3	Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,
4	Luke 4:14	Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region.
5	John 3:24	(For John had not yet been thrown into prison.)
6	Mark 6:17	For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married.
7	Luke 4:31	Then He went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath He began to teach the people.
8	John 4:43	After two days, Jesus left for Galilee.
9	John 4:54	This was now the second sign that Jesus performed after coming from Judea into Galilee.

Matthew 4:12 Summary

[Jesus heard that His friend and cousin, John, had been put in prison, so He decided to move to a different area called Galilee. This shows that Jesus was willing to be flexible and trust in God's plan, even when things didn't go as expected. As it says in Proverbs 3:5-6, we should 'trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding', and Jesus is a great example of this. By moving to Galilee, Jesus was able to continue His ministry and fulfill God's plan, as seen in Matthew 4:13-14 and Isaiah 9:1-2.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus withdraw to Galilee after hearing about John's imprisonment?

Jesus likely withdrew to Galilee to avoid persecution and to fulfill His ministry in a different region, as seen in Matthew 4:13-14, where He moved to Capernaum to fulfill the prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-2.

What does Jesus' withdrawal to Galilee teach us about His character?

Jesus' withdrawal to Galilee shows His humility and willingness to submit to God's plan, as seen in Matthew 26:39, where He prayed 'not My will, but Yours, be done'.

How does this verse relate to the temptation of Jesus in the previous verses?

This verse shows that after Jesus resisted the temptation of Satan in Matthew 4:1-11, He was ministered to by angels and then continued His ministry in Galilee, demonstrating His obedience to God's plan.

What can we learn from Jesus' response to John's imprisonment?

We can learn that even in difficult circumstances, we should trust in God's sovereignty and continue to follow His plan, as seen in Romans 8:28, where it says 'all things work together for good to those who love God'.

Reflection Questions

How do I respond to difficult news or challenging circumstances, and what can I learn from Jesus' example in this verse?
What are some ways I can 'withdraw' from the pressures and temptations of the world to focus on my relationship with God?
How can I trust in God's sovereignty and plan, even when I don't understand the circumstances around me?
What are some ways I can be a light for Christ in my own 'Galilee', or community, as Jesus was in His ministry?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 4:12

Now, when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison,.... John was cast into prison by Herod; the reason of it may be seen in Matthew 14:3.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 4:12

Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison , [ paredothee (G3860)] - more simply, 'was delivered up;'

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 4:12

John was some time after this cast into prison, for his free reproving Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, for taking Herodias his brother Philip’ s wife, and other evils, ,4 Mr 6:17 ,20. Jesus heard of this accident, and departed into Galilee. There were many things happened between Christ’ s temptations and this his motion into Galilee, which are omitted by all the evangelists except John, and by him recorded in his four first chapters. Neither by Galilee must we understand the Nether Galilee, which was within the jurisdiction of Herod, but the Upper Galilee, called Galilee of the Gentiles, , in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali, which was in the jurisdiction of Philip, a man of a less bloody disposition. Others make it under Herod’ s jurisdiction, but where the Pharisees had less to do than in Judea. Our Saviour doth not out of cowardice avoid danger, but he knew his time was not yet come. But some judicious interpreters think that our Saviour first went into the Lower Galilee, and from thence soon after into the Upper Galilee: that which makes this more probable is the next words, And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum; so as it should seem he first went to Nazareth, which was in the Lower Galilee.

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 4:12

12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; Ver. 12. Now when Jesus heard that John was cast into prison] For Herodias’ sake, though under pretexts of fear of sedition, because of the great multitudes that followed and admired him, as Josephus hath it. This hath ever been an ordinary accusation cast upon the most innocent, to be seedsmen of sedition, and troublers of the state. Jeremiah was held and called a traitor, Elijah a troubler of Israel, Paul a pest, ευρηκαμεντουτοντονλοιμον, Acts 24:5. Luther, tuba rebellionis, the trumpet of rebellion, &c. Invenies apud Tacitum frequentatas accusationes maiestatis, unicum crimen eorum qui crimine vacabant, saith Lipsius. There was some colour of right, yea, of piety, laid upon the French massacre, and by edicts, a fair cloak sought to cover the impious fraud, as if there had been some wicked conspiracy plotted by the Protestants against the king, the queen mother, the king’ s brethren, the king of Navarre, and the princes of the blood. For there was coin stamped in memory of the matter, in the forepart whereof (together with the king’ s picture) was this inscription, Virtus in rebellea Power in the rebellion, And on the other side, Pietas excitavit iustitiam. Loyalty stirs up justice. Not many years before this, Francis, king of France, when he would excuse to the princes of Germany (whose friendship he then sought after) that cruelty he had exercised against the Protestants, he gave out that he punished Anabaptists only, that bragged of enthusiasm, and cried down magistracy, stirring up the people to sedition as they had done not long before in Germany. (Scultet. Annul.) This foul aspersion cast upon true religion gave occasion to Calvin (then a young man of 25 years of age) to set forth that incomparable work, called his Institutions of Christian Religion, concerning which, Paulus Melissus long since sang, " Praeter Apostolicas post Christi tempera chartas, Huic peperere libro saecula nulla parem." Since Christ’ s and the apostles’ time no such book hath been written. He departed into Galilee] Succenturiatus prodit Ioanni, saith a learned interpreter. He therefore went into Galilee (which was under Herod’ s government) to be, as it were, a supply and successor to John, whom Herod had imprisoned. How well might the tyrant say of the Church, as those Persians did of the Athenians, βαλλομεν, ουπιπτουσι, τιτρωσκομεν, ουφοβεονται. "We overturn them, and yet they fall not; we wound them, and yet they fear not." (Stobaeus.) St Basil bade the persecuted Christians tell the tyrants with a bold and brave spirit, Εανγαρπαλινισχυητε. παλινηττηθησεσθε. "If ye prevail again, yet surely ye shall be overcome again." (Enarr. in Isaiah 8:10) For there is neither power nor policy against the Lord.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 4:12

(12) Between the 11th and 12th verses there is a great break, and it is well to remember what passed in the interval: (1) the return to the Baptist, and the call of the six disciples (John 1:29-51); (2) the marriage at Cana, and the visit to Capernaum (John 2:1-12); (3) the cleansing of the Temple; the interview with Nicodemus, and the last testimony of the Baptist (John 2:13 to John 3:36). At this stage comes in the imprisonment of John (mentioned here, but not narrated till 14:3-5) and the consequent journey through Samaria to Galilee (John 4:1-42). The verse now before us may be noted as implying a ministry in Judæa, which for some reason the writer does not narrate.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 4:12

12–16. Jesus returns into Galilee Mark 1:14; Luke 4:14, who assigns no reason; John 4:1-3. St John gives a further reason “when the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, he left Judæa, &c.”

Barnes' Notes on Matthew 4:12

John was cast into prison - For an account of the imprisonment of John see Matthew 14:1-13. He departed into Galilee - See Matthew 2:22.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 4:12

§ 23. — INTO GALILEE; AND § 25. — AT , Matthew 4:12-17.12. Now — With the temptation at the close of the last verse, the first two Periods of our Lord’s history, embracing the Infancy and Qualification, terminate.

Sermons on Matthew 4:12

	Sermon	Description
	God's Four Warnings by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher highlights four significant moments in the Bible where God looked and warned humanity. The first moment is when God created the lights in the heavens t
	Gospel of John (Study 8 of 24, Chap 3 Cont) by G.W. North	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being born again and having a personal encounter with God. He highlights that the purpose of Jesus coming to earth was to r
	Concerning the Prophetic Office of the Messiah. by John Gill	John Gill discusses the prophetic office of the Messiah, asserting that Jesus is the prophet foretold in Deuteronomy 18:15. He explores the identity of the Messiah's forerunner, id
	The Light Begins to Shine by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the beginning of Jesus' ministry in Galilee following John the Baptist's imprisonment, highlighting the tender and inviting nature of Christ's message of the
	Repentance - Part 1 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, Derek Prince discusses the importance of repentance in the message of salvation. He highlights the role of John the Baptist as the forerunner who prepared the heart
	A Living Hope - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the fundamental reality that Christ in us is the hope of glory. He acknowledges that even the best of human nature is flawed and cannot bring
	The First Word of the Gospel by J. Edwin Orr	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance in the preaching of the gospel. He refers to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4, verse 17, where Jesus began his