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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 4:12 When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, He withdrew to Galilee.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/4-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/40_Mat_04_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 4:12 - Jesus Begins His Ministry" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, He withdrew to Galilee." /><script type="application/javascript" 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id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/4-11.htm" title="Matthew 4:11">◄</a> Matthew 4:12 <a href="/matthew/4-13.htm" title="Matthew 4:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, He withdrew to Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And having heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew into Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now when Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody, He withdrew into Galilee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now when Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody, He withdrew into Galilee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now when He heard that John had been taken into custody, He withdrew into Galilee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now when <i>Jesus</i> heard that John had been taken into custody, He departed into Galilee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now when Jesus heard that John [the Baptist] had been arrested <i>and</i> put in prison, He left for Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When He heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew into Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now when he heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he went to Galilee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now when he heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he went back to Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he went away to Galilee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he went back to Galilee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, He withdrew to Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now when Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, he went into Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now when he heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Now when Jesus heard that John was thrown into prison, He withdrew into Galilee,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jesus, having heard that John was delivered up, withdrew to Galilee,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And having heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew into Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jesus having heard that John was delivered up, did withdraw to Galilee,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jesus having heard that John was delivered up, went back into Galilee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when Jesus had heard that John was delivered up, he retired into Galilee: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when Jesus had heard that John had been handed over, he withdrew into Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Now when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he departed to Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But when Yeshua heard that Yohannan had been delivered up, he departed to Galilee.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Now when Jesus heard that John was delivered up; he withdrew into Galilee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And Jesus having heard that John was cast into prison, departed into Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But when Jesus heard that John was cast into prison, he retired into Galilee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />After this, Jesus having heard that John was confined in prison, retired into Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Now when Jesus heard that John was thrown into prison, He withdrew into Galilee,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And, hearing that John was delivered up, He withdrew into Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Now when Jesus heard that John was imprisoned, He departed into Galilee:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/4-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=697" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/4.htm">Jesus Begins His Ministry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11</span>Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">When</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: Akousas (V-APA-NMS) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">Jesus heard</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannēs (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">John</a> <a href="/greek/3860.htm" title="3860: paredothē (V-AIP-3S) -- From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.">had been imprisoned,</a> <a href="/greek/402.htm" title="402: anechōrēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- From ana and choreo; to retire.">He withdrew</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1056.htm" title="1056: Galilaian (N-AFS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Galiloea, a region of Palestine.">Galilee.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">13</span>Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-1.htm">Isaiah 9:1-2</a></span><br />Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations: / The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/1-14.htm">Mark 1:14</a></span><br />After the arrest of John, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-14.htm">Luke 4:14</a></span><br />Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/4-1.htm">John 4:1-3</a></span><br />When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were aware He was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John / (although it was not Jesus who baptized, but His disciples), / He left Judea and returned to Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-3.htm">Matthew 14:3-4</a></span><br />Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, / because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-24.htm">John 3:24</a></span><br />(For John had not yet been thrown into prison.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-2.htm">Matthew 11:2</a></span><br />Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent his disciples<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-13.htm">Matthew 14:13</a></span><br />When Jesus heard about John, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. But the crowds found out about it and followed Him on foot from the towns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-35.htm">John 1:35-37</a></span><br />The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. / When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” / And when the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-28.htm">John 1:28</a></span><br />All this happened at Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">Matthew 3:1-2</a></span><br />In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea / and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-12.htm">Matthew 17:12-13</a></span><br />But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.” / Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-37.htm">Acts 10:37</a></span><br />You yourselves know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John proclaimed:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-22.htm">Matthew 2:22</a></span><br />But when he learned that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-15.htm">Matthew 12:15</a></span><br />Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them all,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;</p><p class="hdg">when.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/1-14.htm">Mark 1:14</a></b></br> Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/6-17.htm">Mark 6:17</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/3-20.htm">Luke 3:20</a></b></br> Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.</p><p class="hdg">cast.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/37-14.htm">Arrested</a> <a href="/matthew/4-6.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/ezekiel/19-9.htm">Custody</a> <a href="/malachi/3-15.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/matthew/2-14.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/matthew/2-22.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/matthew/3-13.htm">Galilee</a> <a href="/matthew/2-22.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/matthew/4-10.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/3-15.htm">John</a> <a href="/ezekiel/19-9.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/matthew/3-10.htm">Thrown</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-6.htm">Withdraw</a> <a href="/matthew/2-22.htm">Withdrew</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/14-3.htm">Arrested</a> <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Custody</a> <a href="/matthew/10-4.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/matthew/8-32.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/matthew/8-10.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/matthew/4-15.htm">Galilee</a> <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/4-21.htm">John</a> <a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">Thrown</a> <a href="/matthew/9-24.htm">Withdraw</a> <a href="/matthew/12-15.htm">Withdrew</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Jesus, fasting forty days, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/4-3.htm">is tempted by the devil and ministered unto by angels.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/4-12.htm">He dwells in Capernaum;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">begins to preach;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/4-18.htm">calls Peter and Andrew,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/4-21.htm">James and John;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/4-23.htm">teaches and heals all the diseased.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/matthew/4.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>When Jesus heard</b><br />This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jesus' ministry. The Greek word for "heard" is "ἀκούω" (akouō), which implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and perceiving. This suggests that Jesus was not only informed but also deeply aware of the implications of the news He received. In the context of His divine mission, this awareness signifies His readiness to respond to the unfolding events in accordance with God's plan.<p><b>that John had been imprisoned</b><br />The imprisonment of John the Baptist is a significant event, as John was the forerunner of Christ, preparing the way for His ministry. The Greek term for "imprisoned" is "παραδίδωμι" (paradidōmi), which can also mean "delivered up" or "handed over." This word choice highlights the gravity of John's situation and foreshadows the eventual suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Himself. Historically, John's imprisonment by Herod Antipas was due to his bold proclamation of truth, which serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the opposition faced by those who stand for righteousness.<p><b>He withdrew to Galilee</b><br />The decision of Jesus to "withdraw" is captured by the Greek word "ἀναχωρέω" (anachōreō), meaning to depart or retire. This was not an act of fear but a strategic move in His ministry. Galilee, a region with a significant Gentile population, becomes the new focal point for Jesus' work. This shift fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, indicating that the light of the Messiah would shine in a land of darkness. Galilee's historical and cultural context as a crossroads of various peoples underscores the universal scope of Jesus' mission, reaching beyond the Jewish community to all nations.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 (<a href="/context/john/1-29.htm" title="The next day John sees Jesus coming to him, and said, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.">John 1:29-51</a>); (2) the marriage at Cana, and the visit to Capernaum (<a href="/context/john/2-1.htm" title="And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:">John 2:1-12</a>); (3) the cleansing of the Temple; the interview with Nicodemus, and the last testimony of the Baptist (<a href="/john/2-13.htm" title="And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.">John 2:13</a> to <a href="/john/3-36.htm" title="He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God stays on him.">John 3:36</a>). 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 (<a href="/context/john/4-1.htm" title="When therefore the LORD knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,">John 4:1-42</a>). The verse now before us may be noted as implying a ministry in Judaea, which for some reason the writer does not narrate.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 12-16.</span> - JESUS' WITHDRAWAL INTO GALILEE. (Parallel passages: <a href="/mark/1-14.htm">Mark 1:14</a>; <a href="/luke/4-14.htm">Luke 4:14, 15</a>.) According to some commentators, a new section begins here; but probably these verses are still preliminary. Our Lord's activity does not begin till ver. 17. But now he withdraws to Galilee, settling in Capernaum, thus fulfilling prophecy. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Now when Jesus had heard</span>. If we had the synoptic Gospels alone, we should have supposed that the Baptist was imprisoned immediately after the end of our Lord's temptation (cf. this verse with <a href="/luke/4-14.htm">Luke 4:14</a>); but St. John (<a href="/john/3-24.htm">John 3:24</a>) expressly states that he had not been cast into prison when the events recorded in <a href="/john/1-43.htm">John 1:43-3:23</a> took place. "For a time Christ and the Baptist worked side by side, preaching ' repentance' (<a href="/mark/1-15.htm">Mark 1:15</a> [also <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Matthew 4:17</a>]) and baptizing [<a href="/john/3-22.htm">John 3:22</a>]. The Messiah took up the position of a prophet in Judaea, as afterwards in Galilee" (Bishop Westcott, on <a href="/john/3-22.htm">John 3:22-24</a>). The events in Galilee related in <a href="/john/2-1.htm">John 2:1-12</a> were "preparatory to the manifestation at Jerusalem which was the real commencement of Christ's Messianic work. St. John records the course and issue of this manifestation: the other Evangelists start with the record of the Galilaean ministry, which dates from the imprisonment of the Baptist" (Bishop Westcott, on <a href="/john/3-24.htm">John 3:24</a>). He adds, on <a href="/john/4-43.htm">John 4:43</a>, "It seems probable that the earlier part of the synoptic narratives (<a href="/mark/1-14.htm">Mark 1:14 - 2:14</a>, and parallels) must be placed in the interval which extended from <a href="/john/4-43.htm">John 4:43-5:1</a>." Matthew alone states directly that the news of the Baptist having been taken by Herod was the motive of our Lord's withdrawal into Galilee. He says nothing to show whether our Lord withdrew because he would avoid a like treatment himself, or, as is on the whole more likely, because he did not wish to be mixed up in the tumults to which John's capture appears to have given rise (cf. <a href="/matthew/14-5.htm">Matthew 14:5</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Was cast into prison;</span> "was delivered up" (Revised Version and Authorized Version margin); <span class="greek">παρεδόθη</span>, absolutely (cf. <a href="/mark/1-14.htm">Mark 1:14</a>; <a href="/romans/4-25.htm">Romans 4:25</a>; also <span class="accented">infra</span>, <a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Matthew 10:19</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/13-3.htm">1 Corinthians 13:3</a>). If the more proper meaning of the word may be insisted on, the thought is of the person to whom John was committed rather than of the place; John being delivered up, that is to say, by Herod to his officials. But in usage it appears rather to mean only compulsory removal, loss of liberty. Mark (<a href="/mark/6-19.htm">Mark 6:19, 20</a>) points out the temporary protection that the imprisonment gave to John against the resentment of Herodias. <span class="cmt_word">He departed</span>; Revised Version, <span class="accented">he withdrew</span>; <span class="greek">ἀνεχώρησεν</span>,. A favourite word of St. Matthew's (ten times; Mark and John once each; Acts twice). It always implies some motive for the change of place, and is frequently used of departure directly consequent upon knowledge acquired. Hence it often implies a feeling of danger. Into Galilee; whence he had come (<a href="/matthew/3-13.htm">Matthew 3:13</a>). Hence "returned" (Luke). In Galilee he would still be in Herod's dominions; but, as being in his own home, he would not attract so much attention. N.B. - Between vers. 12 and 13 some place the incident of his preaching at Nazareth (<a href="/luke/4-16.htm">Luke 4:16-30</a>); but ver. 23 of that passage assumes much previous work at Capernaum, and can therefore hardly be as early as this. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/4-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">When</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Jesus] heard</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἀκούσας</span> <span class="translit">(Akousas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">John</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἰωάννης</span> <span class="translit">(Iōannēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had been imprisoned,</span><br /><span class="grk">παρεδόθη</span> <span class="translit">(paredothē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3860.htm">Strong's 3860: </a> </span><span class="str2">From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He withdrew</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνεχώρησεν</span> <span class="translit">(anechōrēsen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_402.htm">Strong's 402: </a> </span><span class="str2">From ana and choreo; to retire.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰς</span> <span class="translit">(eis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Galilee.</span><br /><span class="grk">Γαλιλαίαν</span> <span class="translit">(Galilaian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1056.htm">Strong's 1056: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; Galiloea, a region of Palestine.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/4-12.htm">Matthew 4:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/4-12.htm">Matthew 4:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/4-12.htm">Matthew 4:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/4-12.htm">Matthew 4:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/4-12.htm">Matthew 4:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/4-12.htm">Matthew 4:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/4-12.htm">Matthew 4:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/4-12.htm">Matthew 4:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/4-12.htm">Matthew 4:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/4-12.htm">Matthew 4:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/4-12.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus heard that John was (Matt. 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