Devine Scripture

John 10:40

What does John 10:40 mean?

A plain-English look at John 10:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 10:40 means

Jesus departs again beyond the Jordan, returning to the place where John first baptized. He remains there for a time. The move recalls the Gospel’s beginnings and highlights continuity between John’s witness and Jesus’ work. Away from the hostile temple courts, the setting is quieter, more receptive. The Shepherd leads His ministry where hearts are prepared. His withdrawal is not retreat but redirection under the Father’s timing. By revisiting the site of initial testimony, John underscores that Jesus’ identity has long been attested and that the light continues to shine where it is welcomed.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he went away again beyond the Jordan into the place where John was at the first baptizing; and there he abode.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he went away again beyond the Jordan into the place where John was at the first baptizing; and there he abode.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he went again to the other side of the Jordan, to the place where John first gave baptism; and he was there for a time.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and went away again to the other side of the Jordan, to the place where John was at first baptizing, and remained there,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he went again beyond the Jordan, into that place where John was baptizing first. And there he abode.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and departed again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptising at the first: and he abode there.

Context

Following the failed arrest (verse 39), Jesus relocates beyond the Jordan to the place of John’s early ministry (verse 40). This geographical shift sets up the final two verses: people there recall John’s words about Jesus and affirm their truth (verse 41), leading to many believing in Jesus (verse 42). The chapter thus concludes with faith flourishing outside the centers of official opposition.

v.39They sought again to take him: and he went forth out of their hand.

v.40This passage

v.41And many came unto him; and they said, John indeed did no sign: but all things whatsoever John spake of this man were true.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 1:28

    These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

  • John 11:54

    Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but departed thence into the country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim; and there he tarried with the disciples.

  • John 3:26

    And they came unto John, and said to him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond the Jordan, to whom thou hast borne witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

  • John 7:1

    And after these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Judæa, because the Jews sought to kill him.

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