John 11:54
What does John 11:54 mean?
A plain-English look at John 11:54 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 11:54 means
In response, Jesus no longer walks openly among the Jews but withdraws to Ephraim, near the wilderness, staying there with His disciples. This is not retreat in fear but a strategic step until the appointed hour. He preserves the timing of His mission, training His disciples and avoiding premature arrest. The place—near the wilderness—recalls times of preparation and separation. The verse shows Jesus’ sovereignty over His movements and His care for the disciples in the face of rising hostility. He steps back from public visibility without ceasing to lead.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So Jesus no longer went about publicly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near to the waste land, to a town named Ephraim, where he was for some time with the disciples.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus, therefore, was no more freely walking among the Jews, but went away thence to the region nigh the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there he tarried with his disciples.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Wherefore Jesus walked no more openly among the Jews: but he went into a country near the desert, unto a city that is called Ephrem. And there he abode with his disciples.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus therefore walked no longer openly among the Jews, but went away thence into the country near the desert, to a city called Ephraim, and there he sojourned with the disciples.
Context
Following the leaders’ plan to kill Him, Jesus adjusts His public exposure. He withdraws with the disciples to a more remote town, signaling a transition from public signs to private preparation. The next verses will shift the scene to Jerusalem, where pilgrims gather for Passover and wonder whether Jesus will come. This interlude underscores the calm control of Jesus over the unfolding events, even as tension builds in the city.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
- John 18:20
Jesus answered him, I have spoken openly to the world; I ever taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and in secret spake I nothing.
- John 4:1
When therefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John
- John 7:4
For no man doeth anything in secret, and himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou doest these things, manifest thyself to the world.
- 2 Samuel 13:23
And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheep-shearers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king’s sons.
- John 7:13
Yet no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 11
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 11.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Resurrection
The resurrection is a foundational truth of Christian faith, offering hope for eternal life and victory over death through Jesus Christ.
Topic
Bible Verses About Sadness
Sadness is a universal human experience, often leading us to seek comfort and understanding in God's Word.
Topic
Bible Verses About What Happens After Death
The Bible offers comfort and clarity regarding what happens after death, pointing to God's ultimate plan for humanity.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.