Devine Scripture

Matthew 4:12

What does Matthew 4:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 4:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 4:12 means

Upon hearing the news of John the Baptist's arrest, Jesus made a strategic withdrawal into the region of Galilee. This move was not out of fear, but a calculated decision, possibly to avoid a premature confrontation with authorities and to continue His mission in a new geographical area. It marked a transition point, as John's ministry was concluding and Jesus' public ministry was about to begin in full.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But having heard that John was delivered up, he departed into Galilee:

Context

This verse marks a significant transition point in the chapter, moving from Jesus' wilderness temptation to the beginning of His public ministry. The news of John the Baptist's arrest serves as a catalyst for Jesus' relocation to Galilee, thereby fulfilling prophecy. This geographical shift is crucial for understanding the subsequent verses, as Jesus' ministry will now primarily take place in this new region.

v.11Then the devil leaveth him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

v.12This passage

v.13and leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali:

Cross references

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

  • John 3:24

    For John was not yet cast into prison.

  • Luke 3:20

    added this also to them all, that he shut up John in prison.

  • John 4:54

    This is again the second sign that Jesus did, having come out of Judæa into Galilee.

  • Mark 1:14

    Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,

  • Matthew 14:3

    For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.

  • John 4:43

    And after the two days he went forth from thence into Galilee.

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