John 10:39
Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,
Original Language Analysis
Ἐζήτουν
they sought
G2212
Ἐζήτουν
they sought
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
1 of 11
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 11
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
3 of 11
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
αὐτῶν
him
G846
αὐτῶν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πιάσαι
to take
G4084
πιάσαι
to take
Strong's:
G4084
Word #:
5 of 11
to squeeze, i.e., seize (gently by the hand (press), or officially (arrest), or in hunting (capture))
καὶ
but
G2532
καὶ
but
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 of 11
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 7:30Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.John 8:59Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.John 7:44And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.John 10:31Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
Historical Context
This attempt to seize Jesus occurred during Hanukkah at Solomon's Portico. Security couldn't have been tight, yet Jesus walked away unhindered. Later, when His hour came, He voluntarily allowed arrest (John 18:4-8), demonstrating that all previous escapes were supernatural acts, not lucky circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it reveal about human sinfulness that clear evidence and rational argument produce violent rejection rather than faith?
- How does Jesus's repeated supernatural escapes until 'His hour' demonstrate God's control over redemptive history?
- Why is it important that Jesus laid down His life voluntarily rather than being overpowered by enemies?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand (Ἐζήτουν οὖν αὐτὸν πάλιν πιάσαι· καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἐκ τῆς χειρὸς αὐτῶν, Ezētoun oun auton palin piasai· kai exēlthen ek tēs cheiros autōn)—Despite Jesus's rational defense and evidential appeal, they respond with renewed violence. The word πάλιν (palin, 'again') emphasizes persistent rejection. He escaped out of their hand (ἐξῆλθεν ἐκ τῆς χειρὸς αὐτῶν, exēlthen ek tēs cheiros autōn) demonstrates supernatural protection—no one takes His life until He voluntarily lays it down (John 10:18).
This pattern repeats: Jesus presents clear teaching and evidence, religious leaders respond with murderous rage, He supernaturally escapes. It demonstrates that rejection of Christ isn't intellectual but volitional—they understand His claims perfectly and hate them. His repeated escapes prove God's sovereignty over the timing of the crucifixion—it happens at the appointed hour, not when humans choose.