John 11:54
Jesus 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.
Original Language Analysis
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
1 of 28
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 28
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
οὐκ
G3756
παῤῥησίᾳ
openly
G3954
παῤῥησίᾳ
openly
Strong's:
G3954
Word #:
5 of 28
all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance
περιεπάτει
walked
G4043
περιεπάτει
walked
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
6 of 28
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 28
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἀπῆλθεν
went
G565
ἀπῆλθεν
went
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
11 of 28
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 28
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χώραν
a country
G5561
χώραν
a country
Strong's:
G5561
Word #:
15 of 28
room, i.e., a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρήμου
to the wilderness
G2048
ἐρήμου
to the wilderness
Strong's:
G2048
Word #:
18 of 28
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 28
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
λεγομένην
called
G3004
λεγομένην
called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
21 of 28
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
πόλιν
a city
G4172
πόλιν
a city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
22 of 28
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
25 of 28
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Cross References
John 7:1After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.John 7:4For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.2 Chronicles 13:19And Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from him, Beth-el with the towns thereof, and Jeshanah with the towns thereof, and Ephrain with the towns thereof.
Historical Context
Ephraim's location (possibly modern et-Taiyibeh) was about 15 miles northeast of Jerusalem near wilderness, providing refuge. This withdrawal parallels earlier withdrawals (7:1; 10:40) when threats intensified.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' strategic withdrawal teach about wisdom in facing opposition?
- How does His control over timing demonstrate sovereignty even in apparent retreat?
- When should we withdraw from opposition versus standing firm?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus responds to the death plot by withdrawing from public ministry among hostile Jews. He goes to Ephraim, a small town near the wilderness, demonstrating wisdom in avoiding premature death. This strategic withdrawal shows divine sovereignty over timing: Jesus dies at the appointed hour, not before. His withdrawal also fulfills Scripture's pattern of the rejected prophet. The phrase 'no more openly' indicates continued but restricted ministry. Even Jesus' geographical movements serve redemptive timing.