John 3:24
For John was not yet cast into prison.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
βεβλημένος
cast
G906
βεβλημένος
cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
4 of 9
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 9
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 #:
6 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φυλακὴν
prison
G5438
φυλακὴν
prison
Strong's:
G5438
Word #:
7 of 9
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
Cross References
Matthew 4:12Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;Matthew 14:3For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.Mark 6:17For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.
Historical Context
Herod Antipas imprisoned John (c. 28-29 AD) for denouncing his marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife (Mark 6:17-18). John's imprisonment marked a transition point in Jesus' ministry, as He moved from Judea to Galilee.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing that faithfulness may lead to suffering affect our commitment to truth-telling?
- What does John's trajectory from prominence to imprisonment teach about the nature of faithful service?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This parenthetical note anticipates John's imprisonment (recorded in the Synoptics), creating dramatic irony. John's faithful witness will soon lead to suffering, illustrating the cost of prophetic ministry. The Reformed tradition affirms that suffering for Christ is normative, not exceptional, in the Christian life.