Matthew 21:17
And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καταλιπὼν
he left
G2641
καταλιπὼν
he left
Strong's:
G2641
Word #:
2 of 12
to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 12
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
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλεως
the city
G4172
πόλεως
the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
7 of 12
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 11:18Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:Mark 11:11And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.John 11:1Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.Luke 24:50And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.Mark 11:19And when even was come, he went out of the city.Matthew 16:4A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
Historical Context
Bethany lay about two miles east of Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives' eastern slope—beyond the Sabbath day's journey but close enough for daily teaching. Pilgrims typically camped outside Jerusalem during Passover due to overcrowding. Jesus's Bethany retreats fulfilled this custom while avoiding arrest before God's timing.
Questions for Reflection
- Where is your 'Bethany'—the place of retreat and trusted fellowship when ministry becomes intense?
- How does Jesus's pattern of engagement and withdrawal inform your own rhythms of work and rest?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there—After confrontation with religious authorities, Jesus withdrew (ἐξῆλθεν, exēlthen) to Bethany, home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11:1). He lodged there (ηὐλίσθη, ēulisthē) suggests regular nightly retreat from hostile Jerusalem.
Jesus's strategic withdrawal illustrates wisdom: He didn't court martyrdom prematurely but waited for the Father's appointed hour (John 7:6). Bethany ('house of affliction' or 'house of figs') became His refuge, foreshadowing the next morning's fig tree encounter (v.18-19). Even the Son of God needed fellowship and rest among friends.