Matthew 4:12
Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
when Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
when Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 11
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 11
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
παρεδόθη
was cast into prison
G3860
παρεδόθη
was cast into prison
Strong's:
G3860
Word #:
7 of 11
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 11
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Mark 1:14Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,Luke 3:20Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.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.John 3:24For John was not yet cast into prison.Luke 4:14And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.
Historical Context
John was imprisoned by Herod Antipas (son of Herod the Great) around AD 28-29 for condemning Herod's marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. John was later beheaded at Herodias' instigation (Matthew 14:1-12). Herod Antipas ruled Galilee and Perea.
Questions for Reflection
- What does John's imprisonment for faithful preaching teach about the cost of prophetic ministry?
- How does Christ's response to John's imprisonment demonstrate trust in God's sovereign timing rather than fear-driven reaction?
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Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'Jesus heard that John was cast into prison' likely served as God's providential signal that Christ's public ministry should begin. John's imprisonment by Herod Antipas for condemning his unlawful marriage demonstrated the cost of faithful proclamation and foreshadowed Christ's own rejection. Jesus' departure to Galilee was strategic, not fearful—beginning ministry in the region prophesied by Isaiah.