Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.

JOHN 4:43KJV
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John 4:43 (KJV)

What does John 4:43 mean?

John 4:43 describes how, after spending two days in a certain place, Jesus left there and traveled to Galilee. The verse marks a transition in the story, showing Jesus moving from one region to another during his ministry.

In the context of John's Gospel, Jesus had been in Samaria, where he spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well and many Samaritans came to believe in him. After staying with them for two days, Jesus decided to continue his journey and went north into Galilee, his home region. This movement sets up the next events in the narrative, where Jesus will interact with people in Galilee.

The Greek behind John 4:43

  • "ἐξῆλθεν" (exēlthen, G1831): This Greek word is translated as "departed" and often carries the sense of leaving one place to go to another with purpose. Here, it emphasizes Jesus’ deliberate decision to move on from Samaria.
  • "Γαλιλαίαν" (Galilaian, G1056): This is the Greek name for Galilee, the northern region of Israel. Mentioning Galilee specifically reminds readers that Jesus is returning to his own region, which has significance for the unfolding story.

Why John 4:43 matters

  • John 4:43 helps clarify the timeline and movement of Jesus' ministry, showing that his work was not limited to one group or region but extended from Samaria to Galilee.
  • The verse highlights the openness of the Samaritans, who welcomed Jesus, in contrast to the mixed reception he would later receive in his own region.
  • This transition prepares readers for the miracles and teachings that will take place in Galilee, connecting the events in Samaria to the broader narrative of Jesus’ ministry.

Where else these words appear

“thence” Greek G1564 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Matthew 14:13 When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
  • Mark 9:30 And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.

“Galilee” Greek G1056 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 1:39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
  • Luke 23:49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

“departed” Greek G565 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 5:17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
  • Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

“two” Greek G1417 · used in 124 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Mark 9:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
  • John 6:9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?