And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;

MATTHEW 19:1KJV
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Matthew 19:1 (KJV)

What does Matthew 19:1 mean?

Matthew 19:1 describes how, after Jesus finished teaching, he left Galilee and traveled to the region of Judea on the other side of the Jordan River. This verse marks a transition in Jesus’ ministry, showing him moving from one area to another as he continues his work.

In this verse, the narrator (Matthew) is telling the reader about a change in location for Jesus and his followers. The verse sets the scene for what comes next, signaling that Jesus is leaving behind his ministry in Galilee and heading toward Judea, which is closer to Jerusalem. This movement is important because it leads into new teachings and events as Jesus approaches the final part of his journey.

The Greek behind Matthew 19:1

  • The word "departed" (ἀνεχώρησεν, anechōrēsen, from G3332) often carries the sense of deliberately withdrawing or moving away, not just casually leaving. Here, it suggests a purposeful transition in Jesus’ ministry.
  • "Coasts" (ὅρια, horia, from G3725) is better understood as "regions" or "territories" rather than just shorelines. This helps clarify that Jesus entered the broader area of Judea beyond the Jordan, not just a specific border or coastline.
  • "Beyond" (πέραν, peran, from G4008) means "on the other side," indicating that Jesus crossed over to the area east of the Jordan River, which was known as Perea at that time.

Why Matthew 19:1 matters

  • This verse marks a turning point in Matthew’s narrative, showing Jesus moving closer to Jerusalem and the events leading up to his crucifixion.
  • Understanding the geography helps clarify that Jesus is entering a new phase of ministry, interacting with different crowds and authorities.
  • The mention of Jesus finishing "these sayings" connects back to his earlier teachings, signaling that a new section of his ministry is beginning and inviting the reader to pay attention to what changes.

Where else these words appear

“departed” Greek G3332 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 13:53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.

“coasts” Greek G3725 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Matthew 15:22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
  • Mark 7:31 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

“Jordan” Greek G2446 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
  • Matthew 4:25 And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.
  • Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

“beyond” Greek G4008 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 4:15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
  • Mark 4:35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
  • John 1:28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.