Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

MATTHEW 4:12KJV
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Matthew 4:12 (KJV)

What does Matthew 4:12 mean?

Matthew 4:12 describes how Jesus, upon hearing that John the Baptist had been put in prison, left the area where he was and went to Galilee. This verse marks a turning point, showing Jesus beginning his ministry in a new region after John’s arrest.

Matthew is narrating the events to his readers, explaining that Jesus’ move to Galilee happened in response to John’s imprisonment. The verse sets the stage for the next phase of Jesus’ public work, connecting the timing of Jesus’ actions to what happened to John the Baptist. It signals a shift in focus from John’s ministry to Jesus’ own mission.

The Greek behind Matthew 4:12

  • "παρεδόθη" (paradothē, translated here as "was cast into prison") often means "handed over" or "delivered up." This word suggests that John was not just arrested, but actively handed over to authorities, highlighting the seriousness of his situation.
  • "ἀνεχώρησεν" (anechōrēsen, translated as "departed") carries the sense of withdrawing or moving away, often for safety or to avoid danger. This detail helps explain that Jesus’ move to Galilee was a deliberate response to John’s arrest, not just a casual change of location.

Why Matthew 4:12 matters

  • Matthew 4:12 clarifies that Jesus’ ministry in Galilee began as a direct response to John the Baptist’s imprisonment, tying the two ministries together in a historical sequence.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jesus was aware of the dangers around him and acted thoughtfully, not recklessly, as he began his public work.
  • This transition marks a key moment in the Gospel, where the focus shifts from John’s preparatory role to Jesus’ own teaching and actions in Galilee.

Where else these words appear

“departed” Greek G402 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Matthew 9:24 He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
  • Matthew 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

“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 3:7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
  • Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

“prison” Greek G3860 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Mark 14:10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
  • John 19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.

“John” Greek G2491 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
  • John 1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.