King James Version

What Does John 10:39 Mean?

John 10:39 in the King James Version says “Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,” — study this verse from John chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,”

John 10:39 · KJV

Context

37

If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

38

But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

39

Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

40

And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized ; and there he abode.

41

And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand (Ἐζήτουν οὖν αὐτὸν πάλιν πιάσαι· καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἐκ τῆς χειρὸς αὐτῶν, Ezētoun oun auton palin piasai· kai exēlthen ek tēs cheiros autōn)—Despite Jesus's rational defense and evidential appeal, they respond with renewed violence. The word πάλιν (palin, 'again') emphasizes persistent rejection. He escaped out of their hand (ἐξῆλθεν ἐκ τῆς χειρὸς αὐτῶν, exēlthen ek tēs cheiros autōn) demonstrates supernatural protection—no one takes His life until He voluntarily lays it down (John 10:18).

This pattern repeats: Jesus presents clear teaching and evidence, religious leaders respond with murderous rage, He supernaturally escapes. It demonstrates that rejection of Christ isn't intellectual but volitional—they understand His claims perfectly and hate them. His repeated escapes prove God's sovereignty over the timing of the crucifixion—it happens at the appointed hour, not when humans choose.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This attempt to seize Jesus occurred during Hanukkah at Solomon's Portico. Security couldn't have been tight, yet Jesus walked away unhindered. Later, when His hour came, He voluntarily allowed arrest (John 18:4-8), demonstrating that all previous escapes were supernatural acts, not lucky circumstances.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it reveal about human sinfulness that clear evidence and rational argument produce violent rejection rather than faith?
  2. How does Jesus's repeated supernatural escapes until 'His hour' demonstrate God's control over redemptive history?
  3. Why is it important that Jesus laid down His life voluntarily rather than being overpowered by enemies?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Ἐζήτουν1 of 11

“they sought”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

οὖν2 of 11

“Therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

πάλιν3 of 11

“again”

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

αὐτῶν4 of 11

“him”

G846

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

πιάσαι5 of 11

“to take”

G4084

to squeeze, i.e., seize (gently by the hand (press), or officially (arrest), or in hunting (capture))

καὶ6 of 11

“but”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξῆλθεν7 of 11

“he escaped”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ8 of 11

“out of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς9 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χειρὸς10 of 11

“hand”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτῶν11 of 11

“him”

G846

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 10:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 10:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 7:30John 8:59John 7:44Luke 4:29-30John 10:31

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