King James Version

What Does John 10:40 Mean?

John 10:40 in the King James Version says “And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized ; and there he abode. — study this verse from John chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 10:40 · KJV


Context

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.

42

And many believed on him there.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode (καὶ ἀπῆλθεν πάλιν πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου εἰς τὸν τόπον ὅπου ἦν Ἰωάννης τὸ πρῶτον βαπτίζων, καὶ ἔμεινεν ἐκεῖ, kai apēlthen palin peran tou Iordanou eis ton topon hopou ēn Iōannēs to prōton baptizōn, kai emeinen ekei)—Jesus returns to where His public ministry began, the site of John's testimony (John 1:28-34). The phrase πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου (peran tou Iordanou, 'beyond the Jordan') places Him outside Judean jurisdiction, providing temporary safety. ἔμεινεν (emeinen, 'He abode, remained') suggests extended stay, not mere passing through.

This strategic withdrawal serves multiple purposes: escaping immediate danger, allowing time for His message to resonate, and geographically connecting back to John's witness. Jesus returns to the beginning, where John testified 'Behold the Lamb of God' (John 1:29)—preparing for His journey back to Jerusalem for Passover sacrifice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Bethany beyond Jordan (or Bethabara) was in Perea, territory ruled by Herod Antipas rather than the Judean authorities who sought Jesus's death. This provided temporary sanctuary. John had baptized there approximately two years earlier, and people still remembered his testimony about Jesus.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is it significant that Jesus returned to where John first testified about Him—what does this 'full circle' movement signify?
  2. How does Jesus's strategic withdrawal demonstrate wisdom in ministry—knowing when to confront and when to retreat?
  3. What does Jesus's return to John's baptismal site teach about the importance of testimony and witness in preparing hearts for Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

And

G2532

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

ἀπῆλθεν2 of 18

went away

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

πάλιν3 of 18

again

G3825

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

πέραν4 of 18

beyond

G4008

through (as adverb or preposition), i.e., across

τοῦ5 of 18
G3588

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

Ἰορδάνου6 of 18

Jordan

G2446

the jordanes (i.e., jarden), a river of palestine

εἰς7 of 18

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν8 of 18
G3588

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

τόπον9 of 18

the place

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

ὅπου10 of 18

where

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ἦν11 of 18
G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

Ἰωάννης12 of 18

John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

τὸ13 of 18
G3588

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

πρῶτον14 of 18
G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

βαπτίζων15 of 18

baptized

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

καὶ16 of 18

And

G2532

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

ἔμεινεν17 of 18

he abode

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

ἐκεῖ18 of 18

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither


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 10:40 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 10:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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