John 4:3 Meaning and Explanation
“He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Aware of the Pharisees' attention, Jesus leaves Judaea and sets out again for Galilee.
What Does John 4:3 Mean?
Jesus had come south for the Passover (2:13) and stayed to minister in the Judaean countryside (3:22). Now, with official scrutiny rising, he withdraws northward. The word again looks back to the earlier Galilean days of Cana and Capernaum (2:1-12).
This is not retreat born of fear; it is obedience that includes timing. Again and again in this Gospel Jesus declines a confrontation because his hour is not yet come (7:30; 8:20). And the withdrawal proves to be an appointment: the road north passes a well where a single thirsty soul is waiting. What looks like leaving is, in God's hand, an arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions About John 4:3
What does John 4:3 mean?
Aware of the Pharisees' attention, Jesus leaves Judaea and sets out again for Galilee.