The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While it might seem like John is just setting the scene for Jesus’ public ministry, notice the subtle emphasis on "the Jews' Passover." John uses this phrasing to highlight the religious tradition Jesus is about to enter, subtly contrasting it with the deeper spiritual reality Jesus embodies. This visit, right before the Passover feast, marks the beginning of Jesus' active mission and his confrontation with religious corruption.
The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just left Cana after a brief stay with his family and disciples in Capernaum, and with the important Passover festival approaching in Jerusalem, he makes his way to the city. This journey marks his first recorded visit to Jerusalem during his public ministry, and importantly, it's the occasion when he encounters the commercial activity within the temple courts.
Why did Jesus make this specific journey to Jerusalem? It wasn't just another trip; it was tied to a pivotal Jewish feast.
A Holy Obligation
The Passover was a crucial annual festival for Jewish men, a divine command to gather in Jerusalem.
Jesus' destination wasn't just any city; it was Jerusalem, the heart of Jewish worship. What made this place so important?
The Center of Worship and Revelation
Jerusalem, and specifically the Temple within it, was the focal point of Israel's religious life. Jesus' presence there signifies a deeper purpose.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
pesach · Hebrew Noun
The annual Jewish festival commemorating the deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance from sin through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God.
This event marks the very beginning of Jesus' public ministry, coinciding with His first Passover observance in Jerusalem. It sets the stage for His later confrontations in the Temple and establishes a pattern of ministry tied to significant Jewish feasts.
c. AD 26-27
Jesus' Baptism and Temptation
Following His baptism by John in the Jordan River and His subsequent temptation in the wilderness, Jesus begins His public ministry.
c. AD 27— this verse
First Passover and Temple Cleansing
Jesus attends His first recorded Passover in Jerusalem after beginning His ministry and drives out the money changers and merchants from the Temple courts.
c. AD 27-29
Galilean Ministry and Subsequent Passovers
Jesus spends the next approximately two years ministering primarily in Galilee, attending two more Passovers in Jerusalem during this period.
c. AD 30
Final Passover and Crucifixion
Jesus attends His final Passover in Jerusalem, which culminates in His betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection.
This passage describes the original institution of the Passover, highlighting its significance as a remembrance of God's deliverance and a central event in Jewish identity, which Jesus is now on his way to observe.
Deuteronomy 16:16This verse states the requirement for all males to appear before the Lord for the feasts, including Passover, underscoring Jesus' obedience to the Law as he goes up to Jerusalem.
Matthew 21:12-13This parallel account describes Jesus cleansing the Temple, showing that his action at Passover was a recurring theme and a demonstration of his authority over the sacred space.
Psalm 69:9This verse is explicitly recalled by the disciples in John 2:17, revealing that Jesus' passionate zeal for God's house was a prophetic sign understood through Scripture.
ellicottJohn 2:13: "And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,"
(13) And the Jews’ passover was at hand. —Here, again, we are on common ground with the earlier Gospels. They place a cleansing of the Temple at the close of our Lord’s ministry at the only Passover which comes within the scope of their narrative. The subject has been dealt with in Notes on Matthew 21:12 et seq. (Comp. also Introduction: The Chronological Harmony of the Gospels, p. 35) The careful reader will not f…
vincentJohn 2:13: "And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,"
The Jews' passoverOn John's use of the term Jews, see on John 1:19. So it is used here with an under-reference to the national religion as consisting in mere ceremonies. The same hint underlies the words in John 2:6, "after the Jews' manner of purifying." Only John mentions this earliest passover of Christ's ministry. The Synoptists relate no incident of his ministry in Judaea, and but for the narrative of John, it…
While it might seem like John is just setting the scene for Jesus’ public ministry, notice the subtle emphasis on "the Jews' Passover." John uses this phrasing to highlight the religious tradition Jesus is about to enter, subtly contrasting it with the deeper spiritual reality Jesus embodies. This visit, right before the Passover feast, marks the beginning of Jesus' active mission and his confrontation with religious corruption.
Jesus has just left Cana after a brief stay with his family and disciples in Capernaum, and with the important Passover festival approaching in Jerusalem, he makes his way to the city. This journey marks his first recorded visit to Jerusalem during his public ministry, and importantly, it's the occasion when he encounters the commercial activity within the temple courts.
Jesus has just left Cana after a brief stay with his family and disciples in Capernaum, and with the important Passover festival approaching in Jerusalem, he makes his way to the city. This journey marks his first recorded visit to Jerusalem during his public ministry, and importantly, it's the occasion when he encounters the commercial activity within the temple courts.
"The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem." — While it might seem like John is just setting the scene for Jesus’ public ministry, notice the subtle emphasis on "the Jews' Passover." John uses this phrasing to highlight the religious tradition Je…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026