John 4:43-45
After the two days he departed for Galilee. (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.) So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This simple statement hints at a profound reason for Jesus' departure: he understood the proverb, "A prophet has no honor in his own country." After witnessing the deep faith awakened in Samaria, he moved on, knowing his own hometown might offer less fertile ground for his message.
Jesus spent two days ministering in a Samaritan town, where many believed because of his encounter with the woman at the well. Now, he continues his journey into Galilee, a region he previously left due to a lack of honor in his own hometown. His arrival there sets the stage for more ministry and miracles among the Galilean people.
Jesus didn't just pass through Samaria; He deliberately stayed. Why was this two-day detour so significant?
Jesus' decision to stay in Samaria for two days wasn't an accident. It was a purposeful stop that bore incredible fruit.
Divine Strategy
Jesus heads to Galilee, his 'home country.' But a well-known saying suggests prophets aren't always honored where they're from. What does this mean for His return?
Jesus' departure from Samaria leads Him back to Galilee, the region where He grew up. However, this return is framed by a proverb about prophets and their homeland.
The Prophet's Paradox
Understand the original words
prophētēs · Greek Noun
One sent by God to speak His message, often calling Israel to repentance or predicting future events; Jesus is the ultimate Prophet, the mediator of the New Covenant.
timē · Greek Noun
The estimation of worth or value; biblically, it pertains to the reverent acknowledgement of God's authority or His chosen messengers, which is often withheld by those familiar with the messenger.
heortē · Greek Noun
A formal gathering or religious festival, specifically referencing the pilgrimage festivals in Jerusalem where Jews gathered to worship God and celebrate His saving acts in history.
Jesus' departure from Samaria to Galilee wasn't just a geographical move; it was a strategic step. Having found receptive hearts in Samaria, he now moves to his homeland, aware of the proverb that prophets often find less honor at home, yet bringing the powerful testimony of his Samaritan ministry with him.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry after his baptism and temptation in the Judean wilderness. This marks the start of his travels and teaching throughout the region.
c. AD 27-30
Ministry in Judea and First Disciples
Jesus begins teaching and gathering disciples in Judea, leading to the interaction with Nicodemus described in John 3.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Departs Judea
Hearing of the Pharisees' growing opposition in Judea, Jesus deliberately leaves the region to minister elsewhere, moving towards Galilee.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Encounter at Jacob's Well
Jesus stops at the well near Sychar in Samaria, where he engages in a significant conversation with a Samaritan woman, leading to many Samaritans believing in him.
This verse echoes the sentiment that Jesus' own hometown (Nazareth, in Galilee) might not readily embrace Him, as Nathanael questions if anything good can come out of Nazareth.
Matthew 13:57This passage directly quotes Jesus saying a prophet has no honor in his own hometown, providing the reason why Jesus might have moved on from a specific area or country.
John 4:39-42This preceding passage highlights the positive reception Jesus received in Samaria, with many believing after two days, which provides context for His departure and the impact of His ministry there.
Mark 6:4Similar to Matthew 13:57, this verse records Jesus' statement about a prophet lacking honor in his own country, reinforcing the idea that His travels were partly dictated by how He was received.
barnesJohn 4:43: "Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee."
Into Galilee - Into some of the parts of Galilee, though evidently not into Nazareth, but probably direct to Cana, John 4:46 .
calvinJohn 4:39-45: "And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did."
- And many Samaritans out of that city believed in him on account of the saying of the woman, who testified, I told you all things that ever I did. 40. When the Samaritans, therefore, came to him, they entreated him to remain with them; and he remained two days. 41. And many more believed on account of his word; 42. And said to the woman, We no…
This simple statement hints at a profound reason for Jesus' departure: he understood the proverb, "A prophet has no honor in his own country." After witnessing the deep faith awakened in Samaria, he moved on, knowing his own hometown might offer less fertile ground for his message.
Jesus spent two days ministering in a Samaritan town, where many believed because of his encounter with the woman at the well. Now, he continues his journey into Galilee, a region he previously left due to a lack of honor in his own hometown. His arrival there sets the stage for more ministry and miracles among the Galilean people.
Jesus spent two days ministering in a Samaritan town, where many believed because of his encounter with the woman at the well. Now, he continues his journey into Galilee, a region he previously left due to a lack of honor in his own hometown. His arrival there sets the stage for more ministry and miracles among the Galilean people.
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c. AD 27-30
Two Days in Samaria
At the request of the Samaritans, Jesus stays for two days in their city, further teaching and ministering to them, resulting in many more conversions.
c. AD 27-30
Arrival in Galilee
After his impactful time in Samaria, Jesus journeys on to Galilee, his home region, where he had previously performed miracles during the feast in Jerusalem.
c. AD 27-30
Healing the Nobleman's Son
Shortly after arriving in Cana, Galilee, Jesus performs a significant miracle by healing a royal official's son from a distance, demonstrating his authority and power.
"After the two days he departed for Galilee. (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.) So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the fea…" — This simple statement hints at a profound reason for Jesus' departure: he understood the proverb, "A prophet has no honor in his own country." After witnessing the deep faith awakened in Samaria, he…
