Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus’ departure from Galilee isn't just a geographical move; it marks the intentional conclusion of a major phase of his ministry in that region. The word "finished" emphasizes that he brought his Galilean teachings to a deliberate close, signifying a transition to the final journey toward Jerusalem.
Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having just concluded his significant teachings in Galilee, Jesus now begins his final journey towards Jerusalem. He departs from Galilee, moving into the region east of the Jordan River. This sets the stage for encounters and teachings as he travels through Perea, where he will address complex issues like divorce and the importance of children, all while his ultimate destination remains the cross in Jerusalem.
Jesus is on the move again. But this isn't just another trip; it marks a significant farewell. What does it mean for Jesus to finally leave the region he called home for so long?
Matthew 19:1 tells us, "Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan." This departure from Galilee is a pivotal moment. It signifies the end of Jesus' Galilean ministry. For years, he taught, healed, and gathered disciples in this northern region.
This isn't an abrupt exit. The phrase "finished these sayings" suggests a sense of completion regarding his teachings in Galilee. He brought his public ministry there to a close before moving on. The Greek word translated as 'coasts' (oria) can also mean 'borders' or 'regions.' So, he entered the region of Judea, specifically the area east of the Jordan River, often called Perea.
This journey sets the stage for his final trip to Jerusalem, the place of his ultimate sacrifice. It’s a deliberate movement towards fulfilling his mission.
Jesus is heading towards his final Passover, but the crowds aren't fading – they're growing! Why were so many people drawn to him, especially as he moved towards Jerusalem?
As Jesus begins his final journey towards Jerusalem, the crowds that followed him don't diminish; they actually increase. Matthew 19:2 notes, "And great multitudes followed him, and he healed them there." This highlights a key aspect of Jesus' ministry: his compassion for the suffering and his desire to minister wherever he went.
This journey through the region beyond the Jordan (Perea) was a final opportunity for many to hear Jesus’ teachings and experience his healing power. People were drawn to him for various reasons: the sick seeking healing, the curious wanting to see miracles, those profiting from his sermons, and even enemies seeking to trap him. With the Passover approaching, many traveling to Jerusalem likely joined his entourage.
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His movement towards Jerusalem wasn't a retreat but a determined advance towards the cross. Even as he journeyed, he continued his mission of love and healing, demonstrating the urgency and scope of God's kingdom.
Understand the original words
Iēsous · Greek Noun
The title used for the promised Messiah, often emphasizing His humanity and divine authority. It is a central term referring to Jesus of Nazareth throughout the Gospels.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Final Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus departs Galilee for the last time, traveling through Perea (the region east of the Jordan River) on his way to Jerusalem for the Passover.
c. AD 28-30
Ministry in Perea
Jesus teaches and heals in the towns and villages of Perea, reaching many who had not heard him before. This period is detailed in Luke's Gospel and includes events like the sending out of the seventy disciples.
c. AD 30
Encounter with Pharisees on Divorce
During His time in Perea, Jesus is questioned by Pharisees about the lawfulness of divorce, leading to His teaching on the sanctity of marriage.
c. AD 30
Raising of Lazarus
A significant miracle where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, occurring in Bethany near Jerusalem shortly before His final Passover. This event intensifies the opposition from religious leaders.
c. AD 30
Plot Against Jesus
Following the raising of Lazarus, the chief priests and Pharisees hold a council and plot Jesus' death, fearing His influence and the potential for unrest.
c. AD 30
Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus makes His public entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, as crowds hail Him as king. This marks the beginning of His final week.
This passage mirrors Matthew 19:1 closely, describing Jesus' departure from Galilee and his journey towards Judea, emphasizing his accustomed teaching of the crowds along the way.
Luke 9:51This verse marks Jesus' determined journey toward Jerusalem, which aligns with the departure from Galilee in Matthew 19:1, highlighting his resolve to face his destiny.
John 10:40This passage mentions Jesus returning to the region beyond the Jordan, where John the Baptist had been baptizing, providing geographical and contextual depth to Jesus' movements mentioned in Matthew 19:1.
Matthew 19:3Following Jesus' departure in Matthew 19:1, the very next event recorded is the Pharisees questioning him about divorce, showing the immediate theological engagement that arose as he entered this new region.
vincentMatthew 19:1: "And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;"
Coasts (ὅρια)Better Rev., borders; though it is easy to see how the translation coasts arose, coast being derived from the Latin costa, a side, and hence a border generally, though now applied to the sea-side only.
calvinMatthew 19:1-2: "And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;"
- And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us; and we forbade him, because he followeth him, because he followeth not us. 39. And Jesus said, Forbid him not; for there is no man who, if he has performed a miracle in my name, can easily speak evil of me. 40. For he who is not…
Jesus’ departure from Galilee isn't just a geographical move; it marks the intentional conclusion of a major phase of his ministry in that region. The word "finished" emphasizes that he brought his Galilean teachings to a deliberate close, signifying a transition to the final journey toward Jerusalem.
Having just concluded his significant teachings in Galilee, Jesus now begins his final journey towards Jerusalem. He departs from Galilee, moving into the region east of the Jordan River. This sets the stage for encounters and teachings as he travels through Perea, where he will address complex issues like divorce and the importance of children, all while his ultimate destination remains the cross in Jerusalem.
Having just concluded his significant teachings in Galilee, Jesus now begins his final journey towards Jerusalem. He departs from Galilee, moving into the region east of the Jordan River. This sets the stage for encounters and teachings as he travels through Perea, where he will address complex issues like divorce and the importance of children, all while his ultimate destination remains the cross in Jerusalem.
"Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan." — Jesus’ departure from Galilee isn't just a geographical move; it marks the intentional conclusion of a major phase of his ministry in that region. The word "finished" emphasizes that he brought his…
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Last reviewed October 2026