Matthew 19:1
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)
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This verse marks a significant transition: Jesus finishes his extensive Galilean teachings and journeys away from Galilee, and notably, the text specifies he enters the "region of Judea beyond the Jordan." This implies he's taking a less-traveled route to Jerusalem, intentionally engaging the people in areas outside the typical path, setting the stage for encounters like the one with the rich young ruler.
Having just delivered significant teachings in Galilee, Jesus now begins his final journey towards Jerusalem. He travels through the region east of the Jordan River, a path that will lead him closer to the city where his crucifixion awaits, encountering large crowds who follow him along the way.
Jesus has just finished delivering profound teachings in Galilee. Now, he sets out on a new path, a significant departure from his previous ministry.
Matthew 19:1 marks a clear transition. Jesus departs from Galilee, the region where he had spent the majority of his public ministry. This isn't just a change of scenery; it signifies the beginning of his final journey towards Jerusalem. The word 'departed' implies a conclusive end to his work in Galilee, a sense that his time there is complete.
He then enters 'the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.' This area, also known as Perea, was east of the Jordan River and had historical ties to the tribes of Reuben and Gad. It was a route that avoided Samaria, a detail that becomes significant in later Gospel accounts. This move sets the stage for Jesus to engage with new crowds and face the intensifying opposition that will ultimately lead to his crucifixion.
The phrasing 'coasts of Judea beyond Jordan' might sound a bit vague. What exactly does this mean for Jesus' journey and ministry?
The word translated as 'coasts' can also mean 'borders' or 'regions.' This isn't necessarily the coastline of a sea, but rather the geographical areas or territories that make up Judea, specifically those on the eastern side of the Jordan River.
This journey through Perea served a crucial purpose. While Matthew's account is concise, other Gospels (like Luke's) reveal that Jesus spent considerable time teaching and healing in this region. His fame had spread, and 'great multitudes followed him' (Matthew 19:2). This period was vital for further discipleship training and for reaching people who might not have encountered him otherwise. It was a time of preparation, both for the crowds and for Jesus himself, as he moved closer to the ultimate events in Jerusalem.
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.
Matthew 19:1 marks Jesus' departure from Galilee for the final time. His journey southward, through the region east of the Jordan River (Perea), was a deliberate route toward Jerusalem and his ultimate purpose, a path punctuated by continued ministry to the crowds.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus spent a significant portion of his public ministry in Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. This period established his reputation throughout the region.
c. AD 29
Jesus Travels to Jerusalem for Festivals
Jesus made several journeys from Galilee to Judea and Jerusalem for religious festivals, often passing through Samaria or, as in this case, the region east of the Jordan River.
c. AD 29-30— this verse
Ministry in Perea (Beyond the Jordan)
After concluding his teachings in Galilee, Jesus journeyed south through Perea, the region east of the Jordan River. Here, he continued to teach and heal large crowds, as recorded by Luke.
c. AD 30
Jesus Approaches Jerusalem for the Last Passover
This journey marks Jesus' final approach to Jerusalem, where he would fulfill his mission during the Passover festival, leading to his crucifixion and resurrection.
This passage parallels Matthew 19:1 by describing Jesus' departure from Galilee and his arrival in the region beyond the Jordan, emphasizing His ongoing journey and teaching.
Luke 9:51This verse marks the beginning of Jesus' determined journey towards Jerusalem, mirroring the purposeful movement described in Matthew 19:1 as He leaves Galilee for Judea.
John 10:40This passage recalls Jesus' earlier time in the region beyond the Jordan, providing context for His return to this area before His final journey to Jerusalem.
Matthew 19:3This verse immediately follows Matthew 19:1 and introduces the Pharisees' question about divorce, showing the shift in Jesus' ministry from general teaching in Galilee to more direct confrontation in Judea.
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…
This verse marks a significant transition: Jesus finishes his extensive Galilean teachings and journeys away from Galilee, and notably, the text specifies he enters the "region of Judea beyond the Jordan." This implies he's taking a less-traveled route to Jerusalem, intentionally engaging the people in areas outside the typical path, setting the stage for encounters like the one with the rich young ruler.
Having just delivered significant teachings in Galilee, Jesus now begins his final journey towards Jerusalem. He travels through the region east of the Jordan River, a path that will lead him closer to the city where his crucifixion awaits, encountering large crowds who follow him along the way.
Having just delivered significant teachings in Galilee, Jesus now begins his final journey towards Jerusalem. He travels through the region east of the Jordan River, a path that will lead him closer to the city where his crucifixion awaits, encountering large crowds who follow him along the way.
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"Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan." — This verse marks a significant transition: Jesus finishes his extensive Galilean teachings and journeys away from Galilee, and notably, the text specifies he enters the "region of Judea *beyond the…
