When Jesus heard
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jesus' ministry. The Greek word for "heard" is "ἀκούω" (akouō), which implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and perceiving. This suggests that Jesus was not only informed but also deeply aware of the implications of the news He received. In the context of His divine mission, this awareness signifies His readiness to respond to the unfolding events in accordance with God's plan.

that John had been imprisoned
The imprisonment of John the Baptist is a significant event, as John was the forerunner of Christ, preparing the way for His ministry. The Greek term for "imprisoned" is "παραδίδωμι" (paradidōmi), which can also mean "delivered up" or "handed over." This word choice highlights the gravity of John's situation and foreshadows the eventual suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Himself. Historically, John's imprisonment by Herod Antipas was due to his bold proclamation of truth, which serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the opposition faced by those who stand for righteousness.

He withdrew to Galilee
The decision of Jesus to "withdraw" is captured by the Greek word "ἀναχωρέω" (anachōreō), meaning to depart or retire. This was not an act of fear but a strategic move in His ministry. Galilee, a region with a significant Gentile population, becomes the new focal point for Jesus' work. This shift fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, indicating that the light of the Messiah would shine in a land of darkness. Galilee's historical and cultural context as a crossroads of various peoples underscores the universal scope of Jesus' mission, reaching beyond the Jewish community to all nations.

(12) Between the 11th and 12th verses there is a great break, and it is well to remember what passed in the interval: (1) the return to the Baptist, and the call of the six disciples (John 1:29-51); (2) the marriage at Cana, and the visit to Capernaum (John 2:1-12); (3) the cleansing of the Temple; the interview with Nicodemus, and the last testimony of the Baptist (John 2:13 to John 3:36). At this stage comes in the imprisonment of John (mentioned here, but not narrated till 14:3-5) and the consequent journey through Samaria to Galilee (John 4:1-42). The verse now before us may be noted as implying a ministry in Judaea, which for some reason the writer does not narrate.

Verses 12-16. - JESUS' WITHDRAWAL INTO GALILEE. (Parallel passages: Mark 1:14; Luke 4:14, 15.) According to some commentators, a new section begins here; but probably these verses are still preliminary. Our Lord's activity does not begin till ver. 17. But now he withdraws to Galilee, settling in Capernaum, thus fulfilling prophecy. Verse 12. - Now when Jesus had heard. If we had the synoptic Gospels alone, we should have supposed that the Baptist was imprisoned immediately after the end of our Lord's temptation (cf. this verse with Luke 4:14); but St. John (John 3:24) expressly states that he had not been cast into prison when the events recorded in John 1:43-3:23 took place. "For a time Christ and the Baptist worked side by side, preaching ' repentance' (Mark 1:15 [also Matthew 4:17]) and baptizing [John 3:22]. The Messiah took up the position of a prophet in Judaea, as afterwards in Galilee" (Bishop Westcott, on John 3:22-24). The events in Galilee related in John 2:1-12 were "preparatory to the manifestation at Jerusalem which was the real commencement of Christ's Messianic work. St. John records the course and issue of this manifestation: the other Evangelists start with the record of the Galilaean ministry, which dates from the imprisonment of the Baptist" (Bishop Westcott, on John 3:24). He adds, on John 4:43, "It seems probable that the earlier part of the synoptic narratives (Mark 1:14 - 2:14, and parallels) must be placed in the interval which extended from John 4:43-5:1." Matthew alone states directly that the news of the Baptist having been taken by Herod was the motive of our Lord's withdrawal into Galilee. He says nothing to show whether our Lord withdrew because he would avoid a like treatment himself, or, as is on the whole more likely, because he did not wish to be mixed up in the tumults to which John's capture appears to have given rise (cf. Matthew 14:5). Was cast into prison; "was delivered up" (Revised Version and Authorized Version margin); παρεδόθη, absolutely (cf. Mark 1:14; Romans 4:25; also infra, Matthew 10:19; 1 Corinthians 13:3). If the more proper meaning of the word may be insisted on, the thought is of the person to whom John was committed rather than of the place; John being delivered up, that is to say, by Herod to his officials. But in usage it appears rather to mean only compulsory removal, loss of liberty. Mark (Mark 6:19, 20) points out the temporary protection that the imprisonment gave to John against the resentment of Herodias. He departed; Revised Version, he withdrew; ἀνεχώρησεν,. A favourite word of St. Matthew's (ten times; Mark and John once each; Acts twice). It always implies some motive for the change of place, and is frequently used of departure directly consequent upon knowledge acquired. Hence it often implies a feeling of danger. Into Galilee; whence he had come (Matthew 3:13). Hence "returned" (Luke). In Galilee he would still be in Herod's dominions; but, as being in his own home, he would not attract so much attention. N.B. - Between vers. 12 and 13 some place the incident of his preaching at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30); but ver. 23 of that passage assumes much previous work at Capernaum, and can therefore hardly be as early as this.

Parallel Commentaries ...


When
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[Jesus] heard
Ἀκούσας (Akousas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

John
Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491: Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.

had been imprisoned,
παρεδόθη (paredothē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3860: From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.

He withdrew
ἀνεχώρησεν (anechōrēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 402: From ana and choreo; to retire.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Galilee.
Γαλιλαίαν (Galilaian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1056: Of Hebrew origin; Galiloea, a region of Palestine.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus heard that John was (Matt. Mat Mt)