Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:54
Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
54. therefore ] The decree of the Sanhedrin for His apprehension had been published ( Joh 11:57); the sentence of death was probably a secret among themselves.
openly ] Comp. Joh 7:10. He withdraws from all intercourse with His adversaries.
went thence unto a country ] Departed thence into the country.
the wilderness ] The desert of Juda, which extended to the confines of Jericho, would naturally be meant by ‘ the wilderness.’
Ephraim ] This place cannot be identified with certainty. Eusebius makes it eight miles, Jerome twenty miles, N.E. of Jerusalem: both make it the same as Ephron. If the Ephraim of 2Ch 13:19 and Josephus ( B. J. iv. ix. 9) be meant, the wilderness would be that of Bethaven.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
No more openly – No more publicly, in the cities and towns. Jesus never exposed his life unnecessarily to hazard. Although the time of his death was determined in the counsel of God, yet this did not prevent his using proper means to preserve his life.
The wilderness – See the notes at Mat 3:1.
A city called Ephraim – This was probably a small town in the tribe of Ephraim, about five miles west of Jericho.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 54. Walked no more openly] , He did not go as before through the cities and villages, teaching, preaching, and healing the sick.
Near to the wilderness] Some MSS. add, of Samphourein, or Samphourim, or Sapfurim.
A city chilled Ephraim] Variously written in the MSS., Ephraim, Ephrem, Ephram, and Ephratha. This was a little village, situated in the neighbourhood of Bethel; for the scripture, 2Ch 13:19, and Josephus, War, b. iv. c. 8. s. 9, join them both together. Many believe that this city or village was the same with that mentioned, 1 Macc. 5:46; 2 Macc. 12:27. Joshua gave it to the tribe of Judah, Jos 15:9; and Eusebius and Jerome say it was about twenty miles north of Jerusalem.
And there continued] Calmet says, following Toynard, that he stayed there two months, from the 24th of January till the 24th of March.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; for he being the true paschal Lamb, was to be slain at that feast, and put an end to that type, and would therefore reserve himself for that time, which was now at hand. A
city called Ephraim: what this Ephren or Ephraim was, interpreters vainly busy themselves in inquiring; it was some obscure city, and near the wilderness; some think it was in the lot of Benjamin, others think it was in the lot of Ephraim, and obtained its name from the tribe in whose lot it was. The Scripture no where mentions it; and it cannot be expected, but that in so many changes of government as had befallen the Jews, the names of places should be so altered, that we should be at loss for many of them: wherever it was, it is said that Christ and his disciples continued there in some privacy.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
47-54. What do we? for this mandoeth many miracles“While we trifle, ‘this man,’ by His’many miracles,’ will carry all before Him; the popular enthusiasmwill bring on a revolution, which will precipitate the Romans uponus, and our all will go down in one common ruin.” What atestimony to the reality of our Lord’s miracles, and their resistlesseffect, from His bitterest enemies!
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Jesus therefore,…. Knowing the resolution the sanhedrim had taken to put him to death, and the schemes they were forming to apprehend him:
walked no more openly among the Jews; at, or near Jerusalem; he did not teach in their streets, nor work miracles, nor appear in public company:
but went thence, from Bethany:
unto a country near to the wilderness: whether this was the wilderness of Judea, where John came preaching, and near to which our Lord was before he came to Bethany, or the wilderness of Bethaven, Jos 18:12, is not certain:
into a city called Ephraim; the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions, call it Ephren, and so some copies; it seems to be the same with the Ephraim of the Misnic and Talmudic doctors; concerning which they say r,
“Micmas and Mezonicha are the first for fine flour, and the next to them is Ephraim in the valley.”
For it seems there were two Ephraims, one in the valley, and another in the mount s it was a place very fruitful for wheat; hence that saying of Jannes and Jambres, the magicians of Egypt, to Moses t;
“do you bring straw to Ephraim?”
which was a proverbial expression, the same with ours of carrying coals to Newcastle: they seeing Moses do signs and wonders, supposed he did them by enchantment; and the sense of their proverb is, do you bring enchantments into Egypt, where there are so many already? This Ephraim, the Jews say u, is the same with that in
2Ch 13:19, and as there Bethel is mentioned with it, it seems to have been in the tribe of Benjamin: and it may be observed, that Josephus w speaks of an Ephraim, along with Bethel likewise; so that they all seem to mean the same place; and according to the same writer, it was but a little city, and it may be an obscure one, for which reason Christ withdrew to it. Epiphanius x makes mention of the wilderness of Bethel and Ephraim, through which he travelled, accompanied by a Jew, as he came up from Jericho to the hill country; and is very likely the same wilderness which is here spoken of; and by some called Quarentana, and placed by the river Chereth, in the tribe of Benjamin, north east of Jerusalem; and the same writer elsewhere calls y Ephraim, the city of the wilderness: according to Jerom z, it was twenty miles from Aelia, or Jerusalem; though according to Eusebius, it was but eight miles, which is thought to be the truest account; and by them both is said to be a very large village, and in which they may not differ from Josephus; for it might be a large village, and yet a little city. Jerom a takes notice of a place called Aphra, in the tribe of Benjamin, which he says at that time was called the village Effrem, and was five miles from Bethel eastward; and of another called Aphraim, a city in the tribe of Issachar, which in his time went by the name of the village Affarea, six miles from the legion, northward; the former agrees best with this Ephraim.
And there continued with his disciples; spending his time in private conversation with them, teaching and instructing them in things concerning the kingdom of God, his time with them being now but short.
r Misn. Menachot, c. 8. sect. 1. s Barlenora in ib. t T. Bab. Menachot, fol. 85. 1. Gloss. in ib. Tzcror Hammor, fol. 170. 2. Bereshit Rabba, sect. 86. fol. 75. 4. u Yom. Tob. in Misn. Menachot, c. 8. sect. 1. & Gloss. in T. Bab. Menachot, fol. 83. 2. w De Bello Jud. l. 4. c. 9. sect. 9. x Adv. Haeres. l. 1. Tom. II. Haeres. 30. y Ib. Haeres. 29. z De locis Hebraicis, fol. 91. A. a lb. fol. 88. H. I.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Therefore walked no more openly ( ). Imperfect active of , to walk around. Jesus saw clearly that to do so would bring on the end now instead of his “hour” which was to be at the passover a month ahead.
Into the country near to the wilderness ( ). It was now in Jerusalem as it had become once in Galilee (7:1) because of the plots of the hostile Jews. The hill country northeast of Jerusalem was thinly populated.
Into a city called Ephraim ( ). here means no more than town or village (). The place is not certainly known, not mentioned elsewhere in the N.T. Josephus mentions (War, IV. ix. 9) a small fort near Bethel in the hill country and in 2Ch 13:19 Ephron is named in connexion with Bethel. Up here Jesus would at least be free for the moment from the machinations of the Sanhedrin while he faced the coming catastrophe at the passover. He is not far from the mount of temptation where the devil showed and offered him the kingdoms of the world for the bending of the knee before him. Is it mere fancy to imagine that the devil came to see Jesus again here at this juncture with a reminder of his previous offer and of the present plight of the Son of God with the religious leaders conspiring his death? At any rate Jesus has the fellowship of his disciples this time ( ). But what were they thinking?
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Wilderness. The wild hill – country, northeast of Jerusalem.
Ephraim. The site is uncertain. Commonly taken as Ophrah (1Sa 13:17), or Ephraim (2Ch 13:19), and identified with el – Taiyibeh, sixteen miles from Jerusalem, and situated on a hill which commands the Jordan valley.
55 – 57. Joh 12:1 – 11. Compare Mt 26:6 – 13; Mr 14:3 – 9.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; (ho oun lesous ouketi parresia periepatei en tois loudaiois) “Then Jesus walked no more, or no longer, openly among the Jews,” for His “hour had not yet come.” He had once before withdrawn from them, to avoid stirring up any social or political rebellion among and against the Jewish leaders who had made it known that they intended to liquidate Him, when they felt it was convenient, Joh 7:25,
2) “But went thence unto a country,” (alla apelthen ekeithen eis ten choran) “But he went away from there into the country,” to avoid precipitating matters further, leaving Bethany and the Jerusalem area, to the country of Bethaven, a few miles northeast of Jerusalem.
3) “Near to the wilderness,” (engus tes ere mou) “Near the desert,” or near an uninhabited area.
4) “Into a city called Ephraim,” (eis Ephraim legomenen polin) “Into a city that is called Ephraim,” now known as Et Taiyebeh, about 13 miles Northeast of the city of Jerusalem, some five or six miles east of Bethel, 2Ch 13:19; 2Sa 13:23; Also known as Ophrah, Jos 18:23.
5) “And there continued with his disciples.” (kakei emeinen meta ton matheton) “And he remained out there with the disciples,” who had followed Him recently, from beyond Jordan to Bethany, and some of whom had followed Him from the baptism of John, and the beginning of His ministry, Joh 11:40-41; Joh 11:7; Joh 11:16; Joh 15:16; Joh 15:27; Act 1:21-22.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
54. Which is called Ephraim. As to the name of the town which is mentioned here, I think that either it was pronounced at that time in a corrupted manner, or it was entirely new. For we know how greatly the language was changed after the captivity into Babylon, and likewise how different was the appearance of the country; so that we need not be surprised that some places are mentioned, which in ancient times were altogether unknown.
And there he dwelt with his disciples. By calling them disciples of Christ, he means not those who had received his doctrine, but those who were his constant companions, and who were wont to live under the same roof.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(54) Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews.He had heard of the decree of the Sanhedrin which had been publicly made known (Joh. 11:57), and therefore avoided persons who would have carried it into effect.
The Jews are, as before, the hostile party. The passage is a good illustration of St. Johns use of the term, for He was of course among Jews, in the ordinary meaning of the word, during the sojourn at Ephraim. (Comp. Note on Joh. 1:19.)
But went thence unto a country near to the wilderness.All the better MSS. read unto the country . . . as in contrast to the city, Jerusalem, where the Jews dwelt. He went from Bethany, when He had heard of what had taken place at Jerusalem, into the country. This is further defined as near to the wilderness, and then the name of the city is given.
Into a city called Ephraim.The position of this city is not known. The MSS. spell it variously as Ephraim, Ephrem, Ephram, and Ephratha. Eusebius and Jerome both assumed it to be the same place as Ephron, but differed as to its position, the former fixing it at eight, and the latter at twenty miles, north-east from Jerusalem. Both would place it, therefore, in Juda; and this agrees with its position near to the wilderness, for the desert of Juda extended nearly as far as Jericho. In 2Ch. 13:19, we have an Ephrain or Ephron (according to the written text and the LXX.) in connection with the neighbourhood of Bethel. This is mentioned by Josephus (Wars, iv. 9, 9), and is near to the wilderness of Bethaven. It is possibly the place named here; but a Jew would naturally use the phrase, the wilderness, to mean the desert of Juda. Dr. Robinson would identify Ephraim and Ephron with Ophrah (Jos. 18:23; 1Sa. 17:23), and fix the locality at the modern el-Taiyibeh, four or five miles east from Bethel, and sixteen from Jerusalem, which would agree roughly with the position assigned by Jerome. We must be content to leave the matter in this uncertainty. (Comp. Note on Luk. 17:11.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
54. To a city called Ephraim Ephraim or Ephron is identified by Robinson with the modern Taiyibeh, which is situated about twenty Roman miles northeast of Jerusalem. It is about six miles from Bethel; it stands upon a high eminence, and commands a view of the vales of the Jordan. It seems to be mentioned in 2Ch 13:19 in connection with Bethel. Driven now twice from the capital, Jesus takes refuge first, in Bethabara, (Joh 1:28,) and last, in Ephraim. In each he remained some five or six weeks; in the last, until he departed for the last Passover. In the former, distance and the Jordan have interposed between himself and Jerusalem, and being under another jurisdiction, he spent his time in teaching and preaching. But in the latter, being but a few miles distant, he is evidently in concealment; so that eager inquiries are made after him at the prelude to the next Passover.
He continued with his disciples They had anticipated the danger, (Joh 11:8,) and now they share the concealment.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Judaisers, but went from there into the country near to the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there He stayed for a while with the disciples.’
Aware of the situation Jesus withdrew with His disciples to a town probably about fifteen miles outside Jerusalem (identification is not at present certain, but it was on the edge of the desert). It was ‘night’ and not the time for action (Joh 11:10), although that would soon come. He must await His hour. But that has not yet come, for as the Lamb of God He must die at the Passover.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Joh 11:54. Into a city called Ephraim, The situation of Ephraim has not yet been determined; all that John says of it, is, that it stood in a country near the wilderness; perhaps he meant the wilderness which is said to have gone up from Jericho to Bethel, Jos 16:1. For Josephus mentions Ephraim as not far from Bethel. Eusebius, in his Onomasticon, upon the word , the ancient Ai, tells us, that Bethel lay in the road from Jerusalem to Sichem in Samaria, at the distance of twelve miles from Jerusalem. The same author says, that Ephraim was a larger city, eight miles from Jerusalem towards the north.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
Ver. 54. Into a city called Ephraim ] Not elsewhere mentioned; built, perhaps, in honour of their father Ephraim, by the posterity of those rash sons of his, that had brought grief to his heart, and to make amends for their miscarriage. See 1Ch 7:21-22 .
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
54. ] Observe the here as the official body. He was still among Jews at Ephraim. This city is mentioned 2 Chron. 8:19 in connexion with Bethel, as also by Jos. B. J. iv. 9. 9.
. . ., near the desert of Judah. Its situation is at present unknown (see Winer, Realw. edn. 3, sub voce). Robinson (Harmony, p. 204) supposes it to be the same with Ophrah (Josh, Joh 18:23 ; 1Sa 13:17 ; not Jdg 6:11 ; Jdg 6:24 ; Jdg 8:27 ) and Ephron of the O.T. (2Ch 13:19 , , Keri; , Cetibh), and the modern et-Taiyibeh, twenty R. miles from Jerusalem. See also Van de Velde, Memoir to accompany the Map of the Holy Land, under Ophrah, p. 338: and Stanley’s Sinai and Palestine, p. 214.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Joh 11:54 . Jesus accordingly, , not to precipitate matters, , “no longer went about openly among the Jews, but departed thence ( i.e. , from Bethany or Jerusalem and its neighbourhood) to the country near the desert ( in contrast to the city; the particular part being the wilderness of Bethaven, a few miles north-east of Jerusalem) to a city called Ephraim (now Et-Taiyibeh, anciently Ophrah, see Smith’s Hist. Geog. , 256, 352; ‘perched on a conspicuous eminence and with an extensive view, thirteen miles north of Jerusalem,’ Henderson’s Palestine , p. 161), and there He spent some time with His disciples”.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT Joh 11:54
54Therefore Jesus no longer continued to walk publicly among the Jews, but went away from there to the country near the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim; and there He stayed with the disciples.
Joh 11:54 “Jesus therefore no longer continued to walk publically among the Jews” John 12 is Jesus’ last attempt to deal with the religious leaders.
The term translated in John “publicly” (cf. Joh 7:26; Joh 11:54; Joh 18:20) usually means “boldly.” See Special Topic at Joh 7:4.
“a city called Ephraim” This town may have been located close to Bethel in Samaria (cf. 2Ch 13:19).
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
walked = was walking.
openly. Same as “plainly “in Joh 11:14.
among. Greek. en. App-104.
Ephraim. If it is to be identified with the modern Ophrah, it is about 16 miles north-east of Jerusalem. Compare 2Ch 13:19.
continued (Greek. diatribo) = abode; so translated in Act 12:19; Act 14:3, Act 14:28; Act 16:1 Act 16:2; Act 20:6. in Joh 3:22; Act 25:6, “tarried”.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
54.] Observe the here as the official body. He was still among Jews at Ephraim. This city is mentioned 2 Chron. 8:19 in connexion with Bethel, as also by Jos. B. J. iv. 9. 9.
. . ., near the desert of Judah. Its situation is at present unknown (see Winer, Realw. edn. 3, sub voce). Robinson (Harmony, p. 204) supposes it to be the same with Ophrah (Josh, Joh 18:23; 1Sa 13:17; not Jdg 6:11; Jdg 6:24; Jdg 8:27) and Ephron of the O.T. (2Ch 13:19, , Keri; , Cetibh), and the modern et-Taiyibeh, twenty R. miles from Jerusalem. See also Van de Velde, Memoir to accompany the Map of the Holy Land, under Ophrah, p. 338: and Stanleys Sinai and Palestine, p. 214.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Joh 11:54. , no more) This was not the result of fear.-, Ephraim) See 2Sa 13:23, Baal-hazor, beside Ephraim.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Joh 11:54
Joh 11:54
Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews,-Jesus had done his duty to them; they were infuriated by the evidence; he withdraws from them and leaves them to their fate. He can do them no good. His presence would inflame their feelings and draw abuse upon himself.
but departed thence into the country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim; and there he tarried with the disciples.-Ephraim is supposed to be the place called Ephron (2Ch 13:19), called also Ephrata, near Bethel, and about twenty miles from Jerusalem. It is supposed that he went to this place soon after the feast of the Passover.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
walked: Joh 4:1-3, Joh 7:1, Joh 10:40, Joh 18:20
went: Joh 7:4, Joh 7:10, Joh 7:13
Ephraim: Ephraim appears to be the same city which is called Ephrain, – see note on 2Ch 13:19, and Ephron, – see note on Jos 15:9, which was situated eight miles north of Jerusalem, near Bethel, and apparently between that city and Jericho. Accordingly we find that a desert, or wilderness, extended from Jericho to Bethel – Jos 16:1, called the wilderness of Bethaven – Jos 18:12, in which Joshua and the Israelites slew the inhabitants of Ai. – Jos 8:24.2Sa 13:23, 2Ch 13:19
Reciprocal: Mat 10:23 – when Mat 12:15 – he withdrew Mar 3:7 – Jesus Luk 13:33 – I must Joh 4:3 – left Joh 8:59 – but Joh 12:36 – and departed Act 12:17 – And he
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
4
Jesus knew the Jews were plotting to kill him, but his time for death had not yet come, hence he maintained some privacy in his walk. He went to a city called Ephraim that was near the wilderness, and thus evaded the evil schemes of his enemies.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Joh 11:54. Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went away thence into the country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there abode with the disciples. The time of free speech (see note on chap. Joh 7:4) was at an end: from this time Jesus avoided communication with the Jews, no longer vouchsafing to them the word which they heard only to reject. The place to which He withdrew afforded a deeper solitude than that sought by Him a little while before (chap. Joh 10:40). The crisis in His life is graver; the retirement which he seeks is more profound. There is no mention now (as in chap. Joh 10:41) of many who resorted unto Him: the town to which He retired is described as near to the wilderness. Ephraim, possibly the same as Ophrah (1Sa 13:17), is commonly identified with el-Taiyibeh, a village 16 miles from Jerusalem and 4 or 5 east of Bethel, situated on a hill which commands the valley of the Jordan. The wilderness will be the wild uncultivated hill country north-east of Jerusalem, lying between the central towns and the Jordan valley (Dict. of Bible, i. 569. See also Stanley, Sinai and Palestine, pp. 214, 419).
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Jesus is forced to withdraw to a retired place. On their part, the rulers take a new step in the path on which they have now entered.
Vv. 54-57. Jesus therefore abode no more openly among the Jews; but he departed thence and went into the country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim;and he remained there with his disciples. 55. Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand; and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56. They sought for Jesus therefore and said among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think you? Do you think that he will not come to the feast? 57. Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had also given commandment that, if any one knew where he was, he should declare it, in order that they might take him.
Ephraim is mentioned sometimes with Bethel (2Ch 13:19; Joseph. Bell. Jud. 4.9. 9). This city was therefore a few leagues northward of Jerusalem; according to Eusebius, eight miles, according to Jerome, twenty miles to the northeast of that capital. This locality, by reason of its retired situation and its proximity to the desert, was favorable to the design of Jesus. He might in the solitude prepare His disciples for His approaching end and, if He was pursued, He might retire into the desert. This desert is, as Lange says, the northern extremity of the barren strip of country by which the plateau of the mountains of Judah and Benjamin is separated throughout its whole length from the valley of the Jordan and the Dead Sea. From this place Jesus could, at will, on the approach of the Passover, either join the pilgrims from Galilee who went directly to Jerusalem through Samaria, or go down to Jericho, in the plain of the Jordan, to put Himself at the head of the caravan which came from Peraea. We know from the Synoptics that He took the latter course. (Joh 11:54) is not synonymous with ; the meaning is: He confined Himself there to the society of His disciples; and not only: He was there with them.
(Joh 11:55) does not refer to the country of Ephraim in particular (Grotius, Olshausen) but to thecountry region in general, in opposition to the capital (Joh 11:54): They went up from different parts of the country. The law did not prescribe special purifications before the Passover; but, in several passages of the Old Testament, it was ordained that the people should purify themselves on the eve of any important occasion (Gen 35:2; Exo 19:10-11, etc.). This principle had naturally been applied to the Passover feast (2Ch 30:16-20).
Fuente: Godet Commentary (Luke, John, Romans and 1 Corinthians)
11:54 {9} Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
(9) We may give place to the rage of the wicked, when it is expedient to do so, but yet in such a way that we do not swerve from God’s calling.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
Jesus’ reaction 11:54-57
This pericope summarizes the situation at this stage of Jesus’ ministry. The leaders had determined to kill Him, and Jesus withdrew to the town of Ephraim.
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
Jesus may have learned of the Sanhedrin’s decision from a sympathetic member such as Nicodemus. He withdrew to a private place and no longer ministered publicly. The town of Ephraim may have been Old Testament Ephron about four miles northeast of Bethel and twelve miles from Jerusalem (2Ch 13:19). However, this location would not have removed Him very far from Jerusalem. The only two wildernesses mentioned in the Gospels are the wilderness of Judea, south and east of Jerusalem, and the wilderness north of Perea, where John baptized. The second of these two sites seems to be the more probably place of Jesus’ retreat. [Note: See Edersheim, 2:127.]