King James Bible
"And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode."
Jesus withdraws eastward across the Jordan River, leaving Judea where religious authorities had just attempted to stone him. This strategic retreat parallels earlier withdrawals in his ministry when opposition intensified. He returns to Bethany beyond Jordan (not the Bethany near Jerusalem), where John the Baptist had proclaimed him as the Lamb of God. This location marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, creating a literary circle as his earthly work nears completion. Rather than passing through briefly, Jesus settles in this region for an extended period. This pause before his final journey to Jerusalem allows for continued teaching and the gathering of those who believed John's testimony about him.