John 4:1
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
When therefore the LORD knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
American King James Version (AKJV)
When therefore the LORD knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
American Standard Version (ASV)
When therefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Now when it was clear to the Lord that word had come to the ears of the Pharisees that Jesus was making more disciples than John and was giving them baptism
Webster's Revision
When therefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
World English Bible
Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John
English Revised Version (ERV)
When therefore the Lord knew how that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John
Clarke's John 4:1 Bible Commentary
Jesus made and baptized, etc. - These seem to be quoted as the very words which were brought to the Pharisees; and, from our Lord's conduct after this information, we may take it for granted that they were so irritated that they were determined to seek an occasion to take away his life; in consequence of which, leaving Judea, he withdrew into Galilee.
Barnes's John 4:1 Bible Commentary
The Lord knew - When Jesus knew. how he knew this we are not informed; whether by that power of omniscience by which he knew all things, or whether some person had informed him of it.
How the Pharisees had heard - The Pharisees, here, seem to denote either the members of the Sanhedrin or those who were in authority. They claimed the authority to regulate the rites and ceremonies of religion, and hence they supposed they had a right to inquire into the conduct of both John and our Lord. They had on a former occasion sent to inquire of John to know by what authority he had introduced such a rite into the religion of the Jewish people. See the notes at John 1:25.
More disciples than John - Though many of the Pharisees came to his baptism Matthew 3, yet those who were in authority were displeased with the success of John, John 1:25. The reasons of this were, probably, the severity and justness of his reproofs Matthew 3:7, and the fact that by drawing many after him he weakened their authority and influence. As they were displeased with John, so they were with Jesus, who was doing the same thing on a larger scale - not only making disciples, but baptizing also without their authority, and drawing away the people after him.
Wesley's John 4:1 Bible Commentary
4:1 The Lord knew - Though none informed him of it.