Matthew 21:17He left them, and went out of the city to Bethany, and lodged there.
The setting
2-mile walk from Jerusalem to Bethany, ~30 AD. Evening. Jesus leaves the hostile city for friendship...
The emotion here: relief at documenting Jesus finding safety
The original word
aulizomai (ηὐλίσθη) — to lodge in the open air, find shelter for the night
Why it matters
Bethany means 'house of affliction' but became Jesus' refuge with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus
Read with care
What most readers miss in Matthew 21:17
Jesus couldn't safely stay in Jerusalem — this wasn't preference but necessity for survival
Common misconceptionThis sounds like a casual evening stroll, but Jesus was essentially fleeing Jerusalem each night because the religious leaders wanted him dead.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Matthew 21:17
Bible Genome reading
Matthew 21:17 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Matthew 21:17 comes from the book of Matthew, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to Matthew. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 50% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include withdrawal, rest. Notable phrases: went out to Bethany; lodged there.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Matthew 21:17 mean to you, today?
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