μεταβαίνω (metabainō)
metabainō
to depart
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb metabainō describes the physical act of moving from one location to another, often with a sense of crossing over or passing through. In the Gospels, it frequently marks Jesus’ movements between towns and regions, such as when He departs from Capernaum (Matthew 11:1) or withdraws from the crowd near the sea (Mark 7:31). This usage grounds the word in tangible geography, highlighting the itinerant nature of His ministry.
Beyond simple travel, metabainō carries a significant theological weight when applied to spiritual transition. In John’s Gospel, it describes leaving this world to return to the Father (John 13:1), and later serves as a metaphor for passing from death to life through faith (John 5:24; 1 John 3:14). Translators often render it as "depart" or "go away," but the underlying sense is one of decisive relocation, whether across a landscape or across the boundary between earthly existence and divine life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word metabainō describes a decisive move from one place to another. In the Gospels, it tracks Jesus’ physical journey between towns, showing that His ministry was grounded in real geography. Yet this same verb carries deep spiritual weight when John uses it to describe leaving this world for the Father (John 13:1). It signals a clear transition, not just a change of scenery but a shift in reality.
For believers, this concept offers comfort. We are called to pass from death into life through faith (John 5:24). This is not a vague spiritual idea but a concrete change of state. When we trust in Christ, we cross the boundary from separation to connection. This movement is secure because it rests on His work, not our own strength.
As you navigate your own seasons of change, remember that God guides these transitions. Whether moving houses or hearts, He is present in the crossing. Trust that He leads you where you need to be, bringing peace even when the path is unknown.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having departed3×
- do move2×
- He may depart2×
- we have passed1×
- it will move;1×
- has passed1×
- do depart1×
- He departed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μεταβὰς3×
- μεταβῇ2×
- μετέβη1×
- μετάβηθι1×
- μετάβα1×
- μεταβήσεται·1×
- μεταβέβηκεν1×
- μεταβεβήκαμεν1×
- μεταβαίνετε1×
Key Verses
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John 13:1
Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
This verse uses metabainō to describe Jesus’ definitive departure from the world to the Father, highlighting the theological weight of leaving earthly existence for divine presence.
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John 5:24
“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
Here the word signifies a spiritual transition, marking the believer’s passage from death into eternal life through faith in Christ.
-
Matthew 11:1
When Jesus had finished directing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.
This occurrence grounds the term in Jesus’ physical ministry as He moves from one location to teach and preach elsewhere.
-
I John 3:14
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. He who doesn’t love his brother remains in death.
The author uses this verb as evidence of spiritual life, linking the act of passing out of death to the tangible reality of loving other believers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does metabainō mean in the Bible?
How is metabainō different from other words for 'go'?
Where does metabainō appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 5 verses
Behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged that he would depart from their borders.
Matthew 11:1When Jesus had finished directing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.
Matthew 12:9He departed from there and went into their synagogue.
Matthew 15:29Jesus departed from there and came near to the sea of Galilee; and he went up on the mountain and sat there.
Matthew 17:20He said to them, “Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard…