John 4:3

On this coming to the ears of Jesus ἀφῆκε τὴν Ἰουδαίαν, He forsook or abandoned Judaea. The verb is used of neglecting or dismissing from thought, hence of forgiving sin; but there is here no ethical sense in the word, and it may be translated “left”. καὶ ἀπῆλθε πάλιν, “again” in reference to the visit to Galilee already narrated, John 1:44; John 2:1. Jesus feared a collision with the Pharisees at this early stage, because it could only mar His work. He refuses to be hurried, and remains master of the situation throughout. He therefore retired to Galilee, where He thought He would be hidden. Cf. John 4:44.