John 4

When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

And he must needs go through Samaria.

Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:

For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?

The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,

Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.

But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.

I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.

So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

And many more believed because of his own word;

And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.

For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.

Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.

Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.

Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.

So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

What does John 4:42 mean?

Explanation

John 4:42 is a declaration from the Samaritans to a woman who had previously met Jesus at Jacob's well. Initially, the woman's testimony about Jesus sparked interest among the townspeople.

However, after personally listening to and interacting with Jesus, the Samaritans convey a conviction based on their own experiences.

They recognize Jesus as "the Christ," meaning the Anointed One, and as "the Saviour of the world." This indicates a shift from second-hand belief to personal faith, and it holds significant weight as it comes from Samaritans, who were historically at odds with the Jews.

Moreover, by using the title "the Saviour of the world," they acknowledge Jesus' role as not only tied to the Jewish people but relevant for all humanity.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

At the time of John's Gospel writing, Jews and Samaritans had deep-seated animosity towards one another.

Samaritans were disliked by Jews for their mixed heritage and differing religious practices.

John 4 narrates the story of Jesus' encounter with a Samaritan woman, which in itself was countercultural given the prejudices of the time.

This pericope illustrates a widening scope of Jesus' ministry, extending beyond Jewish boundaries.

The Samaritans' acceptance of Jesus is a radical testament to the universal reach of his mission.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is significant for several reasons.

From an inclusivist perspective, this reflects the universal offer of salvation that extends beyond ethnic and religious borders.

Christocentric viewpoints would emphasize Jesus as central to salvation history, satisfying Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah.

Liberation theologians might highlight Jesus crossing social and cultural barriers, signifying a message of reconciliation and justice.

In contrast, exclusivist views could interpret this verse as underscoring the necessity of personal encounter and acknowledgment of Jesus as paramount for salvation.

Practical Applications

Practically, John 4:42 can inspire individuals to seek personal experiences and understanding of faith, moving beyond merely accepting second-hand information.

It encourages openness to divine encounters in unexpected people and places.

Believers are called to be witnesses like the Samaritan woman, leading others to firsthand experiences with God.

Additionally, this verse challenges cultural, social, and religious prejudices, reminding followers of Jesus to embrace inclusivity consistent with Jesus' demonstrated ministry.

Cross-References

John 1:12 (KJV): "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."
1 John 4:14 (KJV): "And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world."
Acts 10:34-35 (KJV): "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text are:

"Christ" (Χριστὸν [Christon]): Greek for anointed, equating to the Hebrew word "Messiah."
"Saviour" (Σωτῆρα [Sotera]): Meaning one who saves or delivers.
"World" (κόσμον [kosmon]): Referring to the entirety of humanity and not just to a particular ethnic group.

Analyzing these words highlights the Samaritans' recognition of Jesus' messianic role and his mission to all humanity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Samaritan affirmation of Jesus as the Savior contrasts with other ancient myths where gods usually served localized or tribal roles. In many myths, deities were often confined to specific nations or people groups.

The concept of a single deity concerned with the salvation of the entire world is a unique assertion within the Judeo-Christian tradition, distinguishing it from many other ancient religious understandings.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse does not directly deal with scientific claims, since it focuses on theological and relational aspects between individuals and Jesus.

However, the concept of personal experience as a source of belief touches on psychology.

Cognitive psychology examines how individuals process information and form beliefs, and social psychology studies how individuals' beliefs are shaped within groups.

The Samaritan's shift from hearsay to personal conviction reflects these psychological processes.

Commentaries

Commentators have varying perspectives on John 4:42:

Matthew Henry emphasizes the Samaritans' shift from a faith built on hearsay to one based on personal knowledge, highlighting a mature transition in their belief.
William Barclay notes the significance of the Samaritans, known for their heterodoxy, proclaiming Jesus as the universal Savior.
D.A.

Carson reflects on the theological weight of their declaration, arguing that it is a profound christological confession, which includes an understanding of Jesus' role in salvation history.

The MacArthur Study Bible comments on the inclusivity and missional aspect of the Gospel as Jesus' salvation extends to all nations and people groups.

John 4

John 4

What does John 4:42 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 4:42 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?