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 4:49 mean?

Explanation

John 4:49 depicts a plea made by a nobleman to Jesus for the healing of his dying child.

In this verse, the nobleman, who is a royal official, addresses Jesus with respect, calling him "Sir" and imploring Him to come down to his home before his child passes away.

Literally, the nobleman is asking for Jesus' physical presence to heal his son.

At a deeper level, this verse displays the desperation and faith of the nobleman, who believes in Jesus' healing powers without having seen a miracle firsthand.

It also demonstrates the universal need for aid in the face of despair and the nobleman’s recognition of a power greater than his own.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of a story in the Gospel of John, where after Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, He returned to Galilee.

The nobleman in the verse traveled from Capernaum to Cana to seek Jesus' help.

Historical evidence suggests that social hierarchies existed, and the nobleman likely worked for King Herod Antipas, a tetrarch at the time.

Typically, a nobleman would not have sought help from a Jewish rabbi, but this shows that personal crises have the power to break down social barriers.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse has been interpreted in several ways.

Some view it as an example of intercessory prayer, where one person fervently prays for the well-being of another. It has also been perceived as a demonstration of Jesus' Messiahship, as He performs a miracle without being physically present at the location of the person needing healing.

Additionally, it underlines the theme of faith in Jesus' spiritual authority and the belief that He is capable of transcendent deeds, essentially cementing the understanding that Jesus’ power is not confined by geography or status.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse teaches about faith and humility.

It challenges individuals to seek help with a pure heart and faith, regardless of their social status.

It also serves as a reminder to address others in need with compassion and to recognise that no one is too great to ask for help.

This passage can encourage believers to trust in a higher power through tough circumstances and to be earnest in their requests for aid, be it spiritual or earthly.

Cross-References

John 4:50: "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."

Matthew 8:8: "The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed."
Matthew 15:28: "Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.

And her daughter was made whole from that very hour."

Language Study

The term "nobleman" (βασιλικός, basilikos in Greek) carries significant connotations. It indicates someone from the royal court, suggesting a person of high social status.

The word "Sir" (κύριε, kurie in Greek) is a term of respect, recognizing Jesus' position as an authority figure or master.

"Come down" (καταβαίνω, katabainō in Greek) illustrates an urgent request for Jesus to lower His position and visit the nobleman's home.

While the original Greek provides these nuances, it should be understood that the nobleman's use of terms conveys both his urgency and respect for Jesus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The plea of the nobleman for his son can be compared to other ancient religious narratives where individuals beseech gods or divine figures for healing or intervention.

In many cultures, stories exist of gods healing followers or granting miracles similar to this account in the New Testament.

However, Jesus' healings are distinctive in that they are not just displays of power but also acts that reveal His identity and serve a purpose in His overarching mission.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives could discuss the concept of faith and its effects on human psychology and physical well-being.

While modern medicine might not accord with miraculous healing in the literal sense, the placebo effect is a recognized phenomenon where belief in a treatment can trigger health benefits.

This verse could incite discussions about the interplay between faith, hope, and recovery in medical conditions.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries by scholars offer diverse insights on John 4:49.

Many highlight the nobleman's desperation and burgeoning faith.

Some compare this account to other miracle stories in the Gospels where Jesus heals from a distance, underscoring His omnipotence.

Commentators often point out that Jesus' response to and interaction with the nobleman serve to test and ultimately strengthen the nobleman's faith, as Jesus does not immediately grant the request but instead gives a word of assurance that requires the nobleman to believe without yet seeing the evidence of healing.

John 4

John 4

What does John 4:49 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 4:49 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?