Keraia
John 4

John 4:19

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman · John 4:1–26
Read John 4

Translations

Modern
“Sir,” the woman said, “I see that You are a prophet.
Traditional
The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
Literal
The woman says to Him, “Sir, I see that You are a prophet.
Latin
Dicit ei mulier: Domine, video quia propheta es tu.

Original

Greek
English
“Sir,” the woman said, “I see that You are a prophet.

Notes

John 4:19

  • a prophet: Jesus revealed knowledge about the woman that a stranger could not know (4:16–18; compare 1:48).

  • As the woman learned more about Jesus, what she called him showed her increasing understanding:

    • At first, she recognized him as "a Jew" (4:9) and called him "Sir" (4:11, 15, 19).

    • Later, she thought he might be "the Christ" (4:29), that is, the Messiah (God's chosen one).

    • Finally, the people of the village recognized him as "the Savior of the world" (4:42).

    Her growing understanding of the identity of Jesus is a lesson for John’s audience (see 20:31).

John 4:19–20

The woman did not answer the moral questions that Jesus asked her. Instead, she changed the subject.

She began to speak about the long-standing division between Jews and Samaritans. This conflict included differences about worship and history. By raising this issue, she moved the conversation away from her personal life.

John 4:1–42

  • At an ancient well in Samaria, Jesus offered himself as living water. This living water means the life that comes from God. Jesus spoke openly about who he was. When he revealed God’s truth, people had to respond. They either followed him or turned away.

  • The Samaritan woman is very different from Nicodemus. She was a woman, not a man. She was a Samaritan, not a Jew. She had a sinful past, not a reputation for righteousness. She was an outsider, not a respected teacher of Israel.

    Nicodemus came to Jesus at night and did not openly respond to the challenges from Jesus (3:1–21). The Samaritan woman spoke with Jesus in the daylight. She recognized him as Lord. She remained in the light and showed signs of becoming a disciple (see 1:35–51).

Events

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Disease History of Israel Jacob’s Well Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, Teachings of John, Gospel of Prophecy Samaritans Sychar Worship

Topics

Jacob: The Well of Jesus, the Christ: Omniscience of Jesus, the Christ: Prophet: God Will Severely Punish Those Who Reject Him Jesus, the Christ: Visits Sychar and Teaches the Samaritan Woman Samaria: Country of: Jesus Travels Through Shechem: Also Called Sychar, a City of Refuge in Mount Ephraim: Jesus Visits; Disciples Made In Sin: Known to God