Keraia
John 4

John 4:20

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

Translations

Modern
Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem.”
Traditional
Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
Literal
Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you say that in Jerusalem is the place where it is necessary to worship.”
Latin
Patres nostri in monte hoc adoraverunt, et vos dicitis, quia Jerosolymis est locus ubi adorare oportet.

Interlinear

Greek
English
Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem.”

Notes

John 4:20

The Samaritans worshiped on Mount Gerizim. This mountain rises above the city of Shechem.

Both Mount Gerizim and Shechem were important places in the Old Testament (see Genesis 12:6–7; 33:19; Deuteronomy 11:29; Joshua 8:33; 24:1, 25, 32).

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

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

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 Mount Gerizim Samaritans Sychar Worship

Topics

Compassion and Sympathy: Inseparable from Love to God Gerizim: Samaritans Worship At Jacob: The Well of Jerusalem: Jesus, the Christ: Visits Sychar and Teaches the Samaritan Woman Law: Temporary Modern Samaria: Inhabitants of Worshipped on Mount Gerizim Samaria: Country of: Jesus Travels Through Shechem: Also Called Sychar, a City of Refuge in Mount Ephraim: Jesus Visits; Disciples Made In