John 4:22

Translations

Modern

You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.

Traditional

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

Literal

You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, because salvation is of the Jews.

Latin

Vos adoratis quod nescitis: nos adoramus quod scimus, quia salus ex Judæis est.

Original

Greek

English

You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.

Notes

John 4:21–22

Jesus affirmed that the Jews had preserved the correct understanding of the one true God whom they worshiped.
God chose the Jewish people for a special relationship with himself. He gave them his law, his promises, and his covenant (promises between God and his people). The Messiah (God’s chosen one) was to come from the Jewish people (see also Romans 9:4–5).

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).

Theme notes and profiles

Samaritans Encounters with Jesus John’s Profile of Discipleship Pure Worship The Central Sanctuary The Church as God’s Temple The Messiah Worship in Jerusalem

Events

The Samaritan Womanc. AD 27

Related verses

Acts 17:23
For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you.
Romans 9:4–5
…the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises.
Isaiah 2:3
And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Luke 24:47
…and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.
Psalm 147:19
He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and judgments to Israel.
Acts 17:30
Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent.
Romans 3:1–2
What, then, is the advantage of being a Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision?
Zephaniah 3:16–17
On that day they will say to Jerusalem: “Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands fall limp.
Psalm 68:20
Our God is a God of deliverance; the Lord GOD is our rescuer from death.
Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Hebrews 7:14
For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, a tribe as to which Moses said nothing about priests.
Isaiah 46:13
I am bringing My righteousness near; it is not far away, and My salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion and adorn Israel with My splendor.

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

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 Man Mount Gerizim Samaritans Sychar Worship

Topics

Blindness: Spiritual Jacob: The Well of Jesus, the Christ: Visits Sychar and Teaches the Samaritan Woman Law: Temporary Modern Samaria: Inhabitants of Their Religion Mixed with Idolatry Multiculturalism Prayer: should be offered Up with the Spirit and Understanding Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Samaria: Country of: Jesus Travels Through Shechem: Also Called Sychar, a City of Refuge in Mount Ephraim: Jesus Visits; Disciples Made In The Jews: Christ Descended From The Jews: The Only People Who Worshipped God

John 4:22

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?