Keraia
John 4

John 4:35

The Disciples Return and Marvel · John 4:27–38
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Translations

Modern
Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Do you not say, ‘It is yet four months and the harvest comes’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, because they are white to harvest already.
Latin
Nonne vos dicitis quod adhuc quatuor menses sunt, et messis venit? Ecce dico vobis: levate oculos vestros, et videte regiones, quia albæ sunt jam ad messem.

Interlinear

Greek
English
Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest.

Notes

John 4:35

four months until the harvest: Jesus referred to a common saying about farming. Farmers usually waited about four months between planting seed and gathering the crop.

In Samaria, it was likely the time of harvest, and the fields were ready to be gathered. Jesus used this picture to speak about people, not crops.

He had spoken with the woman at the well and planted spiritual seed (God’s message). Soon after, many Samaritans believed in him (4:39–42). In this way, Jesus was already gathering a harvest of faith.

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) History of Israel Jesus Christ John, Gospel of Samaritans Sychar White Worship

Topics

Christian Minister: Duties of Converts: The Samaritans Harvest Time Jesus, the Christ: Visits Sychar and Teaches the Samaritan Woman Religious Zeal: Exemplified Samaria: Country of: Jesus Travels Through Shechem: Also Called Sychar, a City of Refuge in Mount Ephraim: Jesus Visits; Disciples Made In The Harvest of a Time when Many are Ready to Receive the Gospel The Harvest: Fields Appeared White Before The Harvest: Persons Engaged in Received Wages