John 4:37

Modern

For in this case the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true.

Traditional

And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.

Literal

For in this the word is true, that is, ‘One is sowing and another is reaping.’

Latin

In hoc enim est verbum verum: quia alius est qui seminat, et alius est qui metit.

Greek

English

For in this case the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true.

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

Micah 6:15
You will sow but not reap; you will press olives but not anoint yourselves with oil; you will tread grapes but not drink the wine.
Job 31:8
…then may another eat what I have sown, and may my crops be uprooted.
Judges 6:3
Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them,
Luke 19:21
For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.’