Keraia
John 4

John 4:9

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

Translations

Modern
“You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
Traditional
Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
Literal
Therefore the Samaritan woman says to Him, “How do You, being a Jew, ask to drink from me, being a Samaritan woman?” For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.
Latin
Dicit ergo ei mulier illa Samaritana: Quomodo tu, Judæus cum sis, bibere a me poscis, quæ sum mulier Samaritana? non enim coutuntur Judæi Samaritanis.

Interlinear

Greek
English
“You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

Notes

John 4:9

The woman was surprised. Social taboos (strict cultural rules about proper behavior) would normally prevent a Jewish teacher like Jesus from speaking to her (4:18). But Jesus did not allow these social rules to control him. He chose to speak with her and offer what she truly needed.

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

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Places

Samaria: Capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel; Samaritan inhabitants

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Cleanness and Uncleanness, Regulations Concerning Cuth, Cuthah Disease History of Israel Jacob’s Well Jesus Christ Jew John, Gospel of Neighbor Samaritans Sychar Worship

Topics

Bigotry: Jews with Regard to the Samaritans Jacob: The Well of Jesus, the Christ: Visits Sychar and Teaches the Samaritan Woman Modern Samaria: Inhabitants of had No Intercourse or Dealings with the Jews Samaria: Country of: Jesus Travels Through Samaria: Country of: No Dealings Between the Jews and the Inhabitants of Shechem: Also Called Sychar, a City of Refuge in Mount Ephraim: Jesus Visits; Disciples Made In The Jews: Held No Intercourse with Strangers