Jesus and the Samaritan Woman 1When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were aware Hea was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John 2(although it was not Jesus who baptized, but His disciples), 3He left Judea and returned to Galilee. 4Now He had to pass through Samaria. 5So He came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6Since Jacob’s well was there, Jesus, weary from His journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.b 7When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9“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.)c 10Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” 11“Sir,” the woman replied, “You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where then will You get this living water? 12Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock?” 13Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. 14But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.” 15The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water so that I will not get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” 16Jesus told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” 17“I have no husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said to her, “You are correct to say that you have no husband. 18In fact, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. You have spoken truthfully.” 19“Sir,” the woman said, “I see that You are a prophet. 20Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21“Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. 24God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” 25The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.” 26Jesus answered, “I who speak to you am He.” The Disciples Return and Marvel 27Just then His disciples returned and were surprised that He was speaking with a woman. But no one asked Him, “What do You want from her?” or “Why are You talking with her?” 28Then the woman left her water jar, went back into the town, and said to the people, 29“Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” 30So they left the town and made their way toward Jesus. 31Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32But He told them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” 33So the disciples asked one another, “Could someone have brought Him food?” 34Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work. 35Do 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 riped for harvest. 36Already the reaper draws his wages and gathers a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together. 37For in this case the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38I sent you to reap what you have not worked for; others have done the hard work, and now you have taken up their labor.” Many Samaritans Believe 39Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed two days. 41And many more believed because of His message. 42They said to the woman, “We now believe not only because of your words; we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man truly is the Savior of the world.” Jesus Heals the Official’s Son 43After two days, Jesus left for Galilee. 44Now He Himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown. 45Yet when He arrived, the Galileans welcomed Him. They had seen all the great things He had done in Jerusalem at the feast, for they had gone there as well. 46So once again He came to Cana in Galilee, where He had turned the water into wine. And there was a royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Him to come down and heal his son, who was about to die. 48Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.” 49“Sir,” the official said, “come down before my child dies.” 50“Go,” said Jesus. “Your son will live.” The man took Jesus at His word and departed. 51And while he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was alive. 52So he inquired as to the hour when his son had recovered, and they told him, “The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour.e” 53Then the father realized that this was the very hour in which Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” And he and all his household believed. 54This was now the second sign that Jesus performed after coming from Judea into Galilee. Footnotes: 1 a Literally When therefore Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus; NE, WH, BYZ, and TR When therefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus 6 b That is, about noon 9 c Tischendorf does not include this sentence. 35 d Literally white 52 e That is, one in the afternoon Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  John 4 Summary Jesus and the Samaritan WomanVerses 1–6 – Journeys and Wells Verses 7–15 – The Gift of Living Water Verses 16–26 – Hearts Revealed and True Worship Verses 27–38 – Disciples, Food, and Harvest Verses 39–42 – A Samaritan Awakening Verses 43–45 – A Prophet in Galilee Verses 46–54 – Faith Tested in Cana In John 4, Jesus transcends cultural barriers by engaging a Samaritan woman in a life-changing conversation about true worship and the living water. The woman's encounter leads many in her town to believe in Jesus as the Savior of the world. The chapter concludes with Jesus performing His second miracle in Galilee, healing a royal official's son, which results in a household coming to faith. Historical Setting: Jews and Samaritans • Centuries of hostility trace back to the Assyrian conquest (2 Kings 17). Samaritans mixed foreign practices with Israel’s faith and built their own temple on Mount Gerizim, provoking Jewish rejection (see Ezra 4). • Jesus overrides entrenched prejudice, showing that the gospel crosses old barriers (Ephesians 2:14). Geography of Sychar and Jacob’s Well • Jacob’s well still exists near modern Nablus. Its depth (over 100 ft/30 m) fits the narrative’s mention of “nothing to draw with” (4:11). • Mount Gerizim looms nearby, explaining the woman’s question about the proper worship site (4:20). • Cana, where the official meets Jesus, is likely Khirbet Qana in Galilee, roughly a day’s walk from Capernaum—matching the travel timing in 4:52. Living Water Theme in Scripture • Jeremiah 2:13 contrasts broken cisterns with “the spring of living water,” forecasting Jesus’ offer. • Revelation 22:17 ends the Bible with the same invitation: “Let the one who is thirsty come.” • The Samaritan woman moves from physical thirst to spiritual thirst—an arc mirroring Isaiah 55:1. Worship “in Spirit and in Truth” 1. Spirit: not bound by place or ritual; empowered by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:15). 2. Truth: anchored in God’s revelation, ultimately Jesus Himself (John 14:6). 3. Result: sincere, heart-level devotion that transcends cultural lines. Harvest Imagery and Mission • Prophets sowed (Moses, the prophets), Jesus and disciples reap. • Acts 8 shows Philip reaping again in Samaria, proof the field stayed ripe. • The picture urges urgency—people are ready even when disciples doubt. Signs and Faith in John’s Gospel • Turning water to wine (John 2) and healing the official’s son are the first two “signs.” • Signs point beyond themselves to Jesus’ identity; shallow spectators seek wonders (4:48). • Genuine faith trusts His word before seeing results, as the official did. Archaeological Notes on Cana and Capernaum • Stone jars from first-century Cana confirm a thriving village of artisans, explaining royal officials traveling for help. • Capernaum synagogue foundations align with later miracles (Mark 1:21), placing Jesus’ Galilean ministry in verifiable spaces. Practical Discipleship Lessons • Break barriers: initiate conversations even when culture says “avoid.” • Listen for thirst: beneath surface needs lie souls longing for eternal life. • Trust His word: obedience often precedes visible answers. • Labor together: some sow, others reap; both rejoice (4:36). Connections to Other Scriptures • Genesis 33:19-20—Jacob’s purchase of land near the well, foreshadowing Christ’s claim there. • Numbers 21:16-18—Israel sings at a well; now the Messiah sings grace at another. • Hosea 2:23—outsiders called “My people,” fulfilled in Samaritan believers. • Luke 10:25-37—Good Samaritan parable reinforces neighbor love already modeled in John 4. • 1 Timothy 2:5—“one Mediator,” echoing Jesus’ role between Jew and Samaritan, humanity and God. Connections to Additional Scriptures Isaiah 12:3With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation. This Old Testament prophecy connects to the living water Jesus offers. Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come, and let the one who desires the water of life drink freely. This invitation echoes Jesus' offer of living water. Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. The Samaritan woman's witness foreshadows the spread of the Gospel. Teaching Points Cultural ContextJesus breaks cultural norms by speaking to a Samaritan woman. Jews and Samaritans typically avoided each other, and men did not publicly speak to women they were not related to. This highlights Jesus' mission to reach all people, transcending societal barriers. Living Water Jesus offers the woman living water (John 4:10), symbolizing eternal life and the Holy Spirit. This contrasts with the temporary satisfaction of physical water, pointing to the deeper spiritual fulfillment found in Christ. True Worship Jesus teaches that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth (John 4:23). This emphasizes a personal, genuine relationship with God, not confined to specific locations or rituals. Revelation of the Messiah Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah to the woman (John 4:26), showing that He is the fulfillment of God's promises and the source of salvation. Transformation and Witness The woman's encounter with Jesus transforms her, leading her to become a witness to her community (John 4:28-30). Her testimony brings many to faith, demonstrating the power of personal transformation and evangelism. Practical Applications Breaking BarriersLike Jesus, we are called to reach out to those who are different from us, breaking down cultural and social barriers with love and compassion. Seeking Spiritual Fulfillment Reflect on areas where you seek temporary satisfaction and turn to Jesus, the source of living water, for true fulfillment. Authentic Worship Evaluate your worship practices. Are they rooted in spirit and truth, reflecting a genuine relationship with God? Sharing Your Story Consider how your personal encounter with Jesus can be a powerful testimony to others. Share your account of transformation and faith. People 1. JesusJesus is the central figure in John 4. He is depicted as traveling from Judea to Galilee and intentionally passing through Samaria. In this chapter, He engages in a significant conversation with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, revealing His identity as the Messiah and discussing the nature of true worship. The Greek name for Jesus is Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous). 2. The Samaritan Woman The Samaritan woman encounters Jesus at Jacob's well. She is initially surprised that Jesus, a Jew, would speak to her, a Samaritan. Through their conversation, Jesus reveals knowledge of her personal life and offers her "living water." Her interaction with Jesus leads her to believe He is the Messiah, and she shares this revelation with her community. 3. The Disciples The disciples of Jesus are mentioned as having gone into the town to buy food while Jesus speaks with the Samaritan woman. They later return and are surprised to find Jesus speaking with her. The Greek term for disciples is μαθηταί (mathētai). 4. The Samaritans from the Town These are the people from the Samaritan town who come to see Jesus after the woman shares her encounter with Him. Many of them believe in Jesus because of the woman's testimony and their own experience with Him. 5. The Official (Royal Official or Nobleman) A royal official from Capernaum approaches Jesus, pleading for the healing of his sick son. Jesus tells him, "Go, your son will live," and the official believes Jesus' words. The Greek term for this official is βασιλικός (basilikos), indicating a person of royal service or connection. Places 1. JudeaJohn 4:3 mentions that Jesus left Judea to go to Galilee. Judea is a region in the southern part of ancient Israel, significant for being the location of Jerusalem and the center of Jewish religious life. 2. Galilee In John 4:3, Jesus travels to Galilee, a region in the northern part of Israel. Galilee is known for being the area where Jesus conducted much of His ministry. 3. Samaria John 4:4 states that Jesus "had to pass through Samaria." Samaria is a central region in ancient Israel, historically inhabited by the Samaritans, who had a complex relationship with the Jews. 4. Sychar John 4:5 refers to Sychar, a town in Samaria near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. This location is significant for the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. 5. Jacob's Well In John 4:6, Jacob's Well is mentioned as the place where Jesus, weary from His journey, sat down. This well is a historical site associated with the patriarch Jacob and is central to the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. 6. Cana of Galilee John 4:46 mentions Cana in Galilee, where Jesus had previously turned water into wine. This reference is part of the narrative where Jesus heals the official's son. Events 1. Jesus Travels to GalileeJesus leaves Judea and travels to Galilee, passing through Samaria. This journey is significant as it shows Jesus' intentional crossing of cultural boundaries (John 4:3-4). 2. Encounter at Jacob's Well Jesus stops at Jacob's well in Sychar, Samaria, around noon. This setting is important as it highlights the historical and religious significance of the location (John 4:5-6). 3. Conversation with the Samaritan Woman Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman who comes to draw water. This interaction breaks social norms, as Jews typically avoided Samaritans, and men did not publicly speak with women (John 4:7-9). 4. Living Water Discourse Jesus offers the woman "living water," symbolizing eternal life and spiritual fulfillment. The Greek term "ζῶν" (zōn) for "living" implies a dynamic, life-giving quality (John 4:10-14). 5. Revelation of Personal Life Jesus reveals knowledge of the woman's personal life, including her marital history, demonstrating His prophetic insight and divine knowledge (John 4:16-18). 6. Discussion on Worship A theological discussion ensues about the proper place of worship. Jesus emphasizes worship "in spirit and truth," indicating a shift from physical locations to a spiritual relationship with God (John 4:19-24). 7. Declaration of the Messiah Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the Messiah to the woman, using the Greek term "ἐγώ εἰμι" (egō eimi), meaning "I am," which echoes God's self-identification in the Old Testament (John 4:25-26). 8. Disciples Return and Marvel The disciples return and are surprised to find Jesus speaking with a woman, reflecting cultural expectations of the time (John 4:27). 9. Samaritan Woman's Testimony The woman leaves her water jar and goes to the town to testify about Jesus, leading many Samaritans to believe in Him based on her testimony (John 4:28-30). 10. Harvest Metaphor Jesus uses the metaphor of a harvest to teach His disciples about the readiness of people to receive the Gospel, emphasizing the urgency and opportunity for evangelism (John 4:31-38). 11. Many Samaritans Believe Many Samaritans come to believe in Jesus, first through the woman's testimony and then through their personal encounter with Him, acknowledging Him as "the Savior of the world" (John 4:39-42). 12. Return to Galilee Jesus continues His journey to Galilee, where He is welcomed by the Galileans who had witnessed His previous miracles in Jerusalem (John 4:43-45). 13. Healing of the Official's Son In Cana, Jesus heals a royal official's son from a distance, demonstrating His authority and power over illness, and leading the official and his household to believe in Him (John 4:46-54). Topics 1. Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-26)Jesus travels through Samaria and encounters a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. He speaks to her about "living water" (John 4:10), which refers to eternal life through the Spirit. The Greek term for "living" (ζῶν, zōn) implies life that is active and eternal. Jesus reveals His identity as the Messiah (John 4:26). 2. The Disciples Return and the Harvest (John 4:27-38) The disciples return and are surprised to find Jesus speaking with a woman. Jesus uses the opportunity to teach about spiritual harvest, saying, "The fields are ripe for harvest" (John 4:35). The Greek word for "ripe" (λευκαί, leukai) suggests readiness and urgency in the spiritual context. 3. Many Samaritans Believe (John 4:39-42) Many Samaritans come to believe in Jesus because of the woman's testimony and His words. They declare, "This man truly is the Savior of the world" (John 4:42). The term "Savior" (σωτήρ, sōtēr) in Greek emphasizes Jesus' role as the deliverer from sin. 4. Jesus Heals the Official’s Son (John 4:43-54) Jesus returns to Galilee, where He heals a royal official's son. The official believes Jesus' word, "Your son will live" (John 4:50), demonstrating faith in Jesus' authority. The Greek word for "live" (ζήσεται, zēsetai) underscores the life-giving power of Jesus' command. Themes 1. Divine Appointment and SovereigntyJesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well is a demonstration of divine appointment. Despite cultural and social barriers, Jesus intentionally travels through Samaria, illustrating God's sovereignty in orchestrating events for His purposes. The Greek term "dei" (δεῖ) in John 4:4, translated as "had to pass through Samaria," indicates a divine necessity. 2. Living Water and Spiritual Fulfillment Jesus offers the Samaritan woman "living water" (John 4:10), symbolizing eternal life and spiritual satisfaction that only He can provide. The Greek word "hydōr zōn" (ὕδωρ ζῶν) refers to water that is alive, flowing, and life-giving, contrasting with the stagnant water of the well. 3. True Worship Jesus teaches that true worshipers will worship the Father "in spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24). This theme emphasizes the shift from physical locations and rituals to a heart-centered, genuine worship. The Greek words "pneuma" (πνεῦμα) and "alētheia" (ἀλήθεια) highlight the spiritual and truthful nature of authentic worship. 4. Breaking Social and Cultural Barriers Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman breaks significant social norms, as Jews typically avoided Samaritans, and men did not publicly speak with women. This theme underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel and Jesus' mission to reach all people, regardless of societal divisions. 5. Revelation of Jesus as the Messiah Jesus explicitly reveals Himself as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman (John 4:26), which is significant as it is one of the few direct declarations of His identity. The Greek term "Christos" (Χριστός) is used, affirming His anointed role as the Savior. 6. Harvest and Evangelism The theme of evangelism is evident as the Samaritan woman becomes a witness to her community, leading many to believe in Jesus (John 4:39). Jesus speaks of the fields being "ripe for harvest" (John 4:35), using agricultural imagery to describe the readiness of people to receive the Gospel. 7. Faith and Belief The narrative emphasizes the development of faith, both in the Samaritan woman and the townspeople who come to believe in Jesus not just because of her testimony, but because they hear Him themselves (John 4:42). The Greek word "pisteuō" (πιστεύω) is central, highlighting the importance of personal belief and trust in Jesus. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can we verify the historical or archaeological existence of Jacob’s well mentioned in John 4:6? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman reshape your understanding of cultural boundaries in sharing the gospel? 2. What does the concept of living water mean to you personally? 3. How does the Samaritans' belief based on personal encounters with Jesus inform your faith journey? 4. What can you learn from the faith of the royal official who believed Jesus' word about his son's healing? 5. How can you apply Jesus' assertion that true worshippers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth in your personal worship? 6. How does the Samaritan woman's transformation from a social outcast to an evangelist inspire you? 7. How does Jesus' reception in Galilee compare with Judea and Samaria, and what does this suggest about acceptance of His message? 8. How does the healing of the official's son affirm Jesus' power and authority over life and death? 9. How can the Samaritan woman's excitement to share her encounter with Jesus motivate you in evangelism? 10. What does Jesus' willingness to converse with the Samaritan woman tell you about His view on the worth of individuals? 11. How does the Samaritans' request for Jesus to stay with them demonstrate their acceptance and belief? 12. How does the concept of "harvest" in Jesus' conversation with the disciples relate to evangelism? 13. How do you relate to the Samaritan woman's initial misunderstanding of the "living water"? 14. In what ways does the faith of the Samaritans challenge your personal faith in Jesus? 15. How can you apply the idea of "sowing" and "reaping" in the kingdom of God in your life? 16. How can you seek and provide "spiritual food" in your everyday life as Jesus does? 17. In today's context, who might be the "Samaritans" (people typically avoided or marginalized), and how can you reach out to them? 18. How does Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman influence your understanding of gender and societal norms in spiritual conversations? 19. How does the faith of the royal official's household inspire your family faith practice? 20. How can you recognize and share about Jesus' work (signs) in your life to bring others to faith? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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