Now
The use of "Now" indicates a transition in the narrative, suggesting a divine appointment or necessity. In the Greek, the word "δέ" (de) often serves as a conjunction that connects thoughts or events. This transition marks a significant moment in Jesus' ministry, emphasizing the unfolding of God's plan. It sets the stage for a pivotal encounter that transcends cultural and social barriers.

He had to
The phrase "He had to" is translated from the Greek word "ἔδει" (edei), which implies necessity or obligation. This suggests that Jesus' journey through Samaria was not merely a geographical convenience but a divine mandate. It reflects the sovereign will of God in directing Jesus' path, highlighting the intentionality of His mission to reach all people, including those marginalized by society.

pass through
The term "pass through" comes from the Greek "διέρχεσθαι" (dierchesthai), meaning to go through or traverse. This indicates movement and purpose, as Jesus was not just passing by but was on a mission. The journey through Samaria was a deliberate act, breaking with Jewish customs of avoiding Samaria due to longstanding hostilities. It underscores Jesus' role as a bridge-builder, reaching across divides to bring the message of salvation.

Samaria
Samaria was a region with a complex history, often viewed with disdain by the Jews due to its mixed population and differing religious practices. The Samaritans were descendants of Israelites who had intermarried with foreign settlers, leading to religious syncretism. By choosing to travel through Samaria, Jesus challenged prevailing prejudices and demonstrated the inclusivity of the Gospel. This act foreshadows the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, as later expounded in the New Testament. Samaria becomes a symbol of the broader mission field, illustrating that God's love and salvation are available to all, regardless of ethnic or cultural background.

(4) He must needs go through Samaria--i.e., following the shortest and most usual road, and the one we find Him taking from Galilee to Jerusalem (Luke 9:52; see Note there). Josephus spoke of this as the customary way of the Galileans going up during the feasts at Jerusalem (Ant. xx. 6, ? 1). The Pharisees, indeed, took the longer road through Peraea, to avoid contact with the country and people of Samaria, but it is within the purpose of His life and work ("needs go," i.e., was necessary that He should go) to teach in Samaria, as in Judaea, the principles of true religion and worship, which would cut away the foundations of all local jealousies and feuds, and establish for all nations the spiritual service of the universal Father (John 4:21-24).

Verse 4. - And he must needs go through Samaria. There was no physical necessity about it. He might, as bigoted Jews were accustomed to do, have crossed the Jordan and passed through Peraea instead. There was no such animus in the heart of Jesus, and a Divine and providential monition was the occasion of his taking the direct road. Geikie has drawn a vivid picture of the difficulties to which Jewish travellers on the borders of Samaria were exposed (see Hosea 6:9; Josephus, 'Ant.,' 20:06. 1; 'Bell. Jud.,' 2:12. 4; 'Vit.,' 52), and also of the physical features of the land. Samaria, as a name of the small district of central Palestine, arose from the name of the city "Samaria," built by Omri, and made the site of the kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 16:24), and that of the Baal- and of the calf-worship. Samaria suffered from the siege, and the city was depopulated by Shalmanezer (Sargon), and colonized with Assyrians under Esarhaddon. It was destroyed by Hyrcanus, and rebuilt in splendour by Herod the Great, and by him dedicated to Augustus, and called Sebaste after him. Though Shechem (equivalent to Sichem) was the more famous site, and overshadowed Herod's city by its historical interest, yet "Samaria" was the name which has survived all others, and covered a larger space. Jesus was probably on the borders of Samaria, in the Judaean country, before he commenced his journey. Samaria was included in the tetrarchy of Archelaus, and formed part of the province under the pro-curatorship of Pontius Pilate; while Herod Antipas reigned over Galilee and Persia. The Lord was fulfilling the Divine will, in commencing his Galilaean ministry, in leaving Judaea proper for the present, and passing through Samaria. It is worthy of notice that John here attributes to "the Pharisees," rather than "the Jews," the opposition which indicated the wisdom or necessity of this course.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Now
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

He
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

had
Ἔδει (Edei)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1163: Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.

to pass
διέρχεσθαι (dierchesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 1330: To pass through, spread (as a report). From dia and erchomai; to traverse.

through
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

Samaria.
Σαμαρείας (Samareias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4540: Of Hebrew origin; Samaria, a city and region of Palestine.


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NT Gospels: John 4:4 He needed to pass through Samaria (Jhn Jo Jn)