What is the meaning of John 4:42?

They said to the woman,

• The Samaritan townspeople address the woman who had first told them about Jesus (John 4:28-30).

• This moment highlights how a single testimony can open doors—mirroring Andrew bringing Peter (John 1:41-42) and the healed demoniac sent to his region (Mark 5:19-20).

• God uses unlikely messengers; a formerly shunned woman becomes the spark for a local revival, echoing 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 where the Lord chooses the weak to shame the strong.

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We now believe not only because of your words;

• Initial faith was sparked by her report, yet second-hand belief is never meant to remain second-hand (John 4:39).

• Genuine conversion must move from “your words” to personal conviction, as seen when Nathanael moved from Philip’s witness to his own confession (John 1:46-49).

• This shift illustrates Psalm 34:8—“Taste and see that the LORD is good”—inviting personal encounter, not mere hearsay.

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We have heard for ourselves,

• They spent two days listening to Jesus (John 4:40-41); firsthand exposure produces rooted faith.

• Romans 10:17 reminds us, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

• Hearing Christ’s voice separates true sheep from pretenders (John 10:27). The Samaritans’ experience models this principle: direct interaction with the Savior seals conviction.

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And we know that this man truly is the Savior of the world.

• Their confession is sweeping: “Savior of the world,” not just of Jews or Samaritans. It anticipates John 3:16-17 and points forward to the church’s mission to every nation (Acts 1:8).

• The phrase resurfaces in 1 John 4:14, underlining apostolic certainty that Jesus alone rescues from sin (Acts 4:12).

• Calling Him “Savior” acknowledges His authority to forgive, restore, and reign—fulfilling Isaiah 45:22, “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth.”

• Their statement underscores the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ: no other remedy exists for humanity’s deepest need (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

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summary

John 4:42 captures the progression from borrowed belief to personal conviction, culminating in a bold, universal confession of Jesus as the one and only Savior. The Samaritans model how testimony leads to encounter, encounter leads to hearing, and hearing leads to certain knowledge—an unbroken chain that still brings people to saving faith today.