John 4:4
John 4:4 in Multiple Translations
Now He had to pass through Samaria.
And he must needs go through Samaria.
And he must needs pass through Samaria.
And it was necessary for him to go through Samaria.
On the way he had to pass through Samaria.
And he must needes goe through Samaria.
and it was behoving him to go through Samaria.
He needed to pass through Samaria.
And he must needs go through Samaria.
And he was of necessity to pass through Samaria.
He knew that God wanted him to travel through Samaria district.
On their way to Galilee country, Jesus and his followers had to go through the country called Samaria.
Berean Amplified Bible — John 4:4
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
John 4:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — John 4:4
Study Notes — John 4:4
- Context
- Cross References
- John 4:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on John 4:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 4:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 4:4
- Trapp's Commentary on John 4:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on John 4:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 4:4
- Cambridge Bible on John 4:4
- Barnes' Notes on John 4:4
- Whedon's Commentary on John 4:4
- Sermons on John 4:4
Context — Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 17:11 | While Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. |
| 2 | Luke 2:49 | “Why were you looking for Me?” He asked. “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house ?” |
| 3 | Luke 9:51–52 | As the day of His ascension approached, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He sent messengers on ahead, who went into a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. |
| 4 | Matthew 10:5–6 | These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. |
John 4:4 Summary
Jesus had to pass through Samaria on His way from Judea to Galilee, as stated in John 4:4. This was not a common route for Jews to take, but Jesus was on a mission to reach all people, regardless of their background or location (John 3:16, Luke 15:11-32). By passing through Samaria, Jesus was showing us that He is willing to go to unexpected places to reach people, just like He did when He came to earth to save us (Philippians 2:5-8, John 1:14). This teaches us to be open to going where God leads us, even if it's not the easiest or most comfortable path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jesus have to pass through Samaria?
Jesus had to pass through Samaria because it was the most direct route from Judea to Galilee, as seen in John 4:4. This route was not typically taken by Jews, who often took a longer route to avoid Samaria, as mentioned in the historical context of the Bible, similar to the journey in Luke 9:51-56.
Was Jesus breaking any Jewish traditions by passing through Samaria?
Yes, Jesus was going against the common practice of many Jews who avoided Samaria, as it was considered unclean, but He was fulfilling His divine purpose, as stated in John 4:4, and following God's plan, similar to the call of Jonah in the book of Jonah 1:2 to go to Nineveh.
What can we learn from Jesus' decision to pass through Samaria?
We can learn that Jesus is not bound by human traditions or prejudices, and He is willing to go to unexpected places to reach people, as seen in John 4:4, and this is similar to the ministry of Jesus in Matthew 9:10-13 where He eats with tax collectors and sinners.
How does this verse relate to Jesus' overall ministry?
This verse shows Jesus' commitment to reaching all people, regardless of their background or location, as stated in John 4:4, which is in line with His statement in John 3:16 that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.
Reflection Questions
- What are some places or situations where I feel uncomfortable or unsure, and how can I trust God to guide me like Jesus trusted God to guide Him through Samaria?
- How can I apply Jesus' example of going to unexpected places to my own life and ministry, and what are some ways I can reach out to people who may be marginalized or overlooked?
- What are some traditions or prejudices that I may be holding onto, and how can I surrender them to God, like Jesus did when He passed through Samaria, as seen in John 4:4 and the call of the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 6:1-8 to go to the people of Israel?
- How can I be more like Jesus, who was willing to take the road less traveled to reach people, and what does this say about God's heart for all people, as stated in Acts 10:34-35 and Revelation 7:9?
Gill's Exposition on John 4:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 4:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 4:4
Trapp's Commentary on John 4:4
Ellicott's Commentary on John 4:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 4:4
Cambridge Bible on John 4:4
Barnes' Notes on John 4:4
Whedon's Commentary on John 4:4
Sermons on John 4:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Feeding Christ (Time for Renewal Conference) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Luke 17:7-10, where Jesus tells a parable about a servant and his master. The preacher emphasizes the importance of serving God |
|
The Call of God - Fellowship by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the initial close bond that often forms when people come together in a church or fellowship. He emphasizes the importance of believing in th |
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Evangelism Conference - Part 2 by Henry Blackaby | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the songs we sing in worship. He shares his experience of being moved to tears by the hymns that describe the mighty deeds |
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(John) the Appointment of Christ by Willie Mullan | In this sermon on John chapter 4, the preacher focuses on four main points. Firstly, he emphasizes that the meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan woman was not a coincidence, but |
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Breakthrough (P2) by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, K.P. Johannon emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's ambitions, plans, and self-centeredness to follow Jesus. He highlights the love and invitation of Jesu |
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Yosemite Bible Conference 1996-04 More Like Christ by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his dislike for Christmas and wishes that people would wake up to the perceived wastefulness of the holiday. He then shares about prayer meeti |
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Keeper of the Spring by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of going to the next level with God. He refers to a story in the New Testament where Jesus intentionally goes through Samaria |







