John 4:9
John 4:9 in Multiple Translations
“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.)
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.
The Samaritan woman therefore saith unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, who am a Samaritan woman? (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
The woman of Samaria said to him, Why do you, a Jew, make a request for water to me, a woman of Samaria? She said this because Jews have nothing to do with the people of Samaria.
“You're a Jew, and I'm a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” the woman replied, for Jews don't associate with Samaritans.
Then sayde the woman of Samaria vnto him, Howe is it, that thou being a Iewe, askest drinke of me, which am a woman of Samaria? For the Iewes meddle not with the Samaritans.
the Samaritan woman therefore saith to him, 'How dost thou, being a Jew, ask drink from me, being a Samaritan woman?' for Jews have no dealing with Samaritans.
The Samaritan woman therefore said to him, “How is it that you, being a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
Then saith the woman of Samaria to him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, who am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
Then that Samaritan woman saith to him: How dost thou, being a Jew, ask of me to drink, who am a Samaritan woman? For the Jews do not communicate with the Samaritans.
so the woman said to him, “You are a Jew, and I am from Samaria. Furthermore, I am a woman. So ◄I am surprised that you are asking me for a drink of water!/how is it that you are asking me for a drink of water?► [RHQ]”
The woman said, “What? You are a Jew, and I belong to Samaria. So why do you ask me for a drink of water?” You see, the Jews were not friends with the Samaria people.
Berean Amplified Bible — John 4:9
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John 4:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — John 4:9
Study Notes — John 4:9
- Context
- Cross References
- John 4:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on John 4:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 4:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 4:9
- Trapp's Commentary on John 4:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on John 4:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 4:9
- Cambridge Bible on John 4:9
- Barnes' Notes on John 4:9
- Whedon's Commentary on John 4:9
- Sermons on John 4:9
Context — Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
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.)
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?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 10:28 | He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. |
| 2 | Matthew 10:5 | 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. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 17:24–41 | Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took possession of Samaria and lived in its towns. Now when the settlers first lived there, they did not worship the LORD, so He sent lions among them, which killed some of them. So they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, “The peoples that you have removed and placed in the cities of Samaria do not know the requirements of the God of the land. Because of this, He has sent lions among them, which are indeed killing them off.” Then the king of Assyria commanded: “Send back one of the priests you carried off from Samaria, and have him go back to live there and teach the requirements of the God of the land.” Thus one of the priests they had carried away came and lived in Bethel, and he began to teach them how they should worship the LORD. Nevertheless, the people of each nation continued to make their own gods in the cities where they had settled, and they set them up in the shrines that the people of Samaria had made on the high places. The men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, the men of Cuth made Nergal, the men of Hamath made Ashima, the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech the gods of the Sepharvaim. So the new residents worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed for themselves priests of all sorts to serve in the shrines of the high places. They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had been carried away. To this day they are still practicing their former customs. None of them worship the LORD or observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments that the LORD gave the descendants of Jacob, whom He named Israel. For the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites and commanded them, “Do not worship other gods or bow down to them; do not serve them or sacrifice to them. Instead, worship the LORD, who brought you out of the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm. You are to bow down to Him and offer sacrifices to Him. And you must always be careful to observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments He wrote for you. Do not worship other gods. Do not forget the covenant I have made with you. Do not worship other gods, but worship the LORD your God, and He will deliver you from the hands of all your enemies.” But they would not listen, and they persisted in their former customs. So these nations worshiped the LORD but also served their idols, and to this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did. |
| 4 | John 8:48 | The Jews answered Him, “Are we not right to say that You are a Samaritan and You have a demon?” |
| 5 | Nehemiah 4:1–2 | Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?” |
| 6 | Luke 17:16–19 | He fell facedown at Jesus’ feet in thanksgiving to Him—and he was a Samaritan. “Were not all ten cleansed?” Jesus asked. “Where then are the other nine? Was no one found except this foreigner to return and give glory to God?” Then Jesus said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well! ” |
| 7 | Ezra 4:1–24 | When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the families, saying, “Let us build with you because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to Him since the time of King Esar-haddon of Assyria, who brought us here.” But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other heads of the families of Israel replied, “You have no part with us in building a house for our God, since we alone must build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as Cyrus king of Persia has commanded us.” Then the people of the land set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to build. They hired counselors against them to frustrate their plans throughout the reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia. At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, an accusation was lodged against the people of Judah and Jerusalem. And in the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. It was written in Aramaic and then translated. Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote the letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes as follows: From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates—the judges and officials over Tripolis, Persia, Erech and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa, and the rest of the peoples whom the great and honorable Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the cities of Samaria and elsewhere west of the Euphrates. (This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates: Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem. And they are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city, restoring its walls, and repairing its foundations. Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer. Now because we are in the service of the palace and it is not fitting for us to allow the king to be dishonored, we have sent to inform the king that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, you will have no dominion west of the Euphrates. Then the king sent this reply: To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of your associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates: Greetings. The letter you sent us has been translated and read in my presence. I issued a decree, and a search was conducted. It was discovered that this city has revolted against kings from ancient times, engaging in rebellion and sedition. And mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem and exercised authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates; and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them. Now, therefore, issue an order for these men to stop, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order. See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer? When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them. Thus the construction of the house of God in Jerusalem ceased, and it remained at a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. |
| 8 | John 4:27 | Just 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?” |
| 9 | Luke 9:52–56 | He sent messengers on ahead, who went into a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. But the people there refused to welcome Him, because He was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. And He and His disciples went on to another village. |
| 10 | Luke 10:33 | But when a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, he looked at him and had compassion. |
John 4:9 Summary
This verse, John 4:9, shows that Jesus was willing to talk to someone from a different culture and background, even when it wasn't common for Jews to associate with Samaritans. The Samaritan woman was surprised that Jesus, a Jew, would ask her for a drink, but Jesus was more concerned with sharing God's love and message with her, as seen in John 4:10 and other passages like Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8. This teaches us that God's love is for everyone, regardless of their background or culture, as emphasized in Galatians 3:28 and Revelation 7:9. By following Jesus' example, we can learn to love and accept others, just as He does, and share God's message with them, as encouraged in Matthew 22:37-40 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Samaritan woman question Jesus' request for a drink?
The woman questioned Jesus because, as stated in John 4:9, Jews did not associate with Samaritans, and she was surprised that Jesus, being a Jew, would ask her for a drink, as seen in John 4:7-8, and as referenced in the historical context of verses like Luke 9:51-56 and Acts 8:4-25.
What is the significance of the phrase 'For Jews do not associate with Samaritans'?
This phrase highlights the deep-seated cultural and religious divide between Jews and Samaritans, as mentioned in John 4:9, which is also reflected in other passages like Matthew 10:5-6 and Luke 17:11-19, showing the prejudices and separation that Jesus came to overcome, as seen in His actions in John 4:1-42 and other Gospel accounts.
How does Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman reflect His ministry and teachings?
Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman demonstrates His willingness to break down cultural and social barriers, as seen in John 4:9-10, and reflects His teachings on love, acceptance, and the value of all people, as emphasized in passages like Matthew 22:37-40 and Luke 10:25-37.
What can we learn from the Samaritan woman's response to Jesus' request?
The woman's response, as seen in John 4:9, shows her surprise and curiosity about Jesus, and her willingness to engage with Him, which can teach us about being open to unexpected encounters and being receptive to God's messages, as encouraged in passages like Isaiah 55:1-3 and Revelation 3:20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some social or cultural barriers that I may be unintentionally maintaining, and how can I follow Jesus' example in breaking them down?
- How can I, like the Samaritan woman, be more open to unexpected encounters and conversations that may lead to deeper spiritual understanding and connection?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate Jesus' love and acceptance to those around me who may feel marginalized or excluded, as seen in John 4:9-10?
- What can I learn from Jesus' approach to the Samaritan woman, and how can I apply those lessons to my own interactions with others, especially those who may be different from me?
Gill's Exposition on John 4:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 4:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 4:9
Trapp's Commentary on John 4:9
Ellicott's Commentary on John 4:9
Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 4:9
Cambridge Bible on John 4:9
Barnes' Notes on John 4:9
Whedon's Commentary on John 4:9
Sermons on John 4:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Underground Church by Richard Wurmbrand | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the unchanging nature of truth, comparing it to the certainty of mathematics. He discusses the concept of brainwashing, particularly in commu |
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The Bad Samaritan John 4:1-26 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, highlighting God's impartial love for all people regardless of race or culture. Jesus offers the woma |
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Call No Man Common or Unclean by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Peter in Acts 10, starting at verse 9. Peter goes up to pray and becomes hungry, but while waiting for food, he falls into a tr |
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The Cross and the God of Hope by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tendency of humanity to reduce God and His plans to their own human measure. This has resulted in a loss or reduction of the greatness tha |
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(Through the Bible) Acts 10-11 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the story of Peter's vision being recorded twice in the book of Acts. The preacher emphasizes that God wanted to bear wit |
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Book of Acts Series - Part 15 | Everyone Is Welcome by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being free from cultural bias, racial prejudice, and class prejudice. He highlights the lesson of Peter's journey to Cornel |
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How to Identify the Enemy - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, Derek Prince discusses the basics of deliverance and how to identify the enemy. He emphasizes that the ministry of Jesus serves as the ultimate example and should n |







