FocusLiving water and true worship
Connection to the wholeThe conversation moves from water to the woman's life, worship, and Jesus' identity, crossing barriers that shape the disciples' surprise.
interpretation John 4:21
KJVJesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
Read it in context
The woman at the well
Start reading at John 4:1 (John 4:1 to John 4:26).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The conversation moves from water to the woman's life, worship, and Jesus' identity, crossing barriers that shape the disciples' surprise.
- 4:1 When therefore the LORD knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
- 4:2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
- 4:3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
- 4:4 And he must needs go through Samaria.
- 4:5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
- 4:6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
- 4:7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
- 4:8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
- 4:9 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.
- 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
- 4:11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
- 4:12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
- 4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
- 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
- 4:15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
- 4:16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
- 4:17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
- 4:18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
- 4:19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
- 4:20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
- 4:21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
- 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
- 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
- 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
- 4:25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
- 4:26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 4:1–4:54): Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman, His returning disciples, and Samaritan townspeople. Later a royal official seeks healing for his son. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The woman at the well. Read John 4:1 through John 4:26 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The conversation moves from water to the woman's life, worship, and Jesus' identity, crossing barriers that shape the disciples' surprise. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The woman at the well (John 4:1 to John 4:26). Start reading at John 4:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 4:1, John 4:26, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- saith Ezek 14:3 Ezek 20:3
- when Mal 1:11 Matt 18:20 Luke 21:5-6,24 Acts 6:14 1 Tim 2:8
- worship John 4:23 John 14:6 Matt 28:19 Eph 2:18 Eph 3:14 1 Pet 1:17
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 4
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The harvest in Samaria
John 4:27–42FocusWitness and personal hearing
Connection to the wholeThe woman's testimony brings others to Jesus, while His words about the harvest teach the disciples to recognize the work before them.
interpretation The nobleman's son
John 4:43–54FocusTrusting Jesus' word
Connection to the wholeThe healing at a distance connects Jesus' spoken assurance with the household's response and completes the return to Cana.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.