John 4 - New Spirit-Filled Life Bible

4:4 The need to go through Samaria was not merely a geographical consideration, but a divine compulsion.

4:5 The exact location of Sychar is uncertain, but it likely was in the vicinity of Shechem. See Gen. 33:18, 19; Josh. 24:32.

4:6 By Jewish reckoning, the sixth hour was 12:00 noon; by Roman reckoning, it was 6:00 A.M. or 6:00 P.M.

4:9 John inserts an explanatory note about the hostility between the Jews and the Samaritans, who were a mixed race, the result of Assyrians intermarrying with Jews who had stayed behind in the northern territory following Israel’s demise (see 2 Kin. 17:24–41). Jews have no dealings with Samaritans does not mean Jews did not interact or share commerce (see v. 8) with Samaritans. Rather, Jews did not share eating or drinking vessels with them.

4:13, 14 In him a fountain indicates “living water” (v. 10) as a great illustration of regeneration into everlasting life. Compare with 7:37–39.

4:20 This mountain refers to Mt. Gerizim, on which the Samaritans built a temple as a rival place of worship, since they were not welcome in the Jerusalem temple (see v. 21).

4:21–24 See section 2 of Truth-In-Action at the end of John.

4:21–24 What matters is not where one worships but the attitude of heart and mind. True worship is not mere form and ceremony but spiritual reality, which is in harmony with the nature of God, who is Spirit. Worship must also be in truth, that is, transparent, sincere, and according to biblical mandates.

4:27 The Jews considered it improper for a rabbi to speak to a woman in public.

4:35 The statement concerning four months was probably a proverb signifying that there is no need to rush in performing a task.

4:46–54 The healing of the nobleman’s son not only demonstrates Jesus’ power to heal, but it underscores the principle that He did not regard signs and wonders as ends in themselves. Rather, they were at the very least intended to bring the recipients of the miracle to faith in Christ.