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John 4:42

KJV

And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

Read it in context The harvest in Samaria
Start reading at John 4:27 (John 4:27 to John 4:42). 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 woman's testimony brings others to Jesus, while His words about the harvest teach the disciples to recognize the work before them.

  1. 4:27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
  2. 4:28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
  3. 4:29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
  4. 4:30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
  5. 4:31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.
  6. 4:32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.
  7. 4:33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?
  8. 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
  9. 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
  10. 4:36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
  11. 4:37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
  12. 4:38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.
  13. 4:39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
  14. 4:40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
  15. 4:41 And many more believed because of his own word;
  16. 4:42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

Who

What

When

Where

How

Cited: John 4:27, John 4:42, 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

Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).

Macro-Structure

See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.

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 1:1–18

FocusRevelation 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
The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54 You are here · 4:42

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 5:1–10:42

FocusLife, 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 11:1–12:50

FocusLazarus, 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 13:1–17:26

FocusLove, 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 18:1–21:25

FocusThe 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.

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