King James Version

What Does John 4:21 Mean?

John 4:21 in the King James Version says “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh , when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem,... — study this verse from John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh , when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

John 4:21 · KJV


Context

19

The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

20

Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

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.

22

Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' prophetic announcement that true worship will transcend location ('neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem') anticipates the New Covenant. The coming 'hour' refers to His death, resurrection, and the Spirit's outpouring, which enables worship in Spirit and truth regardless of geography. Reformed theology emphasizes that Christ's fulfillment of temple worship frees us from sacred spaces.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70 when Jerusalem's temple was destroyed. The early church's worship in homes, synagogues, and public spaces demonstrated this geographical freedom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's teaching free us from limiting God's presence to specific locations?
  2. What does it mean that 'the hour cometh' when worship will be transformed through Christ's work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
λέγει1 of 22

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῇ2 of 22

unto her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

3 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 22

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

γύναι5 of 22

Woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

πίστευσον6 of 22

believe

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

μοι7 of 22

me

G3427

to me

ὅτι8 of 22

cometh

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἔρχεται9 of 22
G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ὥρα10 of 22

the hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ὅτε11 of 22

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

οὔτε12 of 22

neither

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ἐν13 of 22

at

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ14 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄρει15 of 22

mountain

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

τούτῳ16 of 22

this

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

οὔτε17 of 22

neither

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ἐν18 of 22

at

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Ἱεροσολύμοις19 of 22

Jerusalem

G2414

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

προσκυνήσετε20 of 22

worship

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

τῷ21 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατρί22 of 22

the Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 4:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 4:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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