King James Version
What Does John 4:24 Mean?
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
Context
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.
24
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
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.
26
Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(24) **God is a Spirit.**—Better, *God is spirit.* His will has been expressed in the seeking. But His very nature and essence is spirit, and it follows from this that all true worship must be spiritual. The appeal is here made to a doctrine of special prominence in the Samaritan theology. They had altered a number of passages in the Pentateuch, which seemed to them to speak of God in language properly applicable to man, and to ascribe to Him human form and feelings. But to believe in the spiritual essence of God contained its own answer both as to place and mode of worship.
The second “Him” (“they that worship Him”) should be omitted, as the italics show.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 4:24 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 4:24
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge