King James Version
What Does John 4:27 Mean?
“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?”
Context
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.
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?
28
The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
29
Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(27) **With the woman.**—Better, probably, *with a woman.* They are surprised, not at His talking with a Samaritan, but at His talking in public with a woman, which was directly contrary to the Rabbinic precepts. The words of the Law were to be burnt rather than taught to a woman. A man should not speak in public to his own wife. They would like to ask Him, as He asked some of them (John 1:38), what He sought to learn from her, or else to know what truth He would teach her (comp. “speakest” with “I that speak,” in the last verse); but there is already a sense of the reverence due to Him, which checks the question as it rises to the lip.
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 4:27 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 4:27
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge