King James Version

What Does John 4:30 Mean?

John 4:30 in the King James Version says “Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. — study this verse from John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

John 4:30 · KJV


Context

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?

30

Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

31

In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.

32

But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The people's immediate response 'Then they went out of the city, and came unto him' demonstrates the power of personal testimony, even from an unlikely source. The verb 'came' (Greek: erchonto, imperfect tense) suggests a continuous stream of people. God uses weak instruments to draw souls to Christ, manifesting His power in human weakness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Samaritans' willingness to respond to this woman's testimony, despite her reputation, shows how Christ's power overcomes social barriers. Their coming 'out of the city' to Jesus echoes Abraham's call to leave his country for God's promises.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God often use unlikely witnesses to draw people to Christ?
  2. What hinders us from responding immediately when we hear testimony about Jesus?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
ἐξῆλθον1 of 9

they went

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

οὖν2 of 9

Then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐκ3 of 9

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς4 of 9
G3588

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

πόλεως5 of 9

the city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

καὶ6 of 9

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἤρχοντο7 of 9

came

G2064

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

πρὸς8 of 9

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτόν9 of 9

him

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


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 4:30 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 4:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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