King James Version

What Does John 4:35 Mean?

John 4:35 in the King James Version says “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on t... — study this verse from John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 4:35 · KJV


Context

33

Therefore said the disciples one to another , Hath any man brought him ought to eat?

34

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

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.

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.

37

And herein is that saying true, One soweth , and another reapeth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' agricultural metaphor redirects attention from physical harvest ('four months, and then cometh harvest') to spiritual harvest—the Samaritans approaching are 'white already to harvest.' The fields (Greek: chōrai) may literally be the region (Samaria) and the people streaming toward them. God's sovereignty ensures harvest readiness according to His timing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

If this occurred around December-January (four months before Passover harvest), the spiritual harvest contrasts with winter fields. The 'white' may refer to the Samaritans' white garments or sun-bleached grain metaphorically.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we sometimes assume spiritual harvest follows our expected timeline rather than God's?
  2. What 'fields white unto harvest' has God prepared around us that we fail to see?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
οὐχ1 of 28

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὑμεῖς2 of 28

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

λέγω3 of 28

I say

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

ὅτι4 of 28

There

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Ἔτι5 of 28

yet

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

τετράμηνόν6 of 28

four months

G5072

a four months' space

ἐστιν7 of 28

are

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καὶ8 of 28

and

G2532

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

9 of 28
G3588

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

θερισμόν10 of 28

harvest

G2326

reaping, i.e., the crop

ἔρχεται11 of 28

then cometh

G2064

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

ἰδού,12 of 28

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

λέγω13 of 28

I say

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

ὑμῖν14 of 28

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἐπάρατε15 of 28

Lift up

G1869

to raise up (literally or figuratively)

τοὺς16 of 28
G3588

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

ὀφθαλμοὺς17 of 28

eyes

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

ὑμῶν18 of 28

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

καὶ19 of 28

and

G2532

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

θεάσασθε20 of 28

look on

G2300

to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit

τὰς21 of 28
G3588

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

χώρας22 of 28

the fields

G5561

room, i.e., a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants)

ὅτι23 of 28

There

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

λευκαί24 of 28

white

G3022

white

εἰσιν25 of 28

they are

G1526

they are

πρὸς26 of 28

to

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,

θερισμόν27 of 28

harvest

G2326

reaping, i.e., the crop

ἤδη28 of 28

already

G2235

even now


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 4:35 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 4:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study