King James Version
John 4:38 in the King James Version says “I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.” — study this verse from John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.”
John 4:38 · KJV
And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
And herein is that saying true, One soweth , and another reapeth.
I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.
And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“sent”
G649set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“into”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
“labours”
G2873a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains
“their”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
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.
John 4:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to John 4:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge