King James Version

What Does John 4:39 Mean?

John 4:39 in the King James Version says “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all tha... — study this verse from John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 4:39 · KJV


Context

37

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

38

I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

39

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.

40

So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

41

And many more believed because of his own word;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Many Samaritans believed 'for the saying of the woman,' demonstrating that God uses unlikely witnesses. Her testimony—'He told me all that ever I did'—focused on Christ's supernatural knowledge. The verse emphasizes that faith comes through testimony (cf. Romans 10:17), even from imperfect messengers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

That Samaritans believed a woman's testimony is remarkable given both gender dynamics and her questionable character. This anticipates the gospel's power to overcome social prejudices and human credentials.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use our testimonies despite our imperfections and past failures?
  2. What does the Samaritans' faith based on testimony teach about the power of personal witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Ἐκ1 of 23

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

δὲ2 of 23

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τῆς3 of 23
G3588

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

πόλεως4 of 23

city

G4172

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

ἐκείνης5 of 23

that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

πολλοὶ6 of 23

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἐπίστευσαν7 of 23

believed

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

εἰς8 of 23

on

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

αὐτὸν9 of 23

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

τῶν10 of 23
G3588

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

Σαμαρειτῶν,11 of 23

of the Samaritans

G4541

a samarite, i.e., inhabitant of samaria

διὰ12 of 23

for

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸν13 of 23
G3588

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

λόγον14 of 23

the saying

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τῆς15 of 23
G3588

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

γυναικὸς16 of 23

of the woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

μαρτυρούσης17 of 23

which testified

G3140

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

ὅτι18 of 23
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Εἶπέν19 of 23

He told

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

μοι20 of 23

me

G3427

to me

πάντα21 of 23

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὅσα22 of 23

that ever

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἐποίησα23 of 23

I did

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)


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 4:39 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 4:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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