King James Version

What Does John 4:41 Mean?

John 4:41 in the King James Version says “And many more believed because of his own word; — study this verse from John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And many more believed because of his own word;

John 4:41 · KJV


Context

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;

42

And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

43

Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'many more believed because of his own word' shows progression from secondhand testimony to personal encounter with Christ. Ultimate faith rests not on human testimony but on Christ's self-revelation. This pattern—testimony leads to investigation, investigation to personal faith—models healthy evangelism.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John's Gospel consistently emphasizes believing based on Jesus' own words and works (2:22, 4:50, 5:47, 8:31). The Samaritans' progression from the woman's testimony to Christ's word demonstrates genuine conversion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we move from faith based on others' testimonies to personal conviction through Christ's word?
  2. What is the relationship between human witness and divine revelation in coming to faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
καὶ1 of 8

And

G2532

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

πολλῷ2 of 8

many

G4183

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

πλείους3 of 8

more

G4119

more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion

ἐπίστευσαν4 of 8

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

διὰ5 of 8

because

G1223

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

τὸν6 of 8
G3588

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

λόγον7 of 8

word

G3056

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

αὐτοῦ8 of 8

of his own

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 4:41 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 4:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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