King James Version

What Does John 4:42 Mean?

John 4:42 in the King James Version says “And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this ... — study this verse from John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 4:42 · KJV


Context

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.

44

For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Samaritans' confession that Jesus is 'the Saviour of the world' (not just of Jews) represents remarkable theological insight. This title appears only here and 1 John 4:14, emphasizing universal salvation scope. Their faith no longer depends on the woman's testimony but on personal knowledge. Reformed theology affirms that saving faith requires personal appropriation, not vicarious experience.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The title 'Savior of the world' was used in the Roman Empire for the Emperor, making this confession politically charged. The Samaritans recognize Christ's authority transcends both Jewish and Roman claims.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing Christ as Savior of 'the world' expand our vision beyond tribal or national Christianity?
  2. What is the difference between belief based on testimony versus belief based on personal knowledge of Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
τῇ1 of 26
G3588

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

τε2 of 26

And

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

γυναικὶ3 of 26

unto the woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἔλεγον4 of 26

said

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

ὅτι5 of 26

not

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Οὐκέτι6 of 26

Now

G3765

not yet, no longer

διὰ7 of 26

because

G1223

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

τὴν8 of 26
G3588

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

σὴν9 of 26

of thy

G4674

thine

λαλιὰν10 of 26

saying

G2981

talk

πιστεύομεν·11 of 26

we believe

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

αὐτοὶ12 of 26

him ourselves

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

γὰρ13 of 26

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἀκηκόαμεν14 of 26

we have heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

καὶ15 of 26

and

G2532

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

οἴδαμεν16 of 26

know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι17 of 26

not

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὗτός18 of 26

this

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστιν19 of 26

is

G2076

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

ἀληθῶς20 of 26

indeed

G230

truly

21 of 26
G3588

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

σωτὴρ22 of 26

the Saviour

G4990

a deliverer, i.e., god or christ

τοῦ23 of 26
G3588

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

κόσμου24 of 26

of the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

25 of 26
G3588

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

Χριστός26 of 26

the Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus


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 4:42 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 4:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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