King James Version

What Does John 4:45 Mean?

John 4:45 in the King James Version says “Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at ... — study this verse from John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

John 4:45 · KJV


Context

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.

45

Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

46

So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. nobleman: or, courtier, or, ruler

47

When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Galileans received Jesus, having seen His works at the Jerusalem feast (likely the Passover of John 2:13-23). Their welcome, based on witnessed miracles, represents an initial but insufficient faith—John's Gospel consistently calls for faith in Christ's person, not merely His works. Yet God works through such preliminary faith toward genuine conversion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Galilean pilgrims to Jerusalem would have witnessed Jesus' temple cleansing and signs (John 2:13-25). Their reception contrasts with Judean skepticism but still falls short of the Samaritans' confession of Him as 'Savior of the world.'

Reflection Questions

  1. How does faith based primarily on miracles differ from faith based on Christ's word and person?
  2. What role do signs and wonders play in bringing people toward genuine saving faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ὅτε1 of 26

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

οὖν2 of 26

Then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἦλθον3 of 26

he was come

G2064

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

εἰς4 of 26

into

G1519

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

τὴν5 of 26
G3588

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

Γαλιλαίαν6 of 26

Galilee

G1056

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine

ἐδέξαντο7 of 26

received

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

αὐτοὶ8 of 26

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

οἱ9 of 26
G3588

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

Γαλιλαῖοι10 of 26

the Galilaeans

G1057

galilean or belonging to galilea

πάντα11 of 26

all the things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἑωρακότες12 of 26

having seen

G3708

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

13 of 26

that

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐποίησεν14 of 26

he did

G4160

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

ἐν15 of 26

at

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Ἱεροσολύμοις16 of 26

Jerusalem

G2414

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

ἐν17 of 26

at

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ18 of 26
G3588

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

ἑορτήν19 of 26

the feast

G1859

a festival

καὶ20 of 26

also

G2532

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

αὐτοὶ21 of 26

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

γὰρ22 of 26

for

G1063

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

ἦλθον23 of 26

he was come

G2064

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

εἰς24 of 26

into

G1519

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

τὴν25 of 26
G3588

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

ἑορτήν26 of 26

the feast

G1859

a festival


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 4:45 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 4:45 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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