King James Version
What Does John 4:50 Mean?
“Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.”
Context
48
Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
49
The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
50
Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.
51
And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.
52
Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(50) **Go thy way.**—His faith is to be strengthened, and is to pass beyond a trust in aid through bodily presence. Jesus will not go down, but he is himself to go with the assurance, “Thy son liveth.” Up to this point he had believed on the testimony of others, but he, too, now believes on account of the word of Christ Himself.
**Had spoken unto him.**—Better, *spake unto him.* The word he believed was that spoken then.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 4:50 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 4:50
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge