King James Version

What Does John 4:9 Mean?

John 4:9 in the King James Version says “Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Sama... — study this verse from John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

John 4:9 · KJV


Context

7

There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

8

(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

9

Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

10

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

11

The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The woman's response reveals the depth of Jewish-Samaritan hostility, making Jesus' request remarkable. The parenthetical explanation ('For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans') emphasizes how grace crosses boundaries that sin and pride erect. Christ's gospel demolishes ethnic, social, and religious barriers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Samaritan-Jewish schism dated to the Assyrian conquest (722 BC) and the return from exile. By Jesus' time, animosity ran so deep that Jews traveling from Judea to Galilee often took the longer route across the Jordan to avoid Samaria.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern equivalents exist to the Jewish-Samaritan divide, and how does the gospel address them?
  2. How does recognizing Christ's willingness to cross boundaries embolden us to do likewise?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
λέγει1 of 23

saith

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

οὖν2 of 23

Then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

αὐτῷ3 of 23

unto 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

4 of 23
G3588

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

γυναικὸς5 of 23

a woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

6 of 23
G3588

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

Σαμαρείτιδος7 of 23

of Samaria

G4542

a samaritess, i.e., woman of samaria

Πῶς8 of 23

How is it that

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

σὺ9 of 23

thou

G4771

thou

Ἰουδαῖοι10 of 23

a Jew

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

οὔσης11 of 23

being

G5607

being

παρ'12 of 23

of

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

ἐμοῦ13 of 23

me

G1700

of me

πιεῖν14 of 23

drink

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

αἰτεῖς15 of 23

askest

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

οὔσης16 of 23

being

G5607

being

γυναικὸς17 of 23

a woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

Σαμαρείτιδος18 of 23

of Samaria

G4542

a samaritess, i.e., woman of samaria

οὐ19 of 23

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γὰρ20 of 23

for

G1063

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

συγχρῶνται21 of 23

dealings

G4798

to use jointly, i.e., (by implication) to hold intercourse in common

Ἰουδαῖοι22 of 23

a Jew

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

Σαμαρείταις23 of 23

with the Samaritans

G4541

a samarite, i.e., inhabitant of samaria


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 4:9 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 4:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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