Devine Scripture

John 4:1

What does John 4:1 mean?

A plain-English look at John 4:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 4:1 means

This verse reveals that Jesus was aware of the Pharisees' growing concern about His increasing popularity, specifically that He was gaining more disciples than John the Baptist. The Pharisees, as religious leaders, were constantly monitoring movements that could challenge their authority or the established religious order. Jesus' knowledge of their awareness suggests His divine insight and strategic decision-making, as He often moved to avoid unnecessary confrontation until His appointed time.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

When therefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John

KJV

King James Version · 1611

When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

When therefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now when it was clear to the Lord that word had come to the ears of the Pharisees that Jesus was making more disciples than John and was giving them baptism

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

When therefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees heard that Jesus more disciples doth make and baptize than John,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

When Jesus therefore understood the Pharisees had heard that Jesus maketh more disciples and baptizeth more than John

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

When therefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus makes and baptises more disciples than John

Context

This verse opens chapter 4 by immediately establishing a challenge to Jesus' ministry. It follows the narrative of Jesus' early ministry in Judea, where He was baptizing (through His disciples) alongside John. The Pharisees' observation sets the stage for Jesus' departure from Judea, leading into His journey through Samaria and the pivotal encounter with the Samaritan woman.

v.1This passage

v.2(although Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples),

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • James 2:1

    My brethren, hold not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lordof glory, with respect of persons.

  • Acts 10:36

    The word which he sent unto the children of Israel, preaching good tidings of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)—

  • John 3:22

    After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judæa; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:5

    For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

  • John 3:26

    And they came unto John, and said to him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond the Jordan, to whom thou hast borne witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

  • Luke 1:76

    Yea and thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High: For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to make ready his ways;

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