John 4:19
What does John 4:19 mean?
A plain-English look at John 4:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 4:19 means
Overwhelmed by Jesus' accurate knowledge of her private life, the woman can only conclude, "Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet." This recognition marks a significant shift in her understanding of Jesus, moving from simply a Jew asking for water to someone with divine insight. This acknowledgment prepares her to engage with Him on a deeper, spiritual level, leading her to ask about matters of worship—a common theological dispute between Jews and Samaritans.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The woman said to him, Sir, I see that you are a prophet.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The woman saith to him, `Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The woman saith to him: Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The woman says to him, Sir, I see that thou art a prophet.
Context
This verse captures the Samaritan woman's astonished reaction to Jesus' revelation of her marital history. It follows immediately after Jesus exposed her past in verse 18. Her acknowledgment of Him as a prophet signifies a profound shift in her perception, moving the conversation from her personal life to broader theological issues concerning worship, which were central to the Samaritan-Jewish divide.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 21:11
And the multitudes said, This is the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.
- John 1:48
Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
- Luke 24:19
And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
- John 4:29
Come, see a man, who told me all things that ever I did: can this be the Christ?
- John 6:14
When therefore the people saw the sign which he did, they said, This is of a truth the prophet that cometh into the world.
- Luke 7:39
Now when the Pharisee that had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner.
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