John 4:20
What does John 4:20 mean?
A plain-English look at John 4:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 4:20 means
The woman, now convinced Jesus is a prophet, immediately brings up a central theological dispute between Samaritans and Jews: the proper place of worship. She references the Samaritan tradition of worshipping on Mount Gerizim, contrasting it with the Jewish belief that Jerusalem is the exclusive place for worship. This question, a deeply ingrained part of her religious identity, reflects her desire for spiritual truth and validation from this newfound prophet.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Our fathers gave worship on this mountain, but you Jews say that the right place for worship is in Jerusalem.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862our fathers in this mountain did worship, and ye--ye say that in Jerusalem is the place where it behoveth to worship.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Our fathers adored on this mountain: and you say that at Jerusalem is the place where men must adore.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Our fathers worshipped in this mountain, and ye say that in Jerusalem is the place where one must worship.
Context
This verse sees the Samaritan woman, having recognized Jesus as a prophet, immediately raising a contentious theological issue. It directly follows her declaration in verse 19. Her question about the proper place of worship effectively pivots the conversation from her personal sin to a significant doctrinal dispute, allowing Jesus to address the true nature of worship that transcends physical locations and ethnic divides.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Kings 9:3
And Jehovah said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually.
- Luke 9:53
And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he were going to Jerusalem.
- Deuteronomy 27:12
These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are passed over the Jordan: Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin.
- Joshua 8:33
And all Israel, and their elders and officers, and their judges, stood on this side of the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, that bare the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, as well the sojourner as the home-born; half of them in front of mount Gerizim, and half of them in front of mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of Jehovah had commanded at the first, that they should bless the people of Israel.
- Psalms 87:1
His foundation is in the holy mountains.
- Genesis 12:6
And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Shechem, unto the oak of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.
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