John 4:22
What does John 4:22 mean?
A plain-English look at John 4:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 4:22 means
Jesus addresses the theological differences between Samaritans and Jews, stating that Samaritans worship what they "know not," while Jews worship what they "know." He then unequivocally declares that "salvation is from the Jews." This affirms the integrity of the Old Testament revelation given through Israel and emphasizes God's redemptive plan unfolding through the Jewish people, culminating in the Messiah. Despite His radical inclusion, Jesus upholds the historical truth of God’s established covenant.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You give worship, but without knowledge of what you are worshipping: we give worship to what we have knowledge of: for salvation comes from the Jews.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862ye worship what ye have not known; we worship what we have known, because the salvation is of the Jews;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752You adore that which you know not: we adore that which we know. For salvation is of the Jews.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Ye worship ye know not what; we worship what we know, for salvation is of the Jews.
Context
This verse expands on Jesus' previous statement about the changing nature of worship, specifically addressing the differences between Samaritan and Jewish understanding. It follows His declaration in verse 21 that physical locations for worship will become irrelevant. This clarification of spiritual lineage and the affirmation that salvation originates with the Jews provide a foundational theological truth before He delves into the character of true worship.
v.21Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall ye worship the Father.
v.22This passage
v.23But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 24:47
and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
- Romans 9:4
who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
- Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid: for Jehovah, even Jehovah, is my strength and song; and he is become my salvation.
- 2 Chronicles 13:10
But as for us, Jehovah is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and we have priests ministering unto Jehovah, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites in their work:
- Psalms 68:20
God is unto us a God of deliverances; And unto Jehovah the Lord belongeth escape from death.
- Zephaniah 3:16
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not; O Zion, let not thy hands be slack.
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