John 4:23
What does John 4:23 mean?
A plain-English look at John 4:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 4:23 means
Jesus definitively states that "the hour cometh, and now is," for a new era of worship. True worshippers will worship the Father "in spirit and truth," because the Father actively seeks such worshippers. This reveals God's desire for a relationship characterized by sincerity, inner devotion guided by the Holy Spirit, and adherence to divine revelation (truth), rather than outward rituals or traditional locations. This spiritual worship is available now through Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But the time is coming, and is even now here, when the true worshippers will give worship to the Father in the true way of the spirit, for these are the worshippers desired by the Father.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but, there cometh an hour, and it now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father also doth seek such to worship him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But the hour cometh and now is, when the true adorers shall adore the Father in spirit and in truth. For the Father also seeketh such to adore him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But [the] hour is coming and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for also the Father seeks such as his worshippers.
Context
This verse is a profound declaration by Jesus about the essence of true worship, building directly on His previous statements about the irrelevance of specific locations and the source of salvation. It follows His affirmation of salvation coming from the Jews in verse 22. This verse introduces the core concept of worshipping in "spirit and truth," which is then expanded upon in the following verse, defining the nature of the Father's desired relationship with humanity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Chronicles 29:17
I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, that are present here, offer willingly unto thee.
- Isaiah 43:21
the people which I formed for myself, that they might set forth my praise.
- Jude 1:20
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
- Matthew 15:7
Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,
- Romans 8:26
And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered;
- John 4:21
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall ye worship the Father.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 4
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 4.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Worship
Worship is how we acknowledge and respond to God with all of our being, offering Him the honor and praise He alone deserves.
Topic
Bible Verses About Abiding in Christ
Key scriptures reveal what it means to abide in Christ, emphasizing our continuous connection and dependence on Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.