John 4:24
What does John 4:24 mean?
A plain-English look at John 4:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 4:24 means
Jesus states a foundational truth about God's nature: "God is a Spirit." Consequently, those who worship Him must do so "in spirit and truth." This reiterates and clarifies the profound shift in worship previously mentioned. Since God is not confined to a physical form or location, human worship must align with His spiritual essence, involving genuine inner devotion and adherence to His revealed truth, free from mere external observances.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949God is Spirit: then let his worshippers give him worship in the true way of the spirit.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862God <FI>is<Fi> a Spirit, and those worshipping Him, in spirit and truth it doth behove to worship.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752God is a spirit: and they that adore him must adore him in spirit and in truth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890God [is] a spirit; and they who worship him must worship [him] in spirit and truth.
Context
This verse provides the theological grounding for Jesus' definition of true worship. It functions as a direct explanation and reinforcement of the concept introduced in verse 23—worshipping "in spirit and truth." By declaring God's nature as Spirit, Jesus fundamentally explains *why* worship must transcend physical boundaries and external rituals, paving the way for the woman's recognition of the Messiah.
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.
v.24This passage
v.25The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh (he that is called Christ): when he is come, he will declare unto us all things.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 50:13
Will I eat the flesh of bulls, Or drink the blood of goats?
- Psalms 50:23
Whoso offereth the sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifieth me; And to him that ordereth his way aright Will I show the salvation of God.
- Philippians 3:3
for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh:
- Matthew 15:8
This people honoreth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me.
- Isaiah 57:15
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
- 1 Timothy 1:17
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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