John 4:31
What does John 4:31 mean?
A plain-English look at John 4:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 4:31 means
In the interim, while the Samaritan townspeople are on their way, Jesus' disciples encourage Him to eat. Their concern for His physical nourishment, after His long journey and intense conversation, highlights their practical and caring nature. However, their focus is on the earthly, setting the stage for Jesus to reveal a higher, spiritual sustenance that they have not yet understood.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000In the mean while the disciples prayed him, saying, Rabbi, eat.
KJV
King James Version · 1611In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901In the mean while the disciples prayed him, saying, Rabbi, eat.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949While this was taking place, the disciples were saying to Jesus, Master, take some food.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And in the meanwhile his disciples were asking him, saying, `Rabbi, eat;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752In the mean time, the disciples prayed him, saying: Rabbi, eat.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But meanwhile the disciples asked him saying, Rabbi, eat.
Context
This verse brings the focus back to Jesus and His disciples while the Samaritan townspeople are on their way. It occurs parallel to the people's movement out of the city (verse 30). The disciples' offer of food prompts Jesus to articulate a profound spiritual truth, shifting the narrative emphasis from the physical act of eating to the deeper fulfillment found in God's will.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 24:33
And there was set food before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.
- John 1:38
And Jesus turned, and beheld them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? And they said unto him, Rabbi (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), where abidest thou?
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