John 4:41
What does John 4:41 mean?
A plain-English look at John 4:41 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 4:41 means
As Jesus stayed and taught among the Samaritans, many more came to believe in Him, not just because of the woman's testimony, but specifically "because of his word." This highlights the inherent power and authority of Jesus' own teaching. While the woman's witness opened the door, it was a direct encounter with Jesus' words that solidified and deepened their faith, demonstrating the transformative impact of personal engagement with Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And many more believed because of his word;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And many more believed because of his own word;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And many more believed because of his word;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And a great number more of them came to have faith in him because of what he himself said.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and many more did believe because of his word,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And many more believed in him, because of his own word.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And more a great deal believed on account of his word;
Context
This verse emphasizes the exponential growth of faith among the Samaritans. It directly follows Jesus' two-day stay among them (verse 40). The distinction between believing because of the woman's testimony and believing because of Jesus' direct word is crucial, underscoring the superior authority and impact of Jesus' own teaching in establishing firm faith, setting the stage for their direct confession of His identity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 4:13
And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
- John 7:46
The officers answered, Never man so spake.
- Acts 15:3
They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
- Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
- John 6:63
It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life.
- Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
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