Devine Scripture

John 4:44

What does John 4:44 mean?

A plain-English look at John 4:44 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 4:44 means

This verse explains Jesus' departure to Galilee by referencing His own testimony that "a prophet hath no honor in his own country." This statement, often understood as referring to Nazareth, suggests that Jesus knew He would face less initial acceptance and more resistance in His hometown region than elsewhere. His move to Galilee reflects this practical wisdom, even as He journeyed back to the region of His upbringing.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honor in his own country.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honor in his own country.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For Jesus himself said that a prophet has no honour in the country of his birth.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for Jesus himself testified that a prophet in his own country shall not have honour;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For Jesus himself gave testimony that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for Jesus himself bore witness that a prophet has no honour in his own country.

Context

This verse provides Jesus' own justification for His travel from Judea to Galilee. It directly follows His departure from Samaria in verse 43. This statement about a prophet lacking honor in his own country sets a somewhat ironic expectation for His reception in Galilee, which will be contrasted by the immediate positive reception in the following verse, though the full implications of this saying will likely resonate later.

v.43And after the two days he went forth from thence into Galilee.

v.44This passage

v.45So when he came into Galilee, the Galilæans received him, having seen all the things that he did in Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 6:4

    And Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

  • Matthew 13:57

    And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.

  • Luke 4:24

    And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is acceptable in his own country.

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.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to John 4:44.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary