John 4:51
What does John 4:51 mean?
A plain-English look at John 4:51 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 4:51 means
As the nobleman was on his journey back to Capernaum, his servants met him with the joyful news that his son was alive. This preemptive meeting confirms the miracle and alleviates the father's agonizing uncertainty. The servants' report serves as tangible proof of Jesus' power, validating the nobleman's faith in Jesus' word and foreshadowing the complete restoration of his family.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And as he was now going down, his servants met him, saying, that his son lived.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And as he was now going down, his servants met him, saying, that his son lived.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And while he was going down, his servants came to him and said, Your boy is living.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he now going down, his servants met him, and told, saying--`Thy child doth live;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And as he was going down, his servants met him: and they brought word, saying, that his son lived.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But already, as he was going down, his servants met him and brought [him] word saying, Thy child lives.
Context
This verse provides the initial confirmation of the miracle, occurring as the nobleman journeys home. It follows directly from his act of believing Jesus' word and departing in verse 50. The servants' joyful news validates the power of Jesus' distant healing, creating suspense for the exact timing of the healing, which will further solidify the nobleman's faith and that of his household.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Kings 17:23
And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother; and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth.
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.