John 4:8

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

Complete Jewish Bible:

(His talmidim had gone into town to buy food.)

Berean Standard Bible:

(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

American Standard Version:

For his disciples were gone away into the city to buy food.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

(For^{G1063} his^{G846} disciples^{G3101} were gone away^{G565} unto^{G1519} the city^{G4172} to^{G2443} buy^{G59} meat^{G5160}.)

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for John 4:8

John 4:8 is a verse set within the narrative of Jesus' encounter with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. The historical context of this verse is significant, as it takes place during Jesus' ministry in the region of Samaria, a land situated between Judea and Galilee. The Samaritans and Jews were divided by religious and ethnic tensions, with the Samaritans worshiping on Mount Gerizim and the Jews in Jerusalem. The verse itself does not directly address these themes but serves as a narrative detail within the larger story.

In the verse, the disciples' absence is highlighted as they have gone into the city to buy food ("meat" in the King James Version refers to food in general rather than specifically to animal flesh). This detail is important for several reasons. Firstly, it sets the stage for a private conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, which is a pivotal moment in the Gospel of John, emphasizing themes of Jesus' mission to all people, breaking down social and ethnic barriers. Secondly, it underscores the disciples' role as followers who attend to practical needs while Jesus engages in spiritual teaching and ministry. Thirdly, the disciples' trip to the city contrasts with Jesus' spiritual sustenance, which he offers to the woman and which he describes as "living water."

The themes of this verse include hospitality, as the disciples are engaging in the cultural norm of providing for their group's needs; the breaking down of social barriers, as Jesus initiates a conversation with a woman and a Samaritan, both of whom were marginalized in that society; and the idea of spiritual nourishment versus physical sustenance, as Jesus' conversation with the woman ultimately leads to her spiritual awakening and the transformation of her community. This encounter is a powerful example of Jesus' radical inclusivity and his prioritization of spiritual matters over temporal concerns.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1063
   There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γάρ
   Transliteration: gár
   Pronunciation: gar
   Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
3. Strong's Number: G3101
   There are 252 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μαθητής
   Transliteration: mathētḗs
   Pronunciation: math-ay-tes'
   Description: from μανθάνω; a learner, i.e. pupil:--disciple.
   
4. Strong's Number: G565
   There are 2564 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀπέρχομαι
   Transliteration: apérchomai
   Pronunciation: ap-erkh'-om-ahee
   Description: from ἀπό and ἔρχομαι; to go off (i.e. depart), aside (i.e. apart) or behind (i.e. follow), literally or figuratively:--come, depart, go (aside, away, back, out, … ways), pass away, be past.
   
5. Strong's Number: G1519
   There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰς
   Transliteration: eis
   Pronunciation: ice
   Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
   
6. Strong's Number: G4172
   There are 155 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πόλις
   Transliteration: pólis
   Pronunciation: pol'-is
   Description: probably from the same as πόλεμος, or perhaps from πολύς; a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size):--city.
   
7. Strong's Number: G2443
   There are 535 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἵνα
   Transliteration: hína
   Pronunciation: hin'-ah
   Description: probably from the same as the former part of ἑαυτοῦ (through the demonstrative idea; compare ὁ); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result):--albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. Compare ἵνα μή.
   
8. Strong's Number: G59
   There are 199 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀγοράζω
   Transliteration: agorázō
   Pronunciation: ag-or-ad'-zo
   Description: from ἀγορά; properly, to go to market, i.e. (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem:--buy, redeem.
   
9. Strong's Number: G5160
   There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τροφή
   Transliteration: trophḗ
   Pronunciation: trof-ay'
   Description: from τρέφω; nourishment (literally or figuratively); by implication, rations (wages):--food, meat.