John 4:24

God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth.

God {G2316} is a Spirit {G4151}: and {G2532} they that worship {G4352} him {G846} must {G1163} worship {G4352} him in {G1722} spirit {G4151} and {G2532} in truth {G225}.

God is spirit; and worshippers must worship him spiritually and truly.”

God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

Commentary

Context

John 4:24 is a pivotal statement made by Jesus during His profound conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. This discussion began with the woman's question about the proper place of worship—whether in Jerusalem or on Mount Gerizim, where Samaritans traditionally worshipped (John 4:20). Jesus transcends this geographical dispute by revealing a deeper truth about God's nature and the essence of acceptable worship. He declares that the time for localized worship is passing, and a new era of true worship is dawning, as He stated in John 4:23.

Key Themes

  • God's Nature as Spirit: The foundational declaration, "God is a Spirit," signifies that God is not confined to any physical form, location, or human-made temple. He is incorporeal, omnipresent, and transcends all material limitations. This understanding liberates worship from ritualistic or geographical constraints.
  • Worship "in Spirit": To worship God "in spirit" means to engage with Him from the deepest part of one's being—the heart, mind, and inner self. It emphasizes sincerity, authenticity, and a genuine connection with the divine, rather than mere outward acts, rituals, or external performances. It is worship that flows from an awakened and renewed human spirit.
  • Worship "in Truth": Worship "in truth" implies that our worship must be consistent with God's revealed character and His Word. It is not based on false ideas, human traditions, or superficial understanding, but on the reality of who God is and what He has revealed through Christ. Jesus Himself is the ultimate embodiment of truth, proclaiming, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Therefore, true worship is worship that aligns with the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "Spirit" is pneuma (πνεῦμα). When Jesus states "God is a Spirit," it underscores His non-physical, invisible, and life-giving nature. The phrase "in spirit" (en pneumati) refers to the human spirit—the inner person where genuine communion with God occurs. "In truth" (kai aletheia) signifies authenticity, reality, and alignment with divine revelation, contrasting with worship based on error or pretense.

Practical Application

John 4:24 calls believers to a profound and transformative understanding of worship. It challenges us to move beyond mere religious observance to a heartfelt, authentic encounter with God.

  • Focus on the Heart: True worship is not about where we worship, but how we worship. It demands inner integrity and a sincere desire to honor God.
  • Authenticity and Sincerity: God desires genuine devotion, not pretense. Our worship should reflect who we truly are before Him, acknowledging His nature and our dependence.
  • Knowledge of God: To worship in truth means to worship according to God's revealed character and His will. This requires knowing Him through His Word and through the person of Jesus Christ.
  • Everyday Worship: This verse encourages us to see worship not just as a Sunday activity, but as a continuous lifestyle of devotion and obedience, offering our lives as living sacrifices to God.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 3:17 (101 votes)

    Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty.

  • Matthew 15:8 (68 votes)

    This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me.

  • Matthew 15:9 (68 votes)

    But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.

  • Philippians 3:3 (60 votes)

    For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

  • Psalms 51:17 (42 votes)

    The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

  • Isaiah 57:15 (32 votes)

    For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

  • 1 Samuel 16:7 (27 votes)

    But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.