John 4:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 4:24, Jesus profoundly redefines worship for the Samaritan woman, declaring that God is an incorporeal Spirit and therefore true worship must transcend physical locations and ritualistic forms. Instead, it must originate from the deepest part of one's being (in spirit) and be grounded in the revealed reality of God's character and truth, ultimately found in Christ. This statement marks a pivotal shift from Old Covenant shadows to New Covenant substance, emphasizing an intimate, authentic, and biblically informed communion with the divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of Jesus' transformative encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, a narrative rich in theological depth. The conversation begins with Jesus' request for water, quickly shifts to the topic of "living water" that quenches spiritual thirst, and then to the woman's marital history, revealing Jesus' prophetic insight. Her attempt to divert the conversation to a theological dispute about the proper place of worship—Mount Gerizim for Samaritans versus Jerusalem for Jews ([John 4:20](/john/4-20 "John 4:20 - The Samaritan Woman's Question on Worship Location"))—sets the stage for Jesus' profound declaration. He first states that the hour is coming when true worship will not be confined to either mountain ([John 4:21](/john/4-21 "John 4:21 - Jesus Foretells a New Era of Worship")), then clarifies that salvation is from the Jews ([John 4:22](/john/4-22 "John 4:22 - Salvation is from the Jews")), and finally reveals that the Father is actively seeking worshipers who will worship "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23](/john/4-23 "John 4:23 - The Father Seeks True Worshipers")). John 4:24 provides the theological foundation for this new paradigm of worship, rooted in God's very nature.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The animosity between Jews and Samaritans was deeply entrenched, stemming from historical, ethnic, and religious differences. Samaritans were descendants of Israelites who intermarried with foreign settlers after the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom (722 BC), adopting a syncretistic religion. They rejected all Jewish scriptures except the Pentateuch and worshipped God on Mount Gerizim, where they had built their own temple, contrasting with the Jewish conviction that Jerusalem was the sole legitimate place of worship, chosen by God ([Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Chosen Place of Worship")). This geographical and theological dispute was a major point of contention, leading to mutual disdain and avoidance. Jesus' willingness to engage with a Samaritan woman, let alone discuss profound theological truths with her, was revolutionary and challenged deeply held cultural prejudices, signaling the breaking down of barriers in the coming kingdom.

* **Key Themes:** John 4:24 contributes significantly to several major themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **God's transcendent nature**, revealing Him as an incorporeal Spirit, unconfined by physical space or human constructs. This theme liberates worship from geographical and ritualistic constraints, emphasizing an internal, relational dynamic. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **true worship**, contrasting superficial or external religious observance with genuine, heart-felt communion with God. This aligns with Jesus' consistent emphasis on internal transformation over external conformity, as seen in His critique of the Pharisees. Thirdly, the verse points to **Jesus as the embodiment of truth and the new revelation**. By declaring that worship must be "in truth," Jesus implicitly points to Himself, as He later states, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")". Therefore, true worship is worship that aligns with the person and work of Christ, who reveals the Father fully. This passage also subtly introduces the **New Covenant** paradigm, where access to God is no longer mediated by a physical temple or specific rituals but by the Spirit and the truth revealed in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** From uncertain affinity, this term refers to a deity, specifically the supreme Divinity. In this context, it emphasizes the singular, ultimate, and transcendent nature of the God being discussed, setting the stage for His unique attributes as Spirit.
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to blow" or "breathe," _pneûma_ denotes a current of air, breath, or figuratively, a spirit. Here, when applied to God, it signifies His incorporeal, invisible, and life-giving essence, distinguishing Him from anything material or confined. When referring to human worship, it points to the inner, non-physical part of a person—the heart, mind, and will—where genuine communion with God occurs.
* **Worship (Greek, _proskynéō'_):** This verb literally means "to fawn or crouch to," implying prostration in homage, reverence, or adoration. It describes the act of showing profound respect and submission, often by bowing down. In John 4:24, it encompasses the entirety of devotion and adoration directed towards God.
* **Truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** Derived from a word meaning "not hidden" or "unconcealed," _alḗtheia_ signifies reality, authenticity, and conformity to fact. In a theological sense, it refers to God's revealed character, His Word, and ultimately, the person of Jesus Christ, who embodies ultimate reality. Worship "in truth" means worship that is genuine, sincere, and aligned with God's revealed nature and will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God [is] a Spirit":** This foundational declaration reveals the very nature of God. He is not a physical being, confined to a temple or a mountain, nor limited by human form or perception. He is incorporeal, invisible, omnipresent, and transcendent. This statement dismantles the geographical and ritualistic disputes, asserting that God's essence is spiritual, thus requiring a spiritual response.
* **"and they that worship him":** This phrase identifies the specific group of people Jesus is addressing—those who seek to honor, adore, and serve God. It shifts the focus from *where* one worships to *who* is worshipping and *how* they are doing so.
* **"must worship [him]":** The Greek word _deî_ (must) indicates a divine necessity or obligation. It's not merely a suggestion but a requirement stemming directly from God's nature. Because God is Spirit, the only appropriate and acceptable way to worship Him is in a manner consistent with that nature.
* **"in spirit":** This refers to the human spirit, the innermost being of a person—the mind, heart, and will. To worship "in spirit" means that worship must be internal, sincere, authentic, and from the heart, rather than a mere outward performance, ritual, or external observance. It emphasizes a genuine, personal engagement with God, flowing from a renewed inner self.
* **"and in truth":** This complements "in spirit" by adding the dimension of objective reality. Worship "in truth" means worship that is based on God's revealed character, His Word, and the reality of who He is, particularly as revealed in Jesus Christ. It contrasts with worship based on false beliefs, human traditions, or superficial understanding. It implies intellectual integrity and theological accuracy, ensuring that our devotion is directed towards the true God, as He has truly revealed Himself.

#### Literary Devices
John 4:24 employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is **Definition** or **Declaration**, as Jesus directly defines God's nature ("God is a Spirit"), which then serves as the premise for the subsequent imperative regarding worship. This declaration functions as a **Theological Axiom**, a self-evident truth from which all other conclusions about worship flow. There is also a clear **Contrast** established between the old paradigm of localized, external worship (on Mount Gerizim or in Jerusalem) and the new paradigm of internal, authentic, and biblically grounded worship ("in spirit and in truth"). This contrast highlights the radical shift Jesus is introducing. Furthermore, the phrase "must worship" carries a strong sense of **Divine Imperative** or **Necessity**, underscoring that the nature of God dictates the nature of acceptable worship. The use of "Spirit" for God and "spirit" for the human worshiper also creates a subtle **Parallelism** or **Correspondence**, suggesting that true worship involves an alignment or communion between God's spiritual nature and the human spirit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 4:24 is a cornerstone verse that profoundly shapes Christian theology of worship, moving it beyond geographical and ritualistic confines to an internal, authentic, and Christ-centered reality. It emphasizes God's transcendence and immanence simultaneously: He is a Spirit, unconfined, yet desires intimate communion with human spirits. This declaration anticipates the New Covenant reality where the Holy Spirit empowers believers to draw near to God directly, without the need for a physical temple or mediating priesthood, because Christ Himself is the ultimate High Priest and the new temple. True worship, therefore, is not about where we go, but about the genuine posture of our heart and mind, aligned with God's revealed truth in Jesus. It signifies a shift from external performance to internal transformation, from shadow to substance, and from law to grace.

* [Philippians 3:3](/philippians/3-3 "Philippians 3:3 - True Worshipers by the Spirit")
* [Romans 1:9](/romans/1-9 "Romans 1:9 - Paul's Worship in Spirit")
* [2 Corinthians 3:17](/2_corinthians/3-17 "2 Corinthians 3:17 - The Lord is the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 4:24 calls every believer to a profound re-evaluation of their worship, challenging us to move beyond mere religious routine or external display. It reminds us that God is not impressed by outward show but desires the sincere devotion of our innermost being. To worship "in spirit" means cultivating a heart that is genuinely engaged with God, free from pretense, distraction, or hypocrisy. It involves bringing our whole selves—our thoughts, emotions, and will—into communion with Him. To worship "in truth" means grounding our worship in the revealed Word of God and the person of Jesus Christ. This requires diligent study of Scripture, a commitment to sound doctrine, and a life that reflects the reality of God's character. Ultimately, John 4:24 transforms worship from a compartmentalized activity into a holistic lifestyle, where every aspect of our lives can become an act of devotion, lived in authentic relationship with the Spirit of God and in alignment with His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as "a Spirit" change your perception of where and how you can worship Him?**
* **In what ways might your current worship practices be more "in the flesh" or "in tradition" than "in spirit and in truth"?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more sincere and authentic "worship in spirit" in your daily life?**
* **How does a deeper knowledge of God's Word and the person of Jesus Christ enable you to worship "in truth"?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "God is a Spirit"?**
Answer: This foundational statement means that God is not a physical being, confined to a body, a specific location, or any material form. He is incorporeal, invisible, boundless, and omnipresent. This truth liberates worship from geographical constraints (like specific mountains or temples) and emphasizes that God's essence transcends human limitations. Because He is Spirit, He cannot be contained or fully apprehended by physical means, and therefore, true communion with Him must be spiritual in nature.

**Does "worship in spirit" refer to the Holy Spirit or the human spirit?**
Answer: While the Holy Spirit certainly enables and empowers true worship (as seen in [Philippians 3:3](/philippians/3-3 "Philippians 3:3 - Worshiping by the Spirit of God")), in John 4:24, "in spirit" primarily refers to the human spirit—the innermost part of a person, encompassing the mind, heart, and will. It emphasizes that worship must be internal, sincere, authentic, and from the core of one's being, rather than merely external rituals or outward performances. It's about the posture and disposition of the worshiper's heart.

**What is the significance of "worship in truth"?**
Answer: To worship "in truth" means that our worship must be consistent with God's revealed character and His Word. It's not based on false ideas, human traditions, or superficial understanding, but on the reality of who God is and what He has revealed, especially through Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")". Therefore, true worship is worship that aligns with the person and work of Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as the full revelation of God's truth. It ensures that our devotion is directed towards the true God, as He has truly revealed Himself, preventing idolatry or worship based on error.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 4:24, spoken by Jesus, is profoundly Christ-centered, as He Himself is the ultimate fulfillment of the spiritual and truthful worship it describes. When Jesus declares "God is a Spirit," He is not merely offering an abstract theological truth but laying the groundwork for His own role in making such worship possible. He is the "truth" in whom worship must be offered, for "[no one comes to the Father except through me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Only Way to the Father")". Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus tore the veil of the temple, symbolizing direct access to God's presence, no longer confined to a physical structure or a specific priestly lineage ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")). Furthermore, it is through Jesus' ascension and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit—the very Spirit of God—that believers are empowered to worship "in spirit." The Spirit indwells believers, enabling them to truly know God, to pray according to His will, and to offer worship that is pleasing to the Father ([Romans 8:26-27](/romans/8-26-27 "Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit Intercedes for Us")). Thus, Jesus, as the Incarnate Truth and the Giver of the Spirit, inaugurates the new era of worship where the Father seeks and finds true worshipers through Him, establishing a direct, intimate, and authentic relationship with God that transcends all previous limitations.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 3:17

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

Matthew 15:8

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

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

Philippians 3:3

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

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

Isaiah 57:15

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

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.