John 4:31

In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.

{G1161} In {G1722} the mean {G3342} while his disciples {G3101} prayed {G2065} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Master {G4461}, eat {G5315}.

Meanwhile, the talmidim were urging Yeshua, “Rabbi, eat something.”

Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.”

In the mean while the disciples prayed him, saying, Rabbi, eat.

Context of John 4:31

This verse immediately follows Jesus' transformative encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well in Sychar. The disciples had left Jesus to go into the town to buy food (John 4:8) and now return, finding Him conversing with a woman—a culturally unusual scenario for a rabbi. Their immediate concern is for Jesus' physical well-being, urging Him to eat after what they presumed was a tiring and hungry wait.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Disciples' Earthly Focus vs. Jesus' Spiritual Mission: The disciples' primary concern is for Jesus' physical hunger, highlighting their limited understanding of the deeper spiritual work Jesus was engaged in. They are focused on temporal needs, while Jesus is focused on eternal matters, specifically sharing the Gospel and revealing Himself as the Messiah (John 4:26).
  • Care and Concern: Despite their misunderstanding, the disciples' request shows their genuine care and loyalty for Jesus, wanting to provide for His physical needs.
  • Anticipation of Deeper Truth: This simple request sets the stage for one of Jesus' profound teachings about His true 'food' and mission, which He reveals in the subsequent verses (John 4:34).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "prayed him" translates the Greek word parekaloun (παρεκάλουν), which here means to urge, exhort, or beseech, rather than a formal prayer to God. It conveys an earnest and persistent request from the disciples to their Master. The term "Master" (rhabbi, ῥαββί) is a respectful address, acknowledging Jesus' role as a teacher and spiritual leader.

Practical Application

John 4:31 serves as a reminder that our own human perspectives often prioritize physical or immediate needs, potentially overlooking the spiritual work that God is doing around us. Like the disciples, we can be so focused on the mundane that we miss the divine. This verse challenges us to:

  • Elevate Our Perspective: Seek to understand God's purposes and priorities, which often transcend our immediate circumstances.
  • Recognize Spiritual Hunger: Understand that true sustenance comes from doing God's will and participating in His work, not just from physical provisions (Matthew 4:4).
  • Be Attentive to God's Work: Be sensitive to how God is working in the lives of others, even when it seems unconventional or outside our expectations.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Genesis 24:33

    And there was set [meat] before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.

  • John 1:38

    Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

  • Acts 16:30

    And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

  • Acts 16:34

    And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

  • Matthew 23:7

    And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

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