John 4:32

But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

But {G1161} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, I {G1473} have {G2192} meat {G1035} to eat {G5315} that {G3739} ye {G5210} know {G1492} not {G3756} of {G1492}.

But he answered, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about.”

But He told them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”

But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not.

In John 4:32, Jesus makes a profound statement to His disciples, "But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of." This enigmatic declaration immediately follows His transformative encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, revealing a deeper truth about His mission and source of sustenance.

Context

The scene unfolds in Samaria, near the town of Sychar. Jesus, weary from His journey, had sent His disciples into the town to buy food (John 4:8). While they were gone, He engaged in a pivotal conversation with a Samaritan woman, revealing Himself as the Messiah and offering "living water" that quenches spiritual thirst. Upon their return, the disciples, concerned that He hadn't eaten, urged Him to partake of the physical food they had brought. Jesus' response in this verse redirects their attention from the literal to the spiritual, indicating that His true nourishment comes from a source they don't yet comprehend.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Nourishment vs. Physical Sustenance: Jesus uses the common concept of "meat" (food) to draw a stark contrast between physical needs and spiritual fulfillment. He implies that His deepest satisfaction and strength come not from earthly provisions but from a divine source. This sets the stage for later teachings on the "bread of life".
  • The Priority of God's Will: The "meat" Jesus refers to is the fulfillment of God's purpose. As He elaborates in the subsequent verse (John 4:34), His food is "to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." This highlights Jesus' unwavering commitment to His Father's plan and His ultimate mission on earth.
  • Disciples' Misunderstanding: This verse is one of many instances in the Gospels where the disciples, still operating from an earthly perspective, struggle to grasp the spiritual depth of Jesus' words. Their literal interpretation of "meat" stands in contrast to Jesus' profound spiritual meaning, underscoring the need for spiritual discernment.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "meat" translates the Greek word brōma (βρῶμα), which broadly means "food" or "that which is eaten." It doesn't exclusively refer to flesh. By using this general term for food, Jesus creates a powerful analogy, drawing His disciples from their immediate concern for physical sustenance to the profound spiritual satisfaction derived from obedience to God's will. The emphasis is on the source of nourishment, not its physical form.

Practical Application

For believers today, John 4:32 serves as a powerful reminder that our deepest fulfillment and true spiritual nourishment come from aligning our lives with God's purpose. It encourages us to prioritize seeking and doing His will above all else, recognizing that obedience brings a satisfaction that far surpasses any earthly pleasure or material gain. When we are engaged in God's work, we experience a profound sense of purpose and sustenance, mirroring the very heart of Christ's mission.

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.

  • Job 23:12

    Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].

  • Psalms 119:103

    ¶ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! [yea, sweeter] than honey to my mouth!

  • John 4:34

    Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

  • Jeremiah 15:16

    Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

  • Proverbs 18:20

    ¶ A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; [and] with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

  • Psalms 25:14

    The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

  • Proverbs 14:10

    ¶ The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.

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