John 4:4

KJV

¶ And he must needs go through Samaria.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he must needs {G1163} go {G1330} through {G1223} Samaria {G4540}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This meant that he had to pass through Shomron.

Berean Standard Bible

Now He had to pass through Samaria.

American Standard Version

And he must needs pass through Samaria.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 4:4 succinctly states the divine imperative behind Jesus's journey from Judea to Galilee: "And he must needs go through Samaria." This seemingly simple geographical detail carries profound theological weight, signifying not merely a convenient route but a divinely appointed mission to intentionally cross deep-seated ethnic and religious barriers. It underscores Jesus's sovereign purpose to extend the reach of God's grace beyond conventional boundaries, setting the stage for His transformative encounter with the Samaritan woman and the subsequent spiritual awakening in the region.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus's departure from Judea, prompted by the Pharisees' awareness of His growing number of disciples and baptisms, surpassing even John the Baptist's ministry ([John 4:1-3](/john/4-1-3 "John 4:1-3 - Jesus Departs Judea")). The narrative then transitions to His journey north towards Galilee. The statement "he must needs go through Samaria" acts as a crucial narrative hinge, explaining *why* Jesus chose a path that would lead to the significant encounter at Jacob's well and the subsequent evangelization of Sychar, detailed in the remainder of [John 4](/john/4 "John 4 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman"). It highlights the intentionality of Jesus's movements, setting up the dramatic and theologically rich dialogue that follows.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The relationship between Jews and Samaritans in the 1st century AD was fraught with deep-seated animosity, rooted in centuries of religious and ethnic division. The Samaritans were descendants of the northern kingdom of Israel who intermarried with foreign peoples after the Assyrian conquest in 722 BC and developed their own distinct religious practices, including their own version of the Pentateuch and worship centered on Mount Gerizim, not Jerusalem ([Deuteronomy 12:5-6](/deuteronomy/12-5-6 "Deuteronomy 12:5-6 - Place of Worship")). Jews viewed Samaritans as ritually unclean half-breeds and apostates, typically avoiding all contact with them. Jewish travelers regularly took a longer, circuitous route through the Jordan Valley to bypass Samaria entirely. Therefore, Jesus's decision to go "through Samaria" was a radical departure from established social norms and a deliberate act of challenging prevailing prejudices.

* **Key Themes:** John 4:4 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Necessity and Sovereignty**, signaling that Jesus's actions were not accidental but part of God's predetermined plan for salvation. The word "must needs" points to a divine imperative, a theological "it is necessary" for the fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes. Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **Breaking Down Barriers**, specifically the ethnic and religious divides between Jews and Samaritans. Jesus's willingness to enter Samaritan territory foreshadows the universal scope of the Gospel, which is for "all peoples, tribes, and tongues" ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Finally, it highlights **Intentional Ministry and Outreach**, demonstrating Jesus's proactive approach to seeking out the lost and marginalized, rather than waiting for them to come to Him. This aligns with His mission to "seek and to save the lost" as stated in [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **must needs (Greek, _deî'_):** This word (G1163) is the 3rd person singular active present of *deō*, meaning "it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)." It conveys a strong sense of divine imperative or obligation, indicating that Jesus's journey through Samaria was not merely a matter of geographical convenience or personal preference, but a spiritual and theological necessity mandated by God's sovereign will. It points to a divine appointment essential for the unfolding of His redemptive mission.
* **go through (Greek, _diérchomai'_):** This verb (G1330), formed from *dia* (through) and *erchomai* (to come/go), literally means "to traverse." While it denotes the physical act of passing through a region, in this context, it carries significant symbolic weight. Jesus's "going through" Samaria represents His intentional crossing of social, ethnic, and religious boundaries, directly confronting the deeply ingrained prejudices of His time and opening a path for the Gospel to reach those historically excluded.
* **Samaria (Greek, _Samáreia'_):** This term (G4540), of Hebrew origin (שֹׁמְרוֹן), refers to both a city and a region of Palestine. As detailed in the historical context, Samaria was a territory deeply despised by Jews due to centuries of religious and ethnic conflict. Its mention here immediately signals to the reader that Jesus is embarking on a journey that defies conventional Jewish practice and points to a ministry that transcends national and religious exclusivity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he must needs go":** This clause emphasizes the divine compulsion behind Jesus's actions. The Greek word *deî* (G1163, "must needs") signifies a divine necessity, not merely a logical or convenient choice. Jesus's path was not accidental but divinely ordained, essential for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. This highlights His obedience to the Father's will and the purposeful nature of His ministry.
* **"through Samaria":** This phrase identifies the specific, culturally charged route Jesus took. Given the intense animosity between Jews and Samaritans, this was an unconventional and often avoided path for Jewish travelers. Jesus's deliberate choice to traverse this region signifies His intention to break down social and religious barriers, demonstrating the universal scope of His mission and the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God. It sets the stage for the profound encounter with the Samaritan woman and the subsequent evangelization of the Samaritans.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus's deliberate journey through Samaria directly anticipates His revolutionary encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well and the subsequent evangelistic success among the Samaritans (John 4:5-42). This seemingly simple geographical detail sets the stage for a profound theological revelation: the Gospel is for all people, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The choice of route also functions as **Symbolism**, with Samaria representing the marginalized, the despised, and those outside the conventional boundaries of God's people. By entering Samaria, Jesus symbolically steps beyond the confines of Jewish exclusivity to inaugurate a ministry that embraces all. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in the "necessity" of taking the most direct route (geographically) which was, paradoxically, the most indirect and controversial route (socially and religiously) for a Jew. This highlights Jesus's divine purpose overriding human custom and prejudice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 4:4 profoundly underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and Jesus's active role in its unfolding. The divine "necessity" for Jesus to pass through Samaria reveals that God's love and salvation are not confined to any single ethnic or religious group, but are intended for all humanity. This act of boundary-crossing demonstrates Jesus's mission to reconcile estranged peoples and to dismantle the dividing walls of hostility that separate humanity. It foreshadows the Spirit-empowered expansion of the Gospel to the "ends of the earth," beginning with those closest yet most despised. Jesus's journey through Samaria is a tangible expression of God's inclusive grace, inviting all to partake in the living water He offers.

* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission to the Ends of the Earth")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")
* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 4:4 challenges believers to re-examine their own "Samarias"—those places, people groups, or social contexts that they might instinctively avoid due to prejudice, discomfort, or perceived cultural barriers. Just as Jesus intentionally traversed a path of social ostracization, we are called to step out of our comfort zones and engage with those whom society, or even our own biases, have marginalized. This verse teaches us to discern and obey divine imperatives, recognizing that God's purposes often lead us to unexpected and seemingly inconvenient places, precisely where His light is most needed. It encourages a proactive and compassionate approach to ministry, urging us to seek out the lost rather than waiting for them to come to us, and to embody the inclusive love of Christ that transcends all human-made divisions. Our willingness to cross these boundaries becomes a powerful testament to the unifying and transforming power of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Samarias" exist in my life or community—people groups, places, or situations I tend to avoid due to discomfort, prejudice, or cultural differences?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is willing to obey God's "must needs" even when it leads me to unconventional or challenging places?**
* **In what ways can I actively work to break down social, ethnic, or religious barriers in my own sphere of influence, mirroring Jesus's example?**

### FAQ

**Why was it "necessary" for Jesus to go through Samaria?**

Answer: The "necessity" (Greek: *deî*) was not merely geographical convenience, though Samaria was the most direct route from Judea to Galilee. Rather, it was a divine and theological imperative. Jesus's journey through Samaria was part of God's sovereign plan to extend salvation beyond the traditional boundaries of Israel. It was necessary for Him to encounter the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well ([John 4:5-26](/john/4-5-26 "John 4:5-26 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")), reveal Himself as the Messiah to her and, through her testimony, to many other Samaritans ([John 4:39-42](/john/4-39-42 "John 4:39-42 - Many Samaritans Believe")). This act demonstrated the universal nature of the Gospel, breaking down the deep-seated animosity between Jews and Samaritans and foreshadowing the broader inclusion of Gentiles into God's family.

**What was the relationship between Jews and Samaritans during Jesus's time?**

Answer: The relationship was marked by profound hostility and mutual contempt. The animosity stemmed from historical and religious differences. After the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC, the remaining Israelites intermarried with foreign settlers, leading to a mixed heritage. The Samaritans also developed their own distinct religious practices, including worshipping God on Mount Gerizim rather than in Jerusalem, and accepting only the Pentateuch (the first five books of Moses) as authoritative scripture ([Deuteronomy 12:5-6](/deuteronomy/12-5-6 "Deuteronomy 12:5-6 - Place of Worship")). Jews viewed Samaritans as apostates and ritually unclean, often refusing to have any dealings with them, to the point of taking longer, circuitous routes to avoid passing through Samaritan territory. Jesus's deliberate choice to go through Samaria and interact with its inhabitants was a radical act that defied these deeply entrenched social and religious norms.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 4:4, with its declaration of divine necessity for Jesus to pass through Samaria, is a powerful microcosm of Christ's entire redemptive mission. Jesus, the Son of God, "must needs" come into a fallen world, not by accident but by divine decree, to accomplish salvation for all who believe. His journey through Samaria prefigures His ultimate work on the cross, where He would break down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new humanity" in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Just as He intentionally crossed geographical and social boundaries to bring living water to a despised Samaritan woman ([John 4:13-14](/john/4-13-14 "John 4:13-14 - The Living Water")), so too He came to reconcile all estranged humanity to God, making a way for "whoever believes in him" to have eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). His journey through Samaria is a tangible demonstration of His identity as the inclusive Messiah, whose love and salvation extend to the uttermost parts of the earth, fulfilling the Father's eternal purpose to gather a people for Himself from every nation, tribe, and tongue ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")).

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

Luke 17:11

¶ And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

Luke 9:51

¶ And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

Luke 9:52

And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

Luke 2:49

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

Matthew 10:5

¶ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

Matthew 10:6

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.