John 4:40

KJV

So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G3767} when {G5613} the Samaritans {G4541} were come {G2064} unto {G4314} him {G846}, they besought {G2065} him {G846} that he would tarry {G3306} with {G3844} them {G846}: and {G2532} he abode {G3306} there {G1563} two {G1417} days {G2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So when these people from Shomron came to him, they asked him to stay with them. He stayed two days,

Berean Standard Bible

So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed two days.

American Standard Version

So when the Samaritans came unto him, they besought him to abide with them: and he abode there two days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Records the earnest plea of the Samaritans for Jesus to remain with them after their initial encounter, prompted by the testimony of the Samaritan woman. Responding to their sincere invitation, Jesus graciously extended His stay in their town for two days, a significant period that allowed for deeper engagement and a broader impact on the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the profoundly significant encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well in [John 4:1-38](/john/4-1-38 "John 4:1-38 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well"). Her personal testimony, born from Jesus' supernatural knowledge of her life and His revelation of Himself as the Messiah, served as the catalyst for the Samaritans' initial interest. [John 4:39](/john/4-39 "John 4:39 - Many Samaritans Believe") explicitly states that "many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did." This collective belief and curiosity then prompted their journey out of Sychar to meet Jesus, culminating in their invitation for Him to "tarry" with them, which He accepted. The subsequent verses ([John 4:41-42](/john/4-41-42 "John 4:41-42 - More Samaritans Believe Because of Jesus' Word")) reveal the fruit of this extended stay: many more believed, not just because of the woman's word, but because they heard Jesus themselves.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The interaction between Jesus and the Samaritans was revolutionary given the deep-seated animosity between Jews and Samaritans. Originating from the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC, the Samaritans were a mixed race, combining Israelite remnants with foreign settlers, and their religion blended elements of Mosaic law with pagan practices. They built their own temple on Mount Gerizim, which the Jews considered a grave affront to the Jerusalem Temple. This historical and theological division led to mutual contempt and avoidance; Jews typically detoured around Samaria. Jesus' deliberate journey through Samaria ([John 4:4](/john/4-4 "John 4:4 - Jesus Must Go Through Samaria")), His engagement with a Samaritan woman, and His subsequent willingness to dwell in their town, directly challenged centuries of prejudice and demonstrated a radical inclusivity that transcended ethnic and religious boundaries.
* **Key Themes:** [John 4](/john/4 "John 4 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman") is rich with theological themes that converge in this verse. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Jesus' mission to break down social and ethnic barriers**, demonstrating God's universal love and desire for all people to come to Him, regardless of their background or previous religious affiliations. Secondly, the passage highlights the **power of personal testimony**; the Samaritan woman's simple yet authentic witness was instrumental in drawing her community to Jesus, underscoring the ripple effect of a transformed life. Thirdly, it reveals the **spiritual hunger and openness** found in unexpected places. Unlike some Jewish leaders who often displayed skepticism, the Samaritans showed remarkable eagerness to hear and receive Jesus, inviting Him to stay so they could learn more. Finally, Jesus' decision to "abode there two days" exemplifies **divine hospitality and patient investment**, showing His willingness to spend time nurturing nascent faith and deepening understanding among those who genuinely sought Him, affirming their value in God's eyes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **besought (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** This verb, G2065, means "to interrogate; by implication, to request." In this context, it signifies an earnest and pressing request or invitation. It conveys a strong desire and eagerness on the part of the Samaritans, indicating that their invitation was not a casual suggestion but a heartfelt plea for Jesus to extend His stay. This reflects their spiritual hunger and the impact of the woman's testimony.
* **tarry/abode (Greek, _ménō'_):** G3306, a primary verb meaning "to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy); abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for)." The repetition of this word (first as an infinitive in their request, then as an aorist active indicative describing Jesus' action) emphasizes the significance of Jesus' physical presence. Their request was for Him to "remain" or "dwell" with them, and He indeed "abode" or "remained" there. This signifies a deeper, more intentional presence than a mere fleeting visit, allowing for sustained teaching and interaction.
* **two days (Greek, _dýo'_ and _hēméra'_):** G1417 (_dýo'_) means "two," and G2250 (_hēméra'_) means "day," specifically "the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours." The specific mention of "two days" is not incidental. It indicates a significant, though not excessively long, period of time. This duration allowed for the Samaritans to move beyond initial curiosity to a deeper, personal conviction based on Jesus' own words, as confirmed in [John 4:41-42](/john/4-41-42 "John 4:41-42 - More Samaritans Believe Because of Jesus' Word"). It implies a time of teaching, conversation, and relationship-building that solidified their faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So when the Samaritans were come unto him":** This clause highlights the direct and immediate response of the Samaritans. Having heard the woman's testimony in [John 4:39](/john/4-39 "John 4:39 - Many Samaritans Believe"), they actively sought out Jesus, demonstrating their openness and eagerness to investigate the claims about Him. Their coming to Him signifies a breaking of traditional social barriers, as Jews typically avoided Samaritans.
* **"they besought him that he would tarry with them":** This reveals the Samaritans' earnest desire for Jesus' continued presence. The term "besought" (erōtáō) implies a strong, heartfelt request, reflecting their spiritual hunger and the profound impact Jesus had already made. Their invitation for Him to "tarry" (ménō) signifies a longing for sustained interaction and teaching, not just a brief encounter.
* **"and he abode there two days":** This final clause underscores Jesus' compassionate and strategic response. His willingness to stay, despite the historical animosity and the fact that He was on His way to Galilee, demonstrates His universal mission and His readiness to invest in those who sought Him. The "two days" signifies a sufficient period for the Samaritans to hear His teaching directly and for their faith to deepen beyond mere hearsay, leading to a more profound and personal conviction.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective literary devices. **Narrative Progression** is evident as the story moves from the individual encounter with the Samaritan woman to the collective response of the town, demonstrating the expansive reach of the Gospel. The woman's testimony acts as a crucial bridge, leading to the Samaritans' direct interaction with Jesus. There is also a subtle **Irony** present: while many Jewish leaders and the religious elite often rejected Jesus, this historically marginalized and despised group—the Samaritans—showed remarkable spiritual openness and eagerness to receive Him. This highlights the theme that God's grace is not limited by human prejudice. Furthermore, the act of Jesus "abiding" with them can be seen as **Symbolism** of God's desire to dwell among His people, transcending the physical temple and extending His presence to all who believe, fulfilling ancient prophecies of a universal kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the expansive and inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' willingness to not only engage with but also to reside among the Samaritans shatters the narrow confines of ethnocentric religion, revealing that God's love and salvation are for all peoples, not just a select few. It underscores the truth that genuine spiritual hunger, regardless of one's background or past, is met with divine presence and instruction. This encounter foreshadows the global mission of the church, where barriers of race, culture, and social status are to be dismantled by the unifying power of the Gospel. The Samaritans' eager reception stands as a powerful testament to the fact that the Spirit of God can move in unexpected places, preparing hearts to receive Christ.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")
* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 4:40](/john/4-40 "John 4:40 - Jesus Stays with the Samaritans") offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine our own prejudices and biases, urging us to extend the love and message of Christ to all people, especially those we might consider "outsiders" or those with whom we have historical or cultural differences. Just as the Samaritan woman's testimony was a powerful catalyst, our personal stories of encountering Jesus can be incredibly effective in drawing others to Him. This verse also calls us to cultivate a deep spiritual hunger, mirroring the Samaritans' earnest desire for Jesus' presence and teaching. We should eagerly seek to spend time in God's Word and in His presence, allowing Him to deepen our faith and transform our lives. Finally, it reminds us of the importance of hospitality and patient discipleship; like Jesus, we are called to invest time and care in those who are seeking truth, creating environments where they can genuinely encounter the Savior for themselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Are there "Samaritans" in my life or community—people I might instinctively avoid or judge—to whom God is calling me to extend His love?**
* **How effectively am I sharing my personal testimony of Jesus, and how can I make it more impactful in drawing others to Him?**
* **Do I possess the same spiritual hunger and eagerness to "tarry" with Jesus through His Word and prayer as the Samaritans did?**
* **In what ways can I offer "divine hospitality" to those who are seeking, creating space for them to encounter Christ's presence and truth?**

### FAQ
**Why was it significant that Jesus stayed with the Samaritans for "two days"?**

Answer: The "two days" mentioned in [John 4:40](/john/4-40 "John 4:40 - Jesus Stays with the Samaritans") is significant because it indicates a period long enough for deep, personal engagement and teaching, moving beyond initial curiosity. It wasn't a fleeting visit but a deliberate investment of time. This extended stay allowed the Samaritans to hear Jesus' words directly, leading to a more profound and personal faith, as described in [John 4:41-42](/john/4-41-42 "John 4:41-42 - More Samaritans Believe Because of Jesus' Word"). Their belief transitioned from being based on the woman's testimony to being rooted in their own experience of Jesus' teaching, signifying genuine conversion and understanding. This also underscores Jesus' commitment to nurturing nascent faith, even among those considered outsiders.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 4:40](/john/4-40 "John 4:40 - Jesus Stays with the Samaritans") powerfully foreshadows the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work, revealing Him as the Savior not just of Israel, but of the world. His willingness to "abode there two days" with the Samaritans, a people despised by the Jews, is a living embodiment of His mission to break down "the middle wall of partition" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) between Jew and Gentile. This act of radical inclusivity anticipates the Great Commission, where His disciples are commanded to "go ye therefore, and teach all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), beginning in Jerusalem, then Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), demonstrates here that His saving grace is for all who believe, regardless of their ethnic or religious background, making them [one new man in Himself](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - Creating One New Man"). His patient presence with the Samaritans reveals Him as the compassionate Shepherd who seeks out the lost sheep from every fold, drawing them into His eternal kingdom.

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

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Acts 16:15

And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought [us], saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us.

2 Corinthians 6:1

¶ We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

2 Corinthians 6:2

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.)

Luke 24:29

But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

Luke 8:38

Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

Jeremiah 14:8

O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man [that] turneth aside to tarry for a night?