John 4:40

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

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}.

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

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

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

John 4:40 describes the eager response of the Samaritans to Jesus after the impactful encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. Having heard the woman's testimony, many from the town of Sychar came out to meet Jesus and earnestly requested Him to stay longer with them, which He graciously did for two days.

Context

This verse immediately follows the pivotal narrative of Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. Historically, Jews and Samaritans harbored deep-seated religious and ethnic animosity, often avoiding interaction. Jesus’ willingness to engage with her, and then to stay in their town, profoundly challenged these social and religious barriers. The woman’s initial testimony (see John 4:39) sparked curiosity and belief among the townspeople, leading them to seek out Jesus themselves.

Key Themes

  • Breaking Barriers: Jesus consistently demonstrated His mission transcended social, ethnic, and religious boundaries. His acceptance of the Samaritans highlights God's love for all humanity, not just one chosen group.
  • The Power of Personal Testimony: The woman’s simple yet powerful testimony, "Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?" (John 4:29), moved an entire community to encounter Jesus firsthand.
  • Spiritual Hunger and Openness: The Samaritans, despite their historical separation from Jewish traditions, showed remarkable spiritual openness and eagerness to hear more from Jesus, contrasting with the skepticism often encountered among some Jewish leaders. They didn't just hear about Him; they wanted Him to "tarry" (stay) with them.
  • Divine Hospitality: Jesus' decision to remain for two days signifies His willingness to invest time in those who sought Him, affirming their value and demonstrating His love for all people, including those considered outsiders.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "besought him" translates from the Greek verb parekaloun (παρεκάλουν), which implies an earnest pleading, an invitation, or even a comforting request. It conveys a strong desire and eagerness on the part of the Samaritans for Jesus to remain. The word "tarry" (μείναι - meinai) means to abide, remain, or stay. In this context, it signifies a physical presence, allowing for deeper instruction and confirmation of the truth Jesus brought, leading many more to believe (as seen in John 4:41).

Practical Application

John 4:40 encourages believers to:

  • Overcome Prejudice: Like Jesus, we are called to look beyond social, racial, or religious divides and share the Gospel with all people.
  • Value Personal Testimony: Your story of encountering Christ can be a powerful catalyst for others to seek Him.
  • Cultivate Spiritual Hunger: Be eager to spend time in God's presence and learn from His Word, just as the Samaritans desired Jesus' continued presence.
  • Offer Christ's Welcome: Be open and welcoming to those seeking truth, creating an environment where they can encounter Jesus for themselves.
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.

  • 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?

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