John 4:42

And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard [him] ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

And {G5037} said {G3004} unto the woman {G1135},{G3754} Now {G3765} we believe {G4100}, not {G3754} because {G1223} of thy {G4674} saying {G2981}: for {G1063} we have heard {G191} him ourselves {G846}, and {G2532} know {G1492} that {G3754} this {G3778} is {G2076} indeed {G230} the Christ {G5547}, the Saviour {G4990} of the world {G2889}.

They said to the woman, “We no longer trust because of what you said, because we have heard for ourselves. We know indeed that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

They said to the woman, “We now believe not only because of your words; we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man truly is the Savior of the world.”

and they said to the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy speaking: for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world.

Commentary

John 4:42 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritans, revealing a profound shift from secondhand belief to direct, personal conviction. This verse marks the powerful outcome of Jesus' two-day stay in Sychar, where many Samaritans came to believe in Him.

Context

This declaration follows the remarkable interaction between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. After her transformative encounter, she rushed back to her town, Sychar, proclaiming, "Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?" (John 4:29). Initially, many Samaritans came out to meet Jesus based on her testimony. They then urged Jesus to stay with them, and He remained for two days, teaching and interacting with them (John 4:40-41). John 4:42 is the collective confession of these new believers, demonstrating that their faith was no longer reliant on the woman's words but on their personal experience of Jesus.

Key Themes

  • Personal Faith and Conviction: The most prominent theme is the transition from believing "because of thy saying" to believing because "we have heard him ourselves." This highlights the essential nature of a personal relationship with Christ, where faith is rooted in direct encounter and understanding, not merely secondhand information.
  • Universal Salvation: The Samaritans' confession, "this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world," is incredibly significant. Samaritans typically had a more localized expectation of the Messiah, viewing Him as a deliverer for their own people. Their recognition of Jesus as the "Saviour of the world" broadens the scope of God's redemptive plan beyond ethnic or religious boundaries, underscoring the universality of the Gospel message.
  • The Power of Personal Testimony: While personal encounter is paramount, the woman's testimony played a crucial role in bringing people to Jesus. It served as the initial spark that led others to seek Him out and hear Him for themselves.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Christ" in this verse is the Greek word Christos (Χριστός), which is the equivalent of the Hebrew Messiah (מָשִׁיחַ). Both mean "Anointed One." By declaring Jesus as "the Christ," the Samaritans were acknowledging Him as the long-awaited, divinely appointed deliverer and King. The addition of "the Saviour of the world" (Greek: ho Sōtēr tou kosmou) further emphasizes His global mission and redemptive purpose for all humanity, not just a select group.

Practical Application

John 4:42 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Seek Personal Encounter: Our faith should not solely rest on the traditions, experiences, or testimonies of others. While these are valuable, true and lasting faith comes from a personal encounter with Jesus, hearing His Word, and experiencing His presence in our own lives.
  • The Gospel is for All: This verse reminds us that the message of salvation is not exclusive to any one group, nation, or background. Jesus is indeed the "Saviour of the world," and His offer of redemption extends to every person. This should inspire us to share the Gospel broadly and without prejudice.
  • Value of Testimony: The Samaritan woman's story demonstrates that even a simple, honest testimony can be a powerful catalyst, drawing others to Jesus so they can hear Him for themselves. Our own stories of how Christ has impacted us can serve a similar purpose.
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Cross-References

  • 1 John 4:14 (14 votes)

    ¶ And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world.

  • 1 John 5:20 (7 votes)

    And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

  • John 1:29 (7 votes)

    ¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

  • Acts 4:12 (6 votes)

    Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

  • 1 Timothy 4:10 (6 votes)

    For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:19 (6 votes)

    To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

  • John 3:14 (5 votes)

    And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: