John 4:44

KJV

For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} Jesus {G2424} himself {G846} testified {G3140}, that {G3754} a prophet {G4396} hath {G2192} no {G3756} honour {G5092} in {G1722} his own {G2398} country {G3968}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now Yeshua himself said, “A prophet is not respected in his own country.”

Berean Standard Bible

Now He Himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.

American Standard Version

For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honor in his own country.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 4:44 presents Jesus' profound observation, either stated by Him or noted by the evangelist, that a prophet typically receives little honor in his own homeland. This verse serves as a crucial transitional statement, explaining Jesus' deliberate move from the receptive Samaritans to Galilee, where He anticipated a different, more skeptical reception from those familiar with His upbringing. It encapsulates a universal truth about the challenges faced by divine messengers, highlighting the human tendency to dismiss truth when it comes from a familiar source, and underscores Jesus' unwavering commitment to His mission despite anticipated rejection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' highly fruitful two-day ministry in Samaria, where many Samaritans believed in Him, declaring Him "the Savior of the world" ([John 4:39-42](/john/4-39-42 "John 4:39-42 - Samaritan Belief")). The evangelist John uses verse 44 as an explanatory bridge, clarifying Jesus' decision to depart for Galilee despite the Samaritans' eager reception. It sets up the narrative for Jesus' return to Galilee, specifically Cana, where He performs His second sign in that region ([John 4:46-54](/john/4-46-54 "John 4:46-54 - Healing the Official's Son")). The statement foreshadows the mixed reception Jesus would continue to face among His own people, contrasting sharply with the openness encountered among the Samaritans, thereby emphasizing a key Johannine theme of light coming into darkness, and the world not knowing Him ([John 1:5](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - Light and Darkness") and [John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - The World Did Not Know Him")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept that a prophet is not honored in his own country was a well-known proverb in ancient Jewish society, reflecting a common human experience. Jesus Himself likely grew up in Nazareth, a small, unremarkable town in Galilee. Familiarity often bred contempt or, at best, a lack of awe. People in His "own country" (likely referring to Galilee, or more specifically Nazareth) would have known Him as Joseph's son, the carpenter, and would have struggled to reconcile His humble origins with His extraordinary claims and miraculous power. This cultural predisposition made it difficult for them to accept Him as a divine messenger, let alone the Messiah. The historical context also includes the Jewish expectation of a Messiah, often envisioned as a political or military leader, which Jesus' humble appearance and spiritual teachings did not immediately align with for many.
* **Key Themes:** John 4:44 contributes to several significant themes within the Gospel of John and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **nature of prophetic ministry** and the inherent challenges faced by those who deliver God's truth, often encountering skepticism and rejection, particularly from those closest to them. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty over human reception**; Jesus' mission was not contingent on human honor or acceptance, but on the Father's will ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food")). Thirdly, it implicitly contrasts the **varied responses to God's truth**, showcasing the unexpected openness of the Samaritans versus the anticipated resistance from the Jewish people in His homeland. This sets the stage for the ongoing tension between belief and unbelief that permeates John's Gospel, where Jesus' identity and claims are constantly tested and often rejected by those who should have recognized Him ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - His Own Received Him Not")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **testified (Greek, _martyréō'_):** From _martys_ (witness), this verb means "to be a witness" or "to testify." It indicates a solemn declaration based on personal experience or knowledge. Here, it underscores that Jesus Himself, from His own lived experience, affirmed this truth about prophetic reception. The use of "testified" is significant in John's Gospel, where Jesus consistently bears witness to the truth and to the Father ([John 3:11](/john/3-11 "John 3:11 - Jesus Testifies to Heavenly Things"), [John 5:31-32](/john/5-31-32 "John 5:31-32 - Jesus' Witness")).
* **prophet (Greek, _prophḗtēs'_):** Derived from _pro_ (before, forth) and _phēmi_ (to speak), a prophet is literally "one who speaks forth" on behalf of God. This term encompasses not only foretelling the future but primarily forth-telling God's message, acting as His spokesperson. Jesus identifies Himself with this role, even though He is far greater than any mere prophet. The lack of honor for a prophet in his own country highlights the difficulty people have in accepting divine authority from someone familiar.
* **honour (Greek, _timḗ'_):** This word signifies value, esteem, respect, or dignity. It can refer to the price paid for something or the reverence given to someone. In this context, it denotes the respect, recognition, and acceptance due to a prophet for his divine message and authority. The absence of _timḗ_ implies a dismissal or devaluation of the prophet's person and message by those who should know him best.
* **country (Greek, _patrís'_):** Meaning "fatherland" or "native town," this term refers to one's homeland or place of origin. For Jesus, this primarily meant Nazareth, and by extension, the region of Galilee. The intimate familiarity of one's "countrymen" often paradoxically leads to a lack of proper respect or recognition for extraordinary individuals, as their origins are seen as too mundane for divine revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Jesus himself testified,"**: This opening clause, introduced by "For" (G1063, _gár_), provides the reason or explanation for Jesus' subsequent actions (moving to Galilee). The phrase "Jesus himself testified" emphasizes the personal authority and experiential basis of the statement. It is not merely a common proverb, but a truth affirmed by Jesus' own life and ministry, giving it profound weight.
* **"that a prophet hath no honour"**: This is the core assertion. It declares a universal principle: a prophet, someone sent by God to deliver His message, often struggles to gain the respect and recognition that his divine commission warrants. The phrase "hath no honour" (G2192 _echō_ G3756 _ou_ G5092 _timḗ_) conveys a strong negative, indicating a complete absence of the due esteem.
* **"in his own country."**: This specifies the particular context where this lack of honor is most acutely felt. "His own country" (G1722 _en_ G2398 _ídios_ G3968 _patrís_) refers to the prophet's native land or community. The familiarity of one's upbringing, family, and local reputation often overshadows the divine authority and message, leading people to dismiss the prophet as "just one of us."

#### Literary Devices
John 4:44 employs several significant literary devices. Primarily, it functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, reflecting a common, widely recognized truth about human nature and the reception of extraordinary individuals within their familiar surroundings. This proverb is given particular weight as it is either uttered or affirmed by Jesus Himself, making it an **Authoritative Pronouncement**. There is a strong element of **Irony** present; the very people who should have been most receptive to their own Messiah, having witnessed His upbringing and perhaps even His early signs, are precisely those who struggle to honor Him. Furthermore, the verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent rejections in Galilee and Judea, particularly in His hometown of Nazareth, as detailed in the Synoptic Gospels. This statement also creates a **Contrast** with the preceding narrative of the Samaritans' eager belief, highlighting the unexpected places where God's truth finds fertile ground versus the resistant soil of familiarity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 4:44 reveals a profound theological truth about the nature of divine revelation and human reception. God often chooses to work through seemingly ordinary individuals and in unexpected ways, challenging human preconceptions and pride. The consistent pattern of prophets being rejected in their own time and place, culminating in Jesus' own experience, underscores humanity's inherent resistance to God's authoritative word, especially when it disrupts comfortable norms or comes from a source deemed too familiar. This resistance is not merely a social phenomenon but a spiritual one, reflecting a deeper unwillingness to submit to divine authority. Yet, despite this rejection, God's purposes prevail, and His messengers continue to bear witness, demonstrating that divine validation far surpasses human approval.

* [Matthew 13:57](/matthew/13-57 "Matthew 13:57 - A Prophet Without Honor")
* [Mark 6:4](/mark/6-4 "Mark 6:4 - Jesus Rejected at Nazareth")
* [Luke 4:24](/luke/4-24 "Luke 4:24 - No Prophet Accepted in His Own Country")
* [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 4:44 offers enduring lessons for believers navigating the complexities of sharing their faith and living out their calling. It reminds us that the path of prophetic witness, whether in formal ministry or daily life, is often met with skepticism, indifference, or outright rejection, particularly from those within our closest circles—family, friends, or long-term acquaintances. We should not be surprised or discouraged when our efforts to speak truth, live righteously, or serve God are not met with the honor or acceptance we might desire from those who know us best. Instead, this verse encourages a humble perseverance, recognizing that our ultimate validation comes from God, not from human applause. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we open to truth, even when it comes from an unexpected or familiar source, or do we allow familiarity to breed contempt? Ultimately, our mission, like Jesus', is to faithfully declare God's truth, trusting Him with the outcome, knowing that His kingdom advances not by human recognition, but by divine power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be prone to devalue or dismiss truth because of its familiar source?**
* **How does Jesus' example of pressing on despite anticipated rejection encourage you in your own calling or witness?**
* **What does it mean for your spiritual life to seek God's approval above human honor or acceptance?**
* **How can you cultivate a heart that is more open to God's work, even when it manifests in unexpected people or places?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus go to Galilee if He knew He wouldn't be honored there?**

Answer: Jesus' decision to go to Galilee, despite knowing He would not be honored there, underscores His unwavering commitment to His divine mission and the Father's will, rather than seeking human recognition or comfort. His purpose was to proclaim the good news of the kingdom throughout all of Israel, not just in places where He was well-received. The Gospel of John consistently portrays Jesus as intentionally fulfilling His Father's plan, regardless of the obstacles or personal cost ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food")). His journey to Galilee was part of a strategic itinerary, leading Him to Cana where He would perform another significant sign, demonstrating His glory ([John 4:46-54](/john/4-46-54 "John 4:46-54 - Healing the Official's Son")). This act highlights His obedience and the principle that God's work often progresses through challenging circumstances, not just through easy acceptance.

**Is this verse only about Jesus, or does it apply to others?**

Answer: While John 4:44 is directly stated in the context of Jesus' own experience, it expresses a universal proverb that applies broadly to prophets, messengers of God, and even individuals who bring significant truth or change within their own communities. The Synoptic Gospels record Jesus explicitly applying this proverb to Himself when He was rejected in His hometown of Nazareth ([Matthew 13:57](/matthew/13-57 "Matthew 13:57 - A Prophet Without Honor"), [Mark 6:4](/mark/6-4 "Mark 6:4 - Jesus Rejected at Nazareth"), [Luke 4:24](/luke/4-24 "Luke 4:24 - No Prophet Accepted in His Own Country")). This principle extends to anyone who seeks to live out or proclaim God's truth, particularly to those who have known them intimately. Familiarity can sometimes lead to a lack of respect or a reluctance to acknowledge divine authority in a person.

**What does "his own country" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: While "his own country" (Greek: _patrís_) can broadly refer to one's native land, in the context of Jesus, it primarily refers to Galilee, and more specifically, to His hometown of Nazareth. Jesus grew up in Nazareth, and the people there knew Him as Joseph's son, the carpenter ([Mark 6:3](/mark/6-3 "Mark 6:3 - Is Not This the Carpenter?")). This intimate familiarity often led to a dismissal of His divine claims and authority. The contrast is drawn with the Samaritans, who were "outsiders" to Jewish society but were remarkably open to Jesus' message, demonstrating that God's truth is not bound by human expectations or geographical boundaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 4:44, while a seemingly simple proverb, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the very life, ministry, and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. He is the ultimate Prophet, not merely speaking God's words, but embodying them as the Word made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). Yet, He was indeed "without honor in His own country," a truth tragically demonstrated by His rejection by the Jewish leadership and many of His own people, who ultimately cried out for His crucifixion ([John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - Crucify Him!")). This rejection, far from being a failure, was central to God's redemptive plan. The "dishonor" Jesus endured—the mockery, the scourging, the cross—was the very means by which He secured honor and salvation for all humanity. His suffering and death, prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected by Men"), reveal that God's greatest work of salvation was accomplished not through human acclaim, but through the profound humility and self-emptying of the Son ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). By embracing the path of dishonor, Jesus opened the way for us to receive true honor and eternal life in Him, becoming the "author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrebs/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Author of Our Faith")). His rejection by His own people ultimately paved the way for the Gospel to extend to the Gentiles, fulfilling God's universal redemptive purpose.

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

Matthew 13:57

And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

Luke 4:24

And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.

Mark 6:4

But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.