John 4:44

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

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}.

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

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

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

John 4:44 KJV states, "For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country." This verse offers a profound insight into the challenges of prophetic ministry and the often-skeptical reception of divine truth, particularly as experienced by Jesus Himself.

Context of John 4:44

This statement by Jesus, or a commentary by John the Evangelist, appears immediately after Jesus' significant and highly successful ministry in Samaria, where many Samaritans believed in Him and His message (John 4:39). After spending two days there, Jesus departed for Galilee. Verse 44 serves as an explanatory note, clarifying why Jesus might have moved from a place of great acceptance to a region where He anticipated a different kind of reception. His "own country" could refer specifically to Nazareth, where He grew up, or more broadly to Judea or even Galilee in general, where familiarity often led to a lack of respect for His divine authority.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Rejection of the Familiar: A central theme is the human tendency to undervalue or dismiss a prophet, or any significant figure, who originates from one's own community or background. Familiarity can breed skepticism rather than honor.
  • Challenges of Prophetic Ministry: The verse highlights the inherent difficulties faced by those who deliver God's truth. True prophets often encounter opposition, not just from those outside the faith, but from those who are closest to them or who have known them since childhood.
  • Divine Purpose Over Human Approval: Despite the anticipated lack of honor, Jesus continued His ministry journey, demonstrating that His mission was driven by God's will, not by the search for human recognition or acceptance.
  • Contrasting Responses to Truth: Implicitly, the verse contrasts the eager belief of the Samaritans with the expected resistance in Jesus' "own country," illustrating the varied and often unpredictable ways people respond to the Gospel.

Linguistic Insights

The term "prophet" (Greek: prophētēs) denotes someone who speaks forth on behalf of God, delivering His divine message. "Honour" (Greek: timē) signifies value, esteem, or respect. The phrase "own country" (Greek: patris) refers to one's native land or fatherland, emphasizing the local context from which one originates. This statement is a well-known proverb, reflecting a universal observation about how people often struggle to accept profound truth or authority from someone they consider "one of their own."

Related Scriptures

Jesus reiterated this truth on several occasions, underscoring its consistent relevance to His ministry and the experience of God's messengers:

  • Matthew 13:57: "But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house."
  • 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."
  • Luke 4:24: "And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country." This particular account details Jesus' rejection in Nazareth after preaching in the synagogue.
  • This pattern of rejection aligns with the broader theme found in John's Gospel that He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

Practical Application

For believers today, John 4:44 offers valuable insights:

  • Perseverance in Sharing Truth: It reminds us that when we share the Gospel or live out our faith, we may encounter skepticism or rejection, especially from those closest to us. This verse encourages us to persevere in our calling, regardless of human reception.
  • Humility in Expectation: We should not be surprised or discouraged if our efforts to serve God or share His truth are not always met with the honor or acceptance we might expect, particularly from our immediate circles.
  • God's Unconventional Ways: God often works through unexpected people and in unexpected places. Sometimes, those considered "outsiders" are more open to the truth than those who have been exposed to it their entire lives.
  • Seeking Divine Approval: Ultimately, our honor comes from God, not from human recognition. This verse encourages us to pursue God's approval above all else, following the example of Jesus Himself, who fulfilled His mission despite human resistance.
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.

  • 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.

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