John 4:47

When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

When he {G3778} heard {G191} that {G3754} Jesus {G2424} was come {G2240} out of {G1537} Judaea {G2449} into {G1519} Galilee {G1056}, he went {G565} unto {G4314} him {G846}, and {G2532} besought {G2065} him {G846} that {G2443} he would come down {G2597}, and {G2532} heal {G2390} his {G846} son {G5207}: for {G1063} he was at the point {G3195} of death {G599}.

This man, on hearing that Yeshua had come from Y’hudah to the Galil, went and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.

When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Him to come down and heal his son, who was about to die.

When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judæa into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son; for he was at the point of death.

Commentary

Commentary on John 4:47 (KJV)

John 4:47 introduces the second sign Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee, following the turning of water into wine (John 2:1-11). This verse sets the scene for a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority and the nature of true faith.

Context

Having journeyed from Judea through Samaria, where He revealed Himself to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, Jesus returns to Galilee. News of His presence in Cana reaches a desperate father, identified as a "nobleman" or "royal official" (Greek: basilikos), likely an officer in King Herod Antipas's court. This official, whose son was critically ill and "at the point of death," traveled from Capernaum to Cana—a distance of about 20 miles—to seek Jesus. His journey underscores the depth of his despair and his emerging belief in Jesus' healing power.

Key Themes

  • Desperate Faith: The nobleman's immediate action upon hearing of Jesus' arrival demonstrates a raw, urgent faith. He didn't send a servant; he went himself, pleading for his son's life. This plea highlights the lengths a parent will go to for their child.
  • Jesus' Compassion and Authority: Jesus, seeing the man's dire situation, responds to his earnest request. This miracle, which unfolds in the subsequent verses (John 4:50-53), showcases Jesus' power to heal even from a distance, without physical presence.
  • The Nature of Belief: Initially, the nobleman's faith seems contingent on Jesus physically coming down to heal his son. However, the subsequent events will challenge and deepen this faith, leading him to believe purely on Jesus' word. This serves as a significant lesson for all who seek healing or intervention from God.

Linguistic Insights

The term "nobleman" in the King James Version comes from the Greek word basilikos, which can mean "royal" or "belonging to a king." This suggests he was a person of significant standing, possibly an officer or courtier of Herod Antipas, who ruled Galilee. His high status makes his humble approach to Jesus even more notable. The phrase "at the point of death" (Greek: ē mellon apothnēskein) vividly conveys the immediate and grave danger the son was in, emphasizing the urgency of the father's plea and the miraculous nature of the subsequent healing.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that in moments of extreme crisis and desperation, our natural inclination should be to turn to Jesus. The nobleman's willingness to humble himself and travel a significant distance to seek help models persistent and earnest prayer. It teaches us that Jesus is accessible to all, regardless of social standing, and that His power is not limited by physical presence or distance. We are encouraged to bring our deepest needs to Him, trusting in His compassion and divine authority to intervene in our lives, just as He did for the nobleman's son.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 4:3

    He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

  • John 11:21

    Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

  • Mark 6:55

    And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

  • Mark 6:56

    And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

  • Psalms 46:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

  • Mark 10:47

    And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, [thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

  • Acts 9:38

    And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring [him] that he would not delay to come to them.
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