John 4:5

KJV

Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} cometh he {G2064} to {G1519} a city {G4172} of Samaria {G4540}, which is called {G3004} Sychar {G4965}, near {G4139} to the parcel of ground {G5564} that {G3739} Jacob {G2384} gave {G1325} to his {G846} son {G5207} Joseph {G2501}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He came to a town in Shomron called Sh’khem, near the field Ya‘akov had given to his son Yosef.

Berean Standard Bible

So He came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.

American Standard Version

So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 4:5 meticulously sets the geographical and historical stage for Jesus' pivotal encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. It describes Jesus' arrival in Sychar, a city in Samaria, specifically noting its proximity to the ancient parcel of ground that Jacob bequeathed to his son Joseph. This seemingly simple detail is rich with significance, anchoring the narrative in deep Old Testament history and immediately highlighting the complex cultural and religious landscape into which Jesus purposefully steps, preparing the reader for a profound theological dialogue on heritage, worship, and the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [John 4:4](/john/4-4 "John 4:4 - Jesus' Necessary Passage Through Samaria"), which states that Jesus "must needs go through Samaria." This necessity is not merely geographical convenience but a divine imperative, signaling Jesus' intentional mission beyond traditional Jewish boundaries. John 4:5 then provides the precise location—Sychar, near Jacob's historic land—setting the physical scene for the dramatic and transformative conversation that unfolds in the subsequent verses, particularly around [Jacob's Well](/john/4-6 "John 4:6 - Jesus at Jacob's Well"). The detailed description of the location serves to ground the miraculous and theological in a tangible, historically verifiable place, emphasizing the reality of Jesus' human journey and divine purpose.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Samaria was a region fraught with deep-seated ethnic and religious animosity between Jews and Samaritans. This animosity stemmed from historical events following the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC, when foreign peoples intermarried with the remaining Israelites, leading to a mixed populace and a syncretistic religion. Jews viewed Samaritans as half-breeds and heretics, often avoiding travel through their territory despite it being the most direct route between Judea and Galilee. The mention of "Sychar" is often associated with ancient Shechem, a city of immense historical significance, where Abraham first built an altar ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6-7 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham's Altar at Shechem")), Jacob settled and bought land ([Genesis 33:18-19](/genesis/33-18-19 "Genesis 33:18-19 - Jacob Buys Land at Shechem")), and Joshua renewed the covenant ([Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Joshua's Farewell Address and Covenant Renewal")). The reference to "the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph" directly invokes this shared patriarchal heritage, which, paradoxically, was also a source of contention, as Samaritans claimed to be the true inheritors of this tradition and the rightful worshipers of God on Mount Gerizim, not Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** John 4:5 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Intentionality and Universal Mission**, demonstrating that Jesus' journey was not accidental but a deliberate step towards breaking down the social and religious barriers that separated people, extending salvation to those traditionally considered outsiders. Secondly, the verse highlights **Historical Continuity and Fulfillment**, linking Jesus' ministry directly to the patriarchal promises and the ancient history of Israel, thereby affirming His role as the long-awaited Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecies. Lastly, it emphasizes **The Setting for Revelation and Encounter**, meticulously preparing the reader for the profound theological dialogue that will unfold, particularly concerning the nature of true worship and the identity of the Messiah, which are central to [Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman](/john/4-7-26 "John 4:7-26 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cometh (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This verb, meaning "to come or go," is used in a wide variety of applications, both literally and figuratively. Here, it denotes Jesus' physical arrival, but in the broader context of John's Gospel, it often carries a deeper theological weight, signifying Jesus' purposeful movement in fulfilling His divine mission. His "coming" to Samaria is not a happenstance but an intentional act of divine appointment.
* **city (Greek, _pólis'_):** This term refers to a town, often implying a walled settlement of varying size. The specification of "a city of Samaria" and its name "Sychar" provides a concrete, identifiable location, grounding the narrative in geographical reality. It signifies a place of human habitation and interaction, setting the stage for Jesus' engagement with the local populace, particularly the Samaritan woman.
* **gave (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb means "to give" in a very wide application, including bestowing, granting, or delivering. In this context, it refers to Jacob's historical act of bequeathing a specific parcel of land to his son Joseph. This act of "giving" highlights the deep historical roots of the location and the patriarchal heritage that both Jews and Samaritans claimed, making it a significant point of reference for the ensuing dialogue.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then cometh he to a city of Samaria":** This clause establishes Jesus' arrival in the region of Samaria, a significant and often avoided territory for Jews. The use of "Then" (G3767, _oûn_) suggests a logical progression from the previous verse, emphasizing the intentionality of His journey. His presence in Samaria immediately signals a breaking of social and religious norms, indicative of His inclusive mission.
* **"which is called Sychar":** This specifies the particular city within Samaria where Jesus arrived. Sychar is widely believed to be near or identical to ancient Shechem, a place steeped in Old Testament history. Naming the city provides a precise geographical anchor for the narrative, preparing the reader for the historical and theological discussions that will naturally arise from such a location.
* **"near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph":** This final phrase provides crucial historical context, linking the immediate setting to the ancient patriarchal narrative. The "parcel of ground" (G5564, _chōríon_) refers to the land Jacob purchased and later bequeathed to Joseph, where Joseph's bones were eventually buried ([Joshua 24:32](/joshua/24-32 "Joshua 24:32 - Joseph's Burial in Shechem")). This detail immediately evokes the shared heritage of Jacob, a figure revered by both Jews and Samaritans, and foreshadows the upcoming discussion about their respective claims to spiritual lineage and the true place of worship.

#### Literary Devices
John 4:5 employs several literary devices to enrich its meaning and prepare the reader for the unfolding narrative. The most prominent is **Setting**, as the verse meticulously details the geographical and historical location of Jesus' arrival. By specifying "a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph," the Evangelist not only provides a physical backdrop but also imbues the scene with profound historical and cultural significance. This detailed setting functions as a form of **Historical Allusion**, directly referencing ancient patriarchal history (Jacob, Joseph) and the long-standing Jewish-Samaritan tensions. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Foreshadowing**. The specific mention of Jacob's land and the implied presence of Jacob's Well (explicitly named in the next verse) subtly hints at the upcoming theological discussion about "living water" and the true nature of worship, which will draw heavily on this historical context. The intentionality of Jesus' journey, though stated in the previous verse, is reinforced here by the precision of the location, suggesting a divine **Purpose** underlying His actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 4:5, though seemingly a simple geographical detail, carries significant theological weight by grounding Jesus' mission in a specific, historically charged location. It underscores God's meticulous providence and intentionality in bringing the Messiah to a place and people often marginalized by the dominant religious culture. This deliberate act of crossing social and ethnic boundaries reveals Jesus' universal salvific purpose, demonstrating that His kingdom transcends human divisions and inherited prejudices. The historical reference to Jacob and Joseph connects Jesus' ministry to the covenant promises made to the patriarchs, suggesting that He is the fulfillment of Israel's ancient hopes, extending the blessings of Abraham to all nations, including the Samaritans. This verse sets the stage for the radical inclusivity of the Gospel message, emphasizing that God's grace is available to all who believe, regardless of their background or past.

* [Genesis 33:18-19](/genesis/33-18-19 "Jacob Buys Land at Shechem")
* [Joshua 24:32](/joshua/24-32 "Joseph's Burial in Shechem")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Scope of the Great Commission")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 4:5 invites us to ponder the profound intentionality of God's plan and the radical nature of Jesus' ministry. Just as Jesus purposefully entered Samaria, a place of historical animosity and cultural avoidance for many, we are called to step beyond our comfort zones and inherited prejudices. This verse reminds us that God's love is not confined by human-made boundaries—whether ethnic, social, or religious. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any "Samarias" we might be avoiding, any groups or individuals we deem "other" or unworthy of our engagement. Understanding the deep historical roots of the location also encourages us to appreciate the rich tapestry of God's redemptive history, recognizing that every detail, every place, and every encounter in the biblical narrative has a purpose in revealing God's character and His unfolding plan. Our faith is not abstract but rooted in real time, real places, and real encounters, just as Jesus' was.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Samarias" exist in my own life—places, people, or situations I tend to avoid due to prejudice, discomfort, or past conflict?**
* **How can I cultivate a more intentional and inclusive approach to sharing the Gospel, mirroring Jesus' willingness to cross boundaries?**
* **In what ways does understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical passages deepen my appreciation for God's redemptive work?**

### FAQ

**Why was it significant that Jesus went through Samaria?**

Answer: It was significant because most Jews of that time avoided Samaria due to deep-seated ethnic and religious animosity stemming from historical conflicts and the Samaritans' mixed heritage and alternative worship practices on Mount Gerizim. Jesus' intentional journey through Samaria, as stated in [John 4:4](/john/4-4 "John 4:4 - Jesus' Necessary Passage Through Samaria"), demonstrated His universal mission to all people, breaking down social and religious barriers and extending God's grace beyond traditional Jewish boundaries.

**What is the importance of "Sychar" and "the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph"?**

Answer: Sychar is widely believed to be near ancient Shechem, a location steeped in Old Testament history. The mention of "the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph" ([Genesis 33:18-19](/genesis/33-18-19 "Genesis 33:18-19 - Jacob Buys Land at Shechem")) immediately connects the narrative to the patriarch Jacob, a figure revered by both Jews and Samaritans. This historical reference highlights the shared heritage, yet also the points of contention, between the two groups, setting the stage for the theological discussion about true worship and the identity of the Messiah that follows in [John 4](/john/4 "John 4 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman"). It grounds Jesus' encounter in a specific, historically resonant place.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 4:5, by meticulously detailing Jesus' arrival in Sychar near Jacob's historic land, subtly yet profoundly points to Christ's fulfillment of ancient promises and His role as the ultimate heir and reconciler. Just as Jacob bequeathed land to Joseph, signifying a legacy and a future inheritance, Jesus, the true Son of God, comes not merely to inherit a piece of ground but to reclaim and redeem all humanity, extending the spiritual inheritance of Abraham to those previously considered outsiders. His deliberate journey through Samaria, a region of division and animosity, foreshadows His ultimate work of breaking down "the dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity in Himself. By engaging with the Samaritans on their own historical ground, near the very well of their patriarch Jacob, Jesus presents Himself as the source of "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water")), a spiritual wellspring far superior to any physical inheritance, fulfilling the deepest longings for true worship and eternal life that the Old Testament patriarchs only dimly perceived ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). He is the true Israel, the one who gathers all people into God's family, transcending all historical and cultural divisions.

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

Joshua 24:32

And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.

Genesis 33:19

And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money.

Genesis 48:22

Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.

John 4:12

Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?