John 4:5

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Commentary on John 4:5

This verse sets the geographical and historical stage for one of the most significant encounters in the Gospel of John: Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. It highlights Jesus' purposeful journey and the deep historical roots of the location.

Context

Having left Judea and being on His way to Galilee, Jesus "must needs go through Samaria" (John 4:4). This was unusual for most Jews, who often detoured around Samaria due to long-standing ethnic and religious animosity. His arrival in Sychar, a city in Samaria, is not accidental but part of His divine mission. The mention of its proximity to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph immediately anchors the narrative in ancient Israelite history, setting the stage for a discussion about heritage, worship, and the living water.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment & Purposeful Journey: Jesus' presence in Samaria underscores His mission to all people, not just Jews. His path through this historically charged region signifies His intention to break down barriers and extend salvation universally.
  • Historical & Geographical Significance: The specific mention of Sychar and the land given by Jacob to Joseph (Genesis 48:22) connects the present moment with the patriarchal past. This area, near ancient Shechem, was rich with Old Testament history, including Jacob's settlement and the burial place of Joseph's bones (Joshua 24:32). This historical backdrop is crucial for understanding the subsequent dialogue at Jacob's Well.
  • Setting the Stage for Encounter: This verse meticulously details the location, preparing the reader for the profound theological discussion that follows with the Samaritan woman, especially concerning the nature of worship and the identity of the Messiah.

Linguistic Insights

The name Sychar is believed by many scholars to be identical to or very near ancient Shechem, a city of immense historical and religious importance in the Old Testament. Its proximity to "the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph" further emphasizes the deep historical roots of the Samaritan people, who considered themselves descendants of Jacob and inheritors of this land. This historical claim would become a point of contention and discussion in the ensuing conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, highlighting the tension between Jews and Samaritans regarding their heritage and true place of worship.

Practical Application

John 4:5, though seemingly a simple geographical detail, reminds us that God's plans often unfold in very specific places and times, rich with history and meaning. For us today, it encourages us to consider:

  • God's Intentionality: Every detail in God's narrative, including geographical locations, has purpose. Jesus' journey through Samaria was not a detour but a direct path to fulfill His mission.
  • Breaking Barriers: Just as Jesus entered a region avoided by others, believers are called to step out of their comfort zones and engage with people from all backgrounds, sharing the good news without prejudice.
  • Connecting with History: Understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical narratives enriches our comprehension of God's unfolding plan throughout the ages. The past informs the present and points to the future.
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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

  • 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?
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