John 4:8

(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

(For {G1063} his {G846} disciples {G3101} were gone away {G565} unto {G1519} the city {G4172} to {G2443} buy {G59} meat {G5160}.)

(His talmidim had gone into town to buy food.)

(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

For his disciples were gone away into the city to buy food.

Commentary

Context

John 4:8 serves as a brief, parenthetical explanation within the narrative of Jesus' significant encounter with the Samaritan woman. It clarifies why Jesus was alone at Jacob's well near the city of Sychar, setting the stage for one of the most profound conversations in the Gospels. The disciples' absence was a practical necessity for obtaining provisions in a region where Jews typically avoided Samaritans (as highlighted in John 4:9). This verse subtly underscores the unique circumstances that allowed for Jesus' direct, unhindered interaction with the woman.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Intentionality: This seemingly ordinary detail highlights God's sovereign hand. Jesus' solitude at the well was not accidental but divinely orchestrated to facilitate His interaction with the woman, leading to her spiritual awakening and the evangelization of her village. It underscores how even mundane circumstances can be part of God's larger plan.
  • Human Needs of Christ: The verse reminds us of Jesus' full humanity. Like any person, He and His disciples experienced hunger and relied on provisions, emphasizing His relatable nature and the practical realities of their journey through Samaria.
  • Setting the Stage for Revelation: The disciples' departure creates the necessary space for Jesus to engage the Samaritan woman without interruption. This allows for a deep theological discussion about living water, true worship, and His identity as the Messiah, free from the immediate presence of His followers.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "meat" in this verse (Greek: broma, βρῢμα) refers broadly to 'food' or 'provisions' in general, not specifically flesh. This distinction is important for understanding the disciples' errand. This general sense of "food" contrasts later with Jesus' spiritual "meat" in John 4:34, where He states that His "meat" is to do the will of Him that sent Him, and to finish His work, signifying a shift from physical sustenance to spiritual purpose.

Practical Application

This verse encourages us to see God's hand in the ordinary. What might appear as simple logistics often serves a higher purpose in God's divine appointments. It challenges believers to be attentive to the opportunities God provides, even in moments of solitude or everyday activities, for sharing the Gospel or ministering to others, just as Jesus did when He initiated a conversation with the Samaritan woman. It reminds us that God can use seemingly mundane circumstances to bring about profound spiritual encounters and fulfill His redemptive purposes.

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

Cross-References

  • John 4:39

    And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.

  • 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.

  • Luke 9:13

    But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

  • John 6:5

    When Jesus then lifted up [his] eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

  • John 6:7

    Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
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