John 4:4

¶ And he must needs go through Samaria.

And {G1161} he must needs {G1163} go {G1330} through {G1223} Samaria {G4540}.

This meant that he had to pass through Shomron.

Now He had to pass through Samaria.

And he must needs pass through Samaria.

Commentary

John 4:4 KJV: "¶ And he must needs go through Samaria."

Context

This verse introduces a pivotal moment in Jesus's ministry as He departs from Judea and heads towards Galilee. Geographically, Samaria lay directly between Judea to the south and Galilee to the north, making it the most direct route. However, for Jewish travelers of that era, passing through Samaria was highly unconventional and often avoided. There was deep-seated historical and religious animosity between Jews and Samaritans. The Samaritans were descendants of Israelites who intermarried with foreign settlers after the Assyrian conquest (722 BC) and developed their own distinct religious practices, including worshipping on Mount Gerizim instead of Jerusalem. Jews typically took a longer, circuitous route through the Jordan Valley to avoid any contact with Samaritans. Therefore, Jesus's choice to go "through Samaria" was not merely a matter of convenience but a deliberate, divinely purposed act that challenged prevailing social and religious norms.

Key Themes

  • Divine Necessity: The phrase "must needs" (Greek: edei - ἔδει) signifies a divine imperative or obligation, not just a geographical convenience. Jesus's journey through Samaria was not accidental but orchestrated by God's will, essential for His mission. It points to a divine appointment.
  • Breaking Social and Religious Barriers: Jesus intentionally crosses deep-seated ethnic and religious divides. His willingness to enter Samaritan territory and interact with its inhabitants demonstrates His mission to all people, regardless of their background or societal standing. This journey directly led to His significant conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well.
  • Intentional Ministry: This verse highlights Jesus's proactive approach to ministry. He did not wait for people to come to Him; He went to where they were, particularly those marginalized or considered "unclean" by others. It underscores His compassion and His mission to seek and save the lost.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "must needs" accurately translates the Greek verb edei (ἔδει), which is the imperfect form of dei (δεῖ). This word carries a strong sense of divine necessity or obligation. It implies that Jesus's journey was not just a logical choice but a spiritual imperative, part of the Father's predetermined plan. This is a crucial detail, indicating that Jesus's path was guided by a higher purpose, leading to the profound interactions that followed in Samaria.

Practical Application

John 4:4 encourages believers to transcend conventional boundaries and societal prejudices in their outreach and interactions. Just as Jesus intentionally went to Samaria, we are called to cross social, cultural, and ethnic divides to share the Gospel and demonstrate God's love. It reminds us that God's plan often leads us to uncomfortable or unexpected places, requiring us to step out of our comfort zones. It also teaches us to recognize and respond to divine appointments, understanding that God has a purpose for every path He leads us on, often for the benefit of those we might otherwise overlook. We are to follow Jesus's example in reaching those who are lost and marginalized.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 17:11 (5 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

  • Luke 9:51 (3 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

  • Luke 9:52 (3 votes)

    And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

  • Luke 2:49 (2 votes)

    And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

  • Matthew 10:5 (1 votes)

    ¶ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

  • Matthew 10:6 (1 votes)

    But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.