New Testament
John 4:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem."
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Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
What John 4:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a Samaritan woman and revealing a significant shift in how people will worship God. He emphasizes that true worship will not be confined to specific locations like the mountain in Samaria or the temple in Jerusalem. Instead, he indicates that a new way of worship is coming, one that transcends physical places. This statement highlights the importance of the heart and spirit in worship rather than mere rituals or locations. Jesus is preparing the woman for a deeper understanding of worship that is based on a personal relationship with God rather than traditional practices. This moment is pivotal as it signifies the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Samaritans and points to the universal nature of worship in the coming age. It invites all people to connect with God directly, regardless of their background or location, emphasizing that worship is about the spirit and truth rather than external forms.
How to apply John 4:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to focus on the quality of our worship rather than the location or method. We can worship God anywhere, and it is our heart and sincerity that matter most. This invites us to cultivate a personal relationship with God in our daily lives.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Woman at the Well (John 4:1–42)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying John 4:21
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 4:21 mean?
In John 4:21, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that true worship will not be limited to specific locations like a mountain or Jerusalem. He emphasizes that a new way of worship is coming, focusing on the heart and spirit rather than physical places.
What is the significance of worship in John 4:21?
The significance of worship in John 4:21 is that it highlights a shift from traditional rituals to a more personal and spiritual connection with God. Jesus indicates that worship will be about sincerity and truth, accessible to everyone regardless of their background.
What does 'worship the Father' mean in John 4:21?
'Worship the Father' in John 4:21 refers to the act of honoring and connecting with God. Jesus is teaching that this worship will not be confined to specific locations but will be a matter of the heart and spirit.
How does John 4:21 relate to inclusivity in worship?
John 4:21 relates to inclusivity in worship by showing that Jesus breaks down barriers between Jews and Samaritans. He indicates that all people can worship God directly, regardless of where they are or their cultural background.
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