New Testament
John 4:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father seeks such people to worship him."
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But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
What John 4:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of genuine worship. He explains that true worshipers are those who worship God not just outwardly, but from their hearts and minds, aligning their spirit with the truth of who God is. This worship is not confined to a specific location or ritual; instead, it is a personal and spiritual connection with God. Jesus indicates that this time of true worship is already here, highlighting a shift from traditional practices to a more profound, heartfelt relationship with the Father. God actively seeks individuals who will engage with Him in this authentic way, showing that worship is about sincerity and truth rather than mere formality or tradition.
How to apply John 4:23 to your life
To apply this teaching, focus on cultivating a sincere relationship with God. Engage in worship that comes from your heart, whether in prayer, song, or daily actions. Seek to understand God’s truth and let it guide your worship, making it a genuine expression of your faith.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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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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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 4:23 mean?
John 4:23 highlights that true worshipers connect with God from their hearts and minds, worshiping in spirit and truth rather than through rituals or specific locations.
What is the meaning of 'true worshipers' in John 4:23?
'True worshipers' refers to individuals who worship God sincerely and authentically, aligning their inner spirit with the reality of who God is, rather than just following external practices.
How can I worship in spirit and truth according to John 4:23?
Worshiping in spirit and truth means engaging with God sincerely, allowing your heart and understanding of His truth to guide your worship, whether through prayer, music, or daily actions.
Why does God seek true worshipers as mentioned in John 4:23?
God seeks true worshipers because He desires a genuine relationship with individuals who worship Him authentically, reflecting sincerity and truth rather than mere formality.
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