New Testament
John 4:40
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days.
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So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
What John 4:40 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the response of the Samaritans after hearing the testimony of the woman at the well. They come to Jesus and invite him to stay with them, showing their eagerness to learn more from him. Jesus accepts their invitation and stays for two days, which indicates his willingness to engage with those who are often marginalized. This moment highlights the importance of community and the breaking down of cultural barriers, as the Samaritans were typically viewed with disdain by the Jews. By spending time with them, Jesus demonstrates that his message of salvation is for everyone, regardless of their background. This interaction not only deepens the faith of the Samaritans but also illustrates the transformative power of personal encounters with Christ. It emphasizes that faith can grow through relationships and shared experiences, as the Samaritans come to believe in Jesus not just from the woman's testimony but from their own experience with him during his stay.
How to apply John 4:40 to your life
This verse encourages us to be open to engaging with people from different backgrounds. Just as Jesus spent time with the Samaritans, we should seek opportunities to connect with others, share our faith, and learn from their experiences. Building relationships can lead to deeper understanding and faith.
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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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Related topics
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 4:40 mean?
John 4:40 describes how the Samaritans invited Jesus to stay with them after hearing about him from the woman at the well. This shows their eagerness to learn more and highlights Jesus' willingness to engage with those who were often marginalized.
What is the significance of Jesus staying with the Samaritans in John 4:40?
Jesus staying with the Samaritans for two days signifies his acceptance and love for all people, regardless of cultural barriers. It illustrates the importance of community and personal relationships in deepening faith.
How does John 4:40 relate to cultural barriers?
John 4:40 highlights the breaking down of cultural barriers, as Jesus, a Jew, chooses to spend time with the Samaritans, who were typically looked down upon. This act emphasizes inclusivity and the universal nature of his message.
What can we learn from John 4:40?
From John 4:40, we learn the importance of engaging with people from different backgrounds. It encourages us to build relationships and share experiences, which can lead to mutual understanding and growth in faith.
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