New Testament
John 4:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, are asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
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Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
What John 4:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Samaritan woman is surprised that Jesus, a Jew, is asking her for a drink. This is significant because Jews and Samaritans had a long-standing animosity and typically avoided interactions with each other. The woman's question highlights the cultural and social barriers that existed at the time. By asking her for a drink, Jesus breaks these barriers, showing that he values all people regardless of their background. This moment sets the stage for a deeper conversation about spiritual matters, illustrating how Jesus often reached out to those who were marginalized or considered outsiders. The woman's astonishment reflects the unexpected nature of Jesus' ministry, which challenged societal norms and prejudices. It emphasizes the theme of inclusivity in Jesus' message, as he seeks to engage with everyone, including those who were often overlooked or rejected by society.
How to apply John 4:9 to your life
This verse encourages us to break down barriers in our own lives. We should be open to engaging with people from different backgrounds and cultures, just as Jesus did. By doing so, we can foster understanding and build relationships that reflect love and acceptance.
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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 4:9
Key themes
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 4:9 mean?
In John 4:9, the Samaritan woman is surprised that Jesus, a Jew, is asking her for a drink. This highlights the cultural tensions between Jews and Samaritans, as they typically avoided each other due to historical animosities.
Why did the Samaritan woman react this way in John 4:9?
The Samaritan woman reacted with surprise because Jews generally did not interact with Samaritans. Her question reflects the social norms and prejudices of the time, emphasizing the significance of Jesus' request.
What is the significance of Jesus asking for a drink in John 4:9?
Jesus asking for a drink in John 4:9 is significant because it breaks social barriers and demonstrates his willingness to engage with those marginalized by society. This act sets the stage for deeper spiritual discussions.
What cultural barriers are highlighted in John 4:9?
John 4:9 highlights cultural barriers between Jews and Samaritans, showcasing the long-standing animosity and avoidance of interaction between these groups. The woman's surprise at Jesus' request illustrates these societal divides.
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