Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 4:4

Verse 4 44.For Jesus himself testified. The apparent contradiction which strikes us here at first sight, has given rise to various interpretations. There is an excess of subtlety in the explanation given by Augustine, that Christ was without honor among his own countrymen, because he had done more good among the Samaritans in two days only than he had done, in a long time, among the Galileans; and because, without miracles, he gained more disciples in Samaria than a great number of miracles had... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 4:5

Verse 5 5.Which is called Sichar Jerome, in his epitaph on Paula, thinks that this is an incorrect reading, and that it ought to have been written Sichem; and, indeed, the latter appears to have been the ancient and true name; but it is probable that, in the time of the Evangelist, the word Sichar was already in common use. As to the place, it is generally agreed that it was a city situated close to Mount Gerizzim, the inhabitants of which were treacherously slain by Simeon and Levi, (Genesis... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 4:1-6

(1) The contrast between Jewish unsusceptibility and Samaritan pre-disposition to faith. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 4:1-6

The journey of our Lord through Sumatra. We are now to see the firstfruits of Gentile conversion. I. CONSIDER THE CAUSE OF CHRIST 'S DEPARTURE FROM JUDEA TO GALILEE . "When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, he left Judaea and departed again into Galilee." 1 . The anger of the Pharisees was roused by the greater success of Jesus. "All men were coming to him" ( John 3:26 ), to be his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 4:1-42

7. The ministry and revelation of the Lord to those beyond the strict compass of the theocracy. This passage describes an incident of consummate interest, and records a specimen of our Lord's intercourse with individuals, and the reaction of that instruction upon the disciples. The event is a solitary chink through which the light of historical fact falls upon an otherwise darkened and unknown period of the Saviour's life. When we skirt a forest we see at intervals, where by some... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 4:3

He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee . But it should be observed that ἀφῆκε is a very peculiar word for a simple departure. The verb ἀφίημι is used when καταλείπω might have been expected (Westcott). The word means "to leave a thing to itself," to its own ways, to treat it as no longer exercising an influence on the mind. (It is, with the noun ἄφφεσις , used for "forgive," "forgiveness," of sins.) Jesus left Judaea, which had so imperfectly accepted his claims.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 4:4

And he must needs go through Samaria. There was no physical necessity about it. He might, as bigoted Jews were accustomed to do, have crossed the Jordan and passed through Peraea instead. There was no such animus in the heart of Jesus, and a Divine and providential monition was the occasion of his taking the direct road. Geikie has drawn a vivid picture of the difficulties to which Jewish travellers on the borders of Samaria were exposed (see Hosea 6:9 ; Josephus, 'Ant.,' 20:6. 1; 'Bell.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 4:5

He cometh therefore to a city of Samaria, called Sychar ( συχάρ , with all the principal uncials; not σιχάρ , as read by the Elzevir edition of Stephens, with one cursive, 69); not "the city" Shechem—the συχέμ of Acts 7:16 , or σίκιμα of Josephus ( Genesis 33:18 ; Joshua 20:7 ; 9:7 )—not Sebaste (Samaria), but "a city," one of the cities requiring special designation beyond its mere name, which would hardly have been necessary, if so renowned a spot as the metropolis... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 4:6

Now Jacob's well was there; more literally, now there was a spring there, Jacob ' s. The word generally translated "well" is φρέαρ , the representative of ראֵבְּ , puteus ; but πηγή , the word here used, corresponds with ניִעַ , fons. In John 4:11 , John 4:12 the word φρέαρ is used of the same place. To the present day this indubitable site goes by both names. This district abounds in springs ( Deuteronomy 8:7 ), and the digging of this deep well was a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 4:6-15

The fountain of living water. I. AN EVIDENT PHYSICAL NEED . This chapter connects spiritual truth with one great physical need of men, even as John 6:1-71 . connects spiritual truth with another great need. Both Jesus and the woman were exactly in the position to appreciate the value of water, and the opportunity of getting it easily and freely. Jesus is a thirsty Traveller; the woman is one who has frequent journeys from her home to get the indispensable supply forevery day's... read more

Group of Brands