John 4:31 - Exposition

In the mean while ( χρόνῳ understood)—while the men of Sychar were coming across the green corn-fields in excited and eager longing for the bread of life and the water of life eternal— his disciples besought him; rather, were entreating him— the verb ἐρωτάω is used for question and interrogation, and is generally used of one who feels on terms of equality with the person addressed on the matter in hand (cf. John 14:16 ; John 15:7 ; John 16:19 , John 16:23 ; John 17:15 , for its distinctness from αὐτεω )— saying, Rabbi, eat . Have we not gone to Sychar to find provisions for thee? Do not despise our effort.