John 4:22 (KJV)

What does John 4:22 mean?

John 4:22 records Jesus telling the Samaritan woman that she and her people worship what they do not truly know, while the Jews worship what they know, because salvation comes from the Jewish people. Jesus is highlighting a difference in understanding and revealing that God’s saving plan is rooted in the Jewish faith and history.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a Samaritan woman at a well. Samaritans and Jews had different beliefs and places of worship, and there was tension between the groups. Jesus points out that the Samaritans lack full knowledge of God as revealed in Jewish tradition, while the Jews have received that revelation, and God’s promised rescue (salvation) comes through the Jewish people.

The Greek behind John 4:22

• "worship" (προσκυνέω, proskyneō): This word means to show reverence or bow down, often used for religious devotion. Here, it emphasizes the act of religious worship, not just belief or knowledge.
• "know" (οἶδα, oida): This Greek word means to know or understand, often with the sense of having direct or certain knowledge. Jesus contrasts the Samaritans’ lack of full understanding with the Jews’ more complete knowledge of God.
• "salvation" (σωτηρία, sōtēria): This word means deliverance or rescue, especially in a spiritual sense. Jesus is saying that God’s plan to save people is connected to the Jewish people and their story.

Why John 4:22 matters

• John 4:22 clears up that Jesus is not dismissing the Samaritans’ sincerity but pointing out a real difference in knowledge and tradition between Samaritans and Jews.
• This verse highlights that the story of salvation is deeply connected to the history and faith of the Jewish people, which is important for understanding the roots of Christian belief.
• John 4:22 sets up the next verses, where Jesus explains that true worship will not be about a specific place or group, but about worshiping God in spirit and truth.