But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

JOHN 4:23KJV
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John 4:23 (KJV)

What does John 4:23 mean?

John 4:23 says that a time is coming—and has already begun—when people who truly worship God will do so with their spirit and in honesty, because this is the kind of worship God desires. Jesus is teaching that real worship is not about location or rituals, but about a genuine, heartfelt connection to God.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a Samaritan woman at a well, addressing questions about where and how people should worship God. Jesus shifts the focus from outward traditions to the inner reality of worship, saying that God the Father is looking for people who worship with sincerity and spiritual depth, not just outward forms or specific places.

The Greek behind John 4:23

  • "True" (ἀληθινοί, alēthinoi): This word means genuine or real, highlighting that Jesus is talking about worshippers whose devotion is authentic, not just outward or superficial.
  • "Worship" (προσκυνέω, proskyneō): This Greek word often means to bow down or show reverence, emphasizing an attitude of deep respect and submission toward God.
  • "Spirit" (πνεῦμα, pneuma): Here, "spirit" points to the inner self or the human spirit, suggesting that worship must come from within, not just from external actions.
  • "Truth" (ἀλήθεια, alētheia): This word means honesty or reality, underlining that worship should be sincere and in line with what is real, not just empty words or rituals.

Why John 4:23 matters

  • John 4:23 clarifies that God values the attitude and sincerity of the worshipper more than the physical place or outward form of worship.
  • This verse helps correct the misunderstanding that worship is tied to a specific location, such as Jerusalem or a mountain, which was a major debate between Jews and Samaritans at the time.
  • John 4:23 connects to the wider conversation in John 4, where Jesus reveals that He brings a new way of relating to God, open to all people who seek Him genuinely.

Where else these words appear

“true” Greek G228 · used in 25 verses

  • Luke 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
  • Revelation 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

“worship” Greek G4352 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • Luke 24:52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
  • Revelation 9:20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

“such” Greek G5108 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
  • Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

“truth” Greek G225 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • Romans 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
  • 1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.