In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.

JOHN 4:31KJV
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John 4:31 (KJV)

What does John 4:31 mean?

John 4:31 shows Jesus’ disciples urging him to eat something, calling him “Master.” They are concerned for his physical well-being and want him to take care of himself after their journey.

In this scene, the disciples have just returned to Jesus while he is at a well in Samaria, where he has been speaking with a Samaritan woman. The disciples respectfully address Jesus as “Master” and encourage him to eat, showing their care and the normal human concern for hunger and rest. This sets up the following verses, where Jesus will use their concern as a way to teach them something deeper about his mission.

The Greek behind John 4:31

  • “Master” (ῥαββί, rhabbi): This word is a respectful title meaning “teacher” or “master.” The disciples’ use of this term shows their recognition of Jesus’ authority and their respectful relationship with him.
  • “Eat” (φάγε, phage): This is a simple command or request, meaning “eat.” The disciples are not just suggesting but actively encouraging Jesus to take care of his physical needs, highlighting their practical concern.

Why John 4:31 matters

  • John 4:31 helps clarify that the disciples were focused on ordinary, daily needs, while Jesus was about to reveal a deeper spiritual lesson.
  • The verse emphasizes the disciples’ respect and care for Jesus, showing the human side of their relationship.
  • This moment sets the stage for Jesus’ teaching about spiritual nourishment in the next verses, making the contrast between physical and spiritual needs clearer.

Where else these words appear

“mean” Greek G3342 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
  • Luke 11:51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
  • Acts 13:42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.

“Master” Greek G4461 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
  • Mark 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
  • John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

“prayed” Greek G2065 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
  • Luke 22:68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
  • John 16:30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

“eat” Greek G5315 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
  • Luke 6:4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
  • John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.