And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.

JOHN 4:39KJV
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John 4:39 (KJV)

What does John 4:39 mean?

John 4:39 says that many people from the Samaritan city believed in Jesus because of what the woman at the well told them—specifically, her testimony that he knew everything about her past. The verse highlights the impact of her personal story in leading others to trust in Jesus.

In this scene, John describes how the Samaritan woman, after her conversation with Jesus, went back to her city and shared her experience. The people listened to her account and were convinced enough by her words to believe in Jesus themselves. This verse shows the importance of personal testimony and how one person’s honest story can influence an entire community.

The Greek behind John 4:39

  • The word for "believed" is πιστεύω (pisteuō), which often means to trust or have faith in someone. Here, it shows that the Samaritans put their trust in Jesus based on what they heard from the woman, not just curiosity.
  • The word for "testified" is μαρτυρέω (martyreō), meaning to bear witness or give evidence. The woman’s statement is not just gossip or opinion; it is presented as a witness, giving her words more weight in the eyes of her neighbors.
  • The phrase "He told me all that ever I did" uses the word εἶπεν (eipen, "told"), emphasizing that Jesus revealed personal details about her life—something unusual and convincing to those who heard her story.

Why John 4:39 matters

  • John 4:39 clarifies that the Samaritans’ belief was sparked by the woman’s testimony, not by seeing miracles or hearing Jesus themselves at first, which highlights the power of honest personal witness.
  • This verse connects to the larger story by showing how Jesus’ message began to spread beyond Jewish communities, reaching Samaritans through unexpected means.
  • The verse helps clear up the idea that faith always requires direct experience; here, belief begins with someone else’s story, showing the ripple effect of sharing genuine encounters with Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“Samaritans” Greek G4541 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
  • Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
  • John 4:40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

“testified” Greek G3140 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 23:31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
  • John 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
  • Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

“ever” Greek G3745 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
  • Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
  • Romans 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.