John 4:40 (KJV)

What does John 4:40 mean?

John 4:40 describes how, after meeting Jesus, the Samaritans asked him to stay with them, and he agreed to remain in their town for two days. This shows the Samaritans’ openness to Jesus and his willingness to spend time with people who were often avoided by Jews.

In this scene, Jesus is traveling through Samaria and has just spoken with a Samaritan woman at the well. The townspeople, curious and eager after hearing the woman’s story, come to meet Jesus themselves. Their request for him to “tarry” (stay) and his decision to “abide” (remain) with them highlights a moment of welcome and acceptance between two groups that usually kept their distance.

The Greek behind John 4:40

• The word “tarry” comes from μένω (menō), which means “to remain” or “to stay.” The Greek here carries the sense of settling in for a while, not just passing through.
• The Samaritans “besought” Jesus, from ἐρωτάω (erōtaō), which is often understood as a strong request or earnest asking, showing their genuine desire for him to stay.
• The word for “with” is παρά (para), which means “beside” or “in the company of.” This emphasizes closeness and personal presence, not just physical nearness.

Why John 4:40 matters

• John 4:40 highlights the unusual hospitality and openness of the Samaritans toward Jesus, which stands out given the typical tension between Jews and Samaritans.
• The verse sets up the following verses, where many Samaritans come to believe in Jesus because of his words, showing the impact of his willingness to stay and engage with them.
• This moment underscores a theme in John’s Gospel: Jesus breaks social barriers and reaches out to those who are often overlooked or excluded.