When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

JOHN 4:47KJV
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John 4:47 (KJV)

What does John 4:47 mean?

John 4:47 describes a man who, upon hearing that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, went to Jesus and urgently asked him to come and heal his son, who was very close to dying. The verse shows the father's desperation and his hope that Jesus could save his child.

The setting is in Galilee, where Jesus has just arrived after leaving Judea. The man is not named here, but he is later described as a royal official. He seeks Jesus out personally, showing both the seriousness of his son's illness and his belief that Jesus might be able to help. This moment sets up the interaction that follows, highlighting the man's faith and need.

The Greek behind John 4:47

  • "Besought" (ἠρώτα, ērota): This Greek word means to ask or beg earnestly. It shows the father's deep urgency and pleading, not just a casual request.
  • "Heal" (ἰάσηται, iasētai): This word means to cure or restore to health. The father believes Jesus has the power to physically heal his son.
  • "At the point of death" (ἤμελλεν ἀποθνῄσκειν, ēmellen apothnēskein): This phrase means the boy was about to die, emphasizing how critical the situation was and why the father was so desperate.

Why John 4:47 matters

  • John 4:47 highlights the father's belief that Jesus could help, even though he may not have fully understood who Jesus was. This shows the beginning of faith based on need and hope.
  • The verse sets the stage for Jesus' later response, which will focus on faith and signs, connecting to the larger theme of belief in John's Gospel.
  • It helps the reader see the human side of the story: a parent's fear and love, and the willingness to seek help wherever it might be found.

Where else these words appear

“come” Greek G2240 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 15:27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
  • Hebrews 10:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

“heal” Greek G2390 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
  • Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
  • John 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

“Judaea” Greek G2449 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
  • Acts 2:9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

“besought” 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.