Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

JOHN 4:48KJV
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John 4:48 (KJV)

What does John 4:48 mean?

John 4:48 records Jesus telling a man that unless people see miraculous signs and wonders, they will not believe. Jesus is highlighting a tendency for people to require visible proof before they are willing to trust or have faith.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a royal official whose son is very sick. The man has come to Jesus, hoping for a miracle. Jesus’ words point out that many people, not just this official, are looking for dramatic signs before they will accept who Jesus is. This sets the stage for what follows, where faith is tested and shown in action.

The Greek behind John 4:48

  • σημεῖα (sēmeia, "signs") and τέρατα (terata, "wonders"): These two words together refer to miraculous events that are meant to point to something deeper. The Greek pairing often emphasizes both the miraculous nature and the awe such acts inspire, showing that people were drawn to Jesus for these extraordinary displays.
  • οὐ μὴ πιστεύσητε (ou mē pisteusēte, "you will not believe"): The Greek construction here is very strong, almost like saying "you absolutely will not believe." It underscores how firm Jesus is about the people's dependence on miracles for faith.

Why John 4:48 matters

  • John 4:48 helps clarify that Jesus is not just a miracle worker but is concerned with genuine faith that does not depend solely on outward signs.
  • The verse highlights a common struggle: the desire for proof before belief, which is a recurring theme in the Gospel of John.
  • This moment prepares the reader for the official’s response and the deeper lesson about faith that unfolds in the rest of the story.

Where else these words appear

“wonders” Greek G5059 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
  • Acts 4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
  • Acts 15:12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

“Except” Greek G3362 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
  • Acts 15:1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

“signs” Greek G4592 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
  • Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
  • Acts 4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

“not” Greek G3364 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
  • John 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.