Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

JOHN 4:50KJV
Know the Bible

John 4:50 (KJV)

What does John 4:50 mean?

John 4:50 shows Jesus telling a man that his son will live, and the man trusts Jesus’ words and leaves to return home. The verse highlights the man’s decision to believe what Jesus said even before seeing any proof that his son was healed.

In this scene, Jesus (speaking to a royal official whose son is very sick) simply tells him, “Go your way; your son lives.” The man, without further argument or demand for a sign, accepts Jesus’ statement as true and heads home. This moment emphasizes faith in Jesus’ word alone, not in visible evidence or miracles.

The Greek behind John 4:50

  • ἐπίστευσεν (episteusen, believed): This word means to trust or have faith in. Here, it shows the man’s active trust in what Jesus said, not just agreement but a willingness to act on it.
  • λόγος (logos, word): This refers to the specific statement or message Jesus gave. The verse focuses on the man believing the actual spoken promise, not just a general faith in Jesus.
  • ζῇ (zē, liveth): This word means “is alive” or “lives.” Jesus uses the present tense, indicating the son’s healing is immediate and ongoing, not just a future hope.

Why John 4:50 matters

  • John 4:50 clears up the idea that faith always needs visible proof; the man believes before seeing any result.
  • The verse highlights the authority of Jesus’ spoken word, showing that his promises can be trusted on their own.
  • This moment connects to the wider story by showing a pattern in John’s Gospel: people are invited to trust Jesus’ words, not just his miracles.

Where else these words appear

“liveth” Greek G2198 · used in 127 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Romans 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
  • 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

“way” Greek G4198 · used in 147 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 9:52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
  • Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.