John 4:1
When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
Original Language Analysis
Ὡς
When
G5613
Ὡς
When
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 18
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἔγνω
knew
G1097
ἔγνω
knew
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
3 of 18
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κύριος
the Lord
G2962
Κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὅτι
how
G3754
ὅτι
how
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
G5330
φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
9 of 18
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
ὅτι
how
G3754
ὅτι
how
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
11 of 18
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
πλείονας
more
G4119
πλείονας
more
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
12 of 18
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
ποιεῖ
made
G4160
ποιεῖ
made
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
14 of 18
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 3:26And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.John 3:22After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.2 Corinthians 4:5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.Acts 10:36The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)1 Corinthians 15:47The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.1 Corinthians 2:8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Historical Context
Pharisaic opposition to Jesus began early in His ministry (c. 28 AD). Their concern about His success relative to John the Baptist reflects their anxiety about uncontrolled religious movements.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's omniscient awareness of all opposition encourage us when facing hostility?
- What does it mean that Christ's ministry supersedes even the greatest human ministry (John's)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' knowledge that the Pharisees had heard about His growing ministry demonstrates His omniscience and awareness of developing opposition. The comparison between Jesus and John sets up the transition of ministries—the lesser must decrease as the greater increases. Christ's sovereign awareness extends to all circumstances, including political and religious threats.