John 4:12
Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 26
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
μείζων
greater
G3187
μείζων
greater
Strong's:
G3187
Word #:
3 of 26
larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρὸς
father
G3962
πατρὸς
father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
6 of 26
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ὃς
which
G3739
ὃς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔδωκεν
gave
G1325
ἔδωκεν
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
10 of 26
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φρέαρ
the well
G5421
φρέαρ
the well
Strong's:
G5421
Word #:
13 of 26
a hole in the ground (dug for obtaining or holding water or other purposes), i.e., a cistern or well; figuratively, an abyss (as a prison)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῦ
himself
G846
αὐτοῦ
himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 26
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐξ
thereof
G1537
ἐξ
thereof
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
16 of 26
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτοῦ
himself
G846
αὐτοῦ
himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 26
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοὶ
children
G5207
υἱοὶ
children
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
21 of 26
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
αὐτοῦ
himself
G846
αὐτοῦ
himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
22 of 26
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Samaritans claimed descent from the northern tribes and venerated the patriarchs, particularly Jacob/Israel. This well represented their connection to Israel's heritage, which they shared with Jews despite theological differences.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we sometimes elevate historical figures or traditions above Christ Himself?
- What does it mean that Christ is 'greater than' all who came before Him?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The woman's question whether Jesus is 'greater than our father Jacob' is ironic—she doesn't realize she's speaking to Jacob's Lord. Her appeal to ancestral authority and historical precedent reflects human tendency to value tradition over present divine revelation. Christ indeed surpasses all patriarchs as the eternal Son.