John 4:20
Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρες
fathers
G3962
πατέρες
fathers
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
2 of 20
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσκυνεῖν
to worship
G4352
προσκυνεῖν
to worship
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
8 of 20
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγετε
say
G3004
λέγετε
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
12 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Ἱεροσολύμοις
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσολύμοις
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
14 of 20
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τόπος
the place
G5117
τόπος
the place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
17 of 20
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
Cross References
Deuteronomy 11:29And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.Deuteronomy 27:12These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin:2 Chronicles 7:12And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.
Historical Context
Samaritans built a temple on Mount Gerizim (visible from Sychar) around 400 BC, destroyed by Jews in 128 BC. The controversy reflects the deep Samaritan-Jewish schism over proper worship location, a debate rooted in Deuteronomy 12 and differing textual traditions.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we sometimes use theological questions to avoid personal spiritual application?
- What does Jesus' willingness to engage her deflection teach about patient evangelism?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The woman raises the ancient dispute about worship location—Gerizim versus Jerusalem. This theological deflection is classic: when convicted of personal sin, we often shift to doctrinal debates. Yet Jesus will use her question to teach profound truth about worship in Spirit and truth, showing God's patience with our evasions.