John 4:23
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
But
G235
ἀλλ'
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 26
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἔρχεται
cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 26
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
5 of 26
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσκυνοῦντας
shall worship
G4352
προσκυνοῦντας
shall worship
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
11 of 26
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατὴρ
the Father
G3962
πατὴρ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
13 of 26
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
πνεύματι
spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
15 of 26
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
G1063
γὰρ
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
19 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατὴρ
the Father
G3962
πατὴρ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
21 of 26
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τοιούτους
such
G5108
τοιούτους
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
22 of 26
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
ζητεῖ
seeketh
G2212
ζητεῖ
seeketh
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
23 of 26
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Philippians 3:3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.John 5:25Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.Galatians 4:6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.Romans 8:26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.John 12:23And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.John 1:17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.Isaiah 29:13Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:Ephesians 6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;John 4:21Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.Romans 8:15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Historical Context
The Samaritan woman raised the worship-location debate (v. 20)—Jews worshiped in Jerusalem, Samaritans on Mount Gerizim. Jesus transcends this argument: New Covenant worship isn't about place but person (Christ) and power (Spirit). Within 40 years, Rome would destroy both temples, vindicating Jesus' words.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your worship reflect 'spirit and truth' rather than mere religious routine?
- What does it mean practically to worship 'in the Spirit' during corporate and private worship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus declares 'the hour cometh, and now is' when true worship occurs 'in spirit and in truth', transcending location (Jerusalem vs. Gerizim). 'In spirit' means from the heart, enabled by the Holy Spirit, not mere external ritual. 'In truth' requires accordance with God's revelation, especially Christ who is Truth personified (14:6). This prophecy anticipates Pentecost when worship would no longer be geographically centered but Spirit-empowered worldwide. The 'now is' shows the age of spiritual worship began with Christ's coming.