John Chapter 4 · Verse 25

Authorized King James Version

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The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

Original Language Analysis

λεγόμενος is called G3004
λεγόμενος is called
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 1 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ unto him G846
αὐτῷ unto him
Strong's: G846
Word #: 2 of 17
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
which G3588
which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γυνή The woman G1135
γυνή The woman
Strong's: G1135
Word #: 4 of 17
a woman; specially, a wife
Οἶδα I know G1492
Οἶδα I know
Strong's: G1492
Word #: 5 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι that G3754
ὅτι that
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 6 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Μεσσίας Messias G3323
Μεσσίας Messias
Strong's: G3323
Word #: 7 of 17
the messias (i.e., mashiach), or christ
ἔλθῃ cometh G2064
ἔλθῃ cometh
Strong's: G2064
Word #: 8 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
which G3588
which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λεγόμενος is called G3004
λεγόμενος is called
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 10 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Χριστός· Christ G5547
Χριστός· Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 11 of 17
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
ὅταν when G3752
ὅταν when
Strong's: G3752
Word #: 12 of 17
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ἔλθῃ cometh G2064
ἔλθῃ cometh
Strong's: G2064
Word #: 13 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἐκεῖνος he G1565
ἐκεῖνος he
Strong's: G1565
Word #: 14 of 17
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ἀναγγελεῖ he will tell G312
ἀναγγελεῖ he will tell
Strong's: G312
Word #: 15 of 17
to announce (in detail)
ἡμῖν us G2254
ἡμῖν us
Strong's: G2254
Word #: 16 of 17
to (or for, with, by) us
πάντα all things G3956
πάντα all things
Strong's: G3956
Word #: 17 of 17
all, any, every, the whole

Analysis & Commentary

The woman's Messianic expectation ('Messias cometh') shows Samaritan hope for the Prophet like Moses who would 'tell us all things.' Her statement sets up Jesus' climactic self-revelation. Even deficient theology retained truth about God's promise to send a definitive revealer and redeemer.

Historical Context

Samaritans called the expected one 'Taheb' (the Restorer) based on Deuteronomy 18:15-18. Though their messianic expectations differed from Jewish ones, they shared belief in a coming divine agent who would resolve disputes and restore true worship.

Questions for Reflection