John Chapter 4 · Verse 26
Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῇ
unto her
G846
αὐτῇ
unto her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 9
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 9
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Historical Context
This explicit messianic claim to a Samaritan contrasts with Jesus' usual reticence about messianic titles among Jews. The setting shows that Christ's mission transcended ethnic boundaries from the beginning.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Christ's self-revelation to this woman teach about God's choice to reveal Himself to unlikely people?
- How should Christ's 'I am' declaration shape our understanding of His identity and authority?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' declaration 'I that speak unto thee am he' (Greek: egō eimi, 'I am') represents His clearest messianic claim thus far in John's Gospel. That He reveals this to a Samaritan woman of questionable character demonstrates the gospel's universality and grace. God's election includes unlikely recipients, confounding human expectations of who deserves revelation.