John 4:27
And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ἦλθον
came
G2064
ἦλθον
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
4 of 23
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῆς
her
G846
αὐτῆς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 23
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 #:
8 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
11 of 23
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
οὐδεὶς
no man
G3762
οὐδεὶς
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
14 of 23
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
17 of 23
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ζητεῖς
seekest thou
G2212
ζητεῖς
seekest thou
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
18 of 23
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
20 of 23
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Historical Context
Rabbinic Judaism discouraged men from speaking with women in public, even their wives. Jesus' consistent violation of this norm (here, with Mary and Martha, with the woman caught in adultery) was countercultural and theologically significant.
Questions for Reflection
- How do cultural prejudices and norms sometimes blind us to gospel opportunities?
- What does it mean to be surprised by Jesus' actions yet trust His wisdom without demanding explanation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The disciples' astonishment at Jesus talking with a woman reflects cultural norms, yet their restraint from questioning Him shows developing trust in His wisdom. This tension between surprise and submission characterizes discipleship—we constantly encounter Christ doing the unexpected yet learn to trust His purposes.