John 4:33
Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?
Original Language Analysis
ἔλεγον
said
G3004
ἔλεγον
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 11
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
one to another
G4314
πρὸς
one to another
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 11
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Μή
G3361
Μή
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 11
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἤνεγκεν
Hath
G5342
ἤνεγκεν
Hath
Strong's:
G5342
Word #:
9 of 11
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
Historical Context
Their question reveals their continued focus on natural explanations. John often records such misunderstandings to highlight the need for spiritual illumination to grasp Christ's teachings.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does spiritual truth often initially confuse us when we think in merely natural categories?
- How do we move from literal to spiritual understanding of Christ's words?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The disciples' literal question 'Hath any man brought him ought to eat?' parallels the Samaritan woman's misunderstanding about water. This repeated pattern in John's Gospel shows how spiritual truths transcend and often initially confuse natural understanding. The disciples must learn to think beyond physical categories.