John Chapter 4 · Verse 35
Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 28
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
There
G3754
ὅτι
There
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 28
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔρχεται
then cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
then cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
11 of 28
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
13 of 28
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
17 of 28
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θεάσασθε
look on
G2300
θεάσασθε
look on
Strong's:
G2300
Word #:
20 of 28
to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χώρας
the fields
G5561
χώρας
the fields
Strong's:
G5561
Word #:
22 of 28
room, i.e., a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants)
ὅτι
There
G3754
ὅτι
There
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
23 of 28
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Historical Context
If this occurred around December-January (four months before Passover harvest), the spiritual harvest contrasts with winter fields. The 'white' may refer to the Samaritans' white garments or sun-bleached grain metaphorically.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we sometimes assume spiritual harvest follows our expected timeline rather than God's?
- What 'fields white unto harvest' has God prepared around us that we fail to see?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' agricultural metaphor redirects attention from physical harvest ('four months, and then cometh harvest') to spiritual harvest—the Samaritans approaching are 'white already to harvest.' The fields (Greek: chōrai) may literally be the region (Samaria) and the people streaming toward them. God's sovereignty ensures harvest readiness according to His timing.