John 4:35
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
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.