John Chapter 4 · Verse 39
And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐκ
of
G1537
Ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
1 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκείνης
that
G1565
ἐκείνης
that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
5 of 23
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
6 of 23
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἐπίστευσαν
believed
G4100
ἐπίστευσαν
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
7 of 23
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 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
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Σαμαρειτῶν,
of the Samaritans
G4541
Σαμαρειτῶν,
of the Samaritans
Strong's:
G4541
Word #:
11 of 23
a samarite, i.e., inhabitant of samaria
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
12 of 23
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the saying
G3056
λόγον
the saying
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
14 of 23
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μαρτυρούσης
which testified
G3140
μαρτυρούσης
which testified
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
17 of 23
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
ὅτι
G3754
Historical Context
That Samaritans believed a woman's testimony is remarkable given both gender dynamics and her questionable character. This anticipates the gospel's power to overcome social prejudices and human credentials.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use our testimonies despite our imperfections and past failures?
- What does the Samaritans' faith based on testimony teach about the power of personal witness?
Analysis & Commentary
Many Samaritans believed 'for the saying of the woman,' demonstrating that God uses unlikely witnesses. Her testimony—'He told me all that ever I did'—focused on Christ's supernatural knowledge. The verse emphasizes that faith comes through testimony (cf. Romans 10:17), even from imperfect messengers.