John 4:39
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
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.