John 4:40
So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
when
G5613
ὡς
when
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 17
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἦλθον
were come
G2064
ἦλθον
were come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 17
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,
αὐτοῖς·
him
G846
αὐτοῖς·
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 17
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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῖς·
him
G846
αὐτοῖς·
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 17
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
ἔμεινεν
he abode
G3306
ἔμεινεν
he abode
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
10 of 17
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
παρ'
with
G3844
παρ'
with
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
αὐτοῖς·
him
G846
αὐτοῖς·
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 17
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Revelation 3:20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.Acts 16:15And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.Luke 24:29But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
Historical Context
A two-day stay would have involved eating Samaritan food and lodging in Samaritan homes, all considered defiling by strict Jewish standards. This anticipates the gospel's inclusion of Gentiles and breaking down of dividing walls (Ephesians 2:14).
Questions for Reflection
- What barriers to fellowship with different believers does Christ call us to overcome?
- How does genuine faith express itself in desire for Christ's presence and teaching?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Samaritans' request that Jesus 'abide with them' and His two-day stay demonstrates that belief leads to desire for Christ's presence. Their invitation contrasts with later Jewish rejection (7:1). Jesus' willingness to stay in Samaria, violating Jewish purity customs, shows the gospel transcending ethnic boundaries.