John 4:40

Authorized King James Version

So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὡς
G5613
when
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#2
οὖν
G3767
So
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
ἦλθον
G2064
were come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
πρὸς
G4314
unto
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,
#5
αὐτοῖς·
G846
him
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
#6
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
Σαμαρεῖται,
G4541
the Samaritans
a samarite, i.e., inhabitant of samaria
#8
ἠρώτων
G2065
they besought
to interrogate; by implication, to request
#9
αὐτοῖς·
G846
him
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
#10
ἔμεινεν
G3306
he abode
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
#11
παρ'
G3844
with
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
#12
αὐτοῖς·
G846
him
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
#13
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
ἔμεινεν
G3306
he abode
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
#15
ἐκεῖ
G1563
there
there; by extension, thither
#16
δύο
G1417
two
"two"
#17
ἡμέρας
G2250
days
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources