John 4:41
And many more believed because of his own word;
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλῷ
many
G4183
πολλῷ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
2 of 8
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
πλείους
more
G4119
πλείους
more
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
3 of 8
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
ἐπίστευσαν
believed
G4100
ἐπίστευσαν
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
4 of 8
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
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
5 of 8
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 1:8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.Acts 8:12But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.Acts 8:25And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.John 6:63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.Hebrews 4:13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.Acts 15:3And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.John 7:46The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.Genesis 49:10The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.Luke 4:32And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
Historical Context
John's Gospel consistently emphasizes believing based on Jesus' own words and works (2:22, 4:50, 5:47, 8:31). The Samaritans' progression from the woman's testimony to Christ's word demonstrates genuine conversion.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we move from faith based on others' testimonies to personal conviction through Christ's word?
- What is the relationship between human witness and divine revelation in coming to faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'many more believed because of his own word' shows progression from secondhand testimony to personal encounter with Christ. Ultimate faith rests not on human testimony but on Christ's self-revelation. This pattern—testimony leads to investigation, investigation to personal faith—models healthy evangelism.