John 4:42
And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔλεγον
said
G3004
ἔλεγον
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 26
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
not
G3754
ὅτι
not
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 26
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
7 of 26
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστεύομεν·
we believe
G4100
πιστεύομεν·
we believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
11 of 26
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
αὐτοὶ
him ourselves
G846
αὐτοὶ
him ourselves
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 26
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
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
13 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἴδαμεν
know
G1492
οἴδαμεν
know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
16 of 26
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
not
G3754
ὅτι
not
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
17 of 26
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὗτός
this
G3778
οὗτός
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
18 of 26
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
of the world
G2889
κόσμου
of the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
24 of 26
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
Cross References
1 John 4:14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.Acts 4:12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.John 1:29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.1 Timothy 4:10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.2 Corinthians 5:19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.John 4:29Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?John 17:8For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.Isaiah 45:22Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.Luke 2:32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Historical Context
The title 'Savior of the world' was used in the Roman Empire for the Emperor, making this confession politically charged. The Samaritans recognize Christ's authority transcends both Jewish and Roman claims.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing Christ as Savior of 'the world' expand our vision beyond tribal or national Christianity?
- What is the difference between belief based on testimony versus belief based on personal knowledge of Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Samaritans' confession that Jesus is 'the Saviour of the world' (not just of Jews) represents remarkable theological insight. This title appears only here and 1 John 4:14, emphasizing universal salvation scope. Their faith no longer depends on the woman's testimony but on personal knowledge. Reformed theology affirms that saving faith requires personal appropriation, not vicarious experience.