John 4:44
For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτὸς
himself
G846
αὐτὸς
himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
1 of 14
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 #:
2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 14
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἐμαρτύρησεν
testified
G3140
ἐμαρτύρησεν
testified
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
5 of 14
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
προφήτης
a prophet
G4396
προφήτης
a prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
7 of 14
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδίᾳ
his own
G2398
ἰδίᾳ
his own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
10 of 14
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
πατρίδι
country
G3968
πατρίδι
country
Strong's:
G3968
Word #:
11 of 14
a father-land, i.e., native town; (figuratively) heavenly home
τιμὴν
honour
G5092
τιμὴν
honour
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
12 of 14
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
Cross References
Matthew 13:57And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.Luke 4:24And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.Mark 6:4But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
Historical Context
This saying appears in all four Gospels. In context, 'his own country' likely refers to Judea (where He was born) or possibly Nazareth in Galilee. Both regions would later show considerable unbelief despite His presence and miracles.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does familiarity with Christ sometimes hinder rather than help faith?
- How do we overcome prejudice based on humble origins or circumstances to recognize God's work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' statement that 'a prophet hath no honour in his own country' explains why He left Judea for Galilee (or why His Galilean ministry would face challenges). This proverb reflects the reality that familiarity breeds contempt—those who knew Jesus' humble origins struggled to accept His divine mission. Truth often faces greatest resistance from those who should know better.