John 4:49
The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
2 of 12
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,
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 12
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλικός
The nobleman
G937
βασιλικός
The nobleman
Strong's:
G937
Word #:
5 of 12
regal (in relation), i.e., (literally) belonging to (or befitting) the sovereign (as land, dress, or a courtier), or (figuratively) preeminent
Κύριε
Sir
G2962
Κύριε
Sir
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 12
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Parental desperation transcended social barriers—this royal official humbled himself before an itinerant teacher. His repeated plea echoes many biblical examples of persistent faith (the Syrophoenician woman, the importunate widow).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus distinguish between persistent faith and lack of trust in His power?
- What does this nobleman's example teach about bringing our urgent needs to Christ repeatedly?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The nobleman's persistence ('Sir, come down ere my child die') shows both admirable faith and lingering limitation—he still thinks Jesus' physical presence is necessary. His address 'Sir' (Greek: kurie, can mean 'Lord' or 'sir') and repeated request demonstrate humble urgency. God honors persistent prayer even when our theology is incomplete.