John 4:5
Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
Original Language Analysis
ἔρχεται
cometh he
G2064
ἔρχεται
cometh he
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 18
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Σαμαρείας
of Samaria
G4540
Σαμαρείας
of Samaria
Strong's:
G4540
Word #:
6 of 18
samaria (i.e., shomeron), a city and region of palestine
λεγομένην
which is called
G3004
λεγομένην
which is called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
πλησίον
near
G4139
πλησίον
near
Strong's:
G4139
Word #:
9 of 18
(adverbially) close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e., fellow (as man, countryman, christian or friend)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὃ
G3739
ὃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔδωκεν
gave
G1325
ἔδωκεν
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
13 of 18
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
Ἰακὼβ
that Jacob
G2384
Ἰακὼβ
that Jacob
Strong's:
G2384
Word #:
14 of 18
jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Joshua 24:32And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.Genesis 33:19And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money.Genesis 48:22Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.John 4:12Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
Historical Context
Sychar was likely near ancient Shechem in Samaria. Jacob purchased land there (Genesis 33:19) and gave it to Joseph (Genesis 48:22). This area held deep significance in Israel's history as the site of covenant renewal under Joshua.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' journey through Samaria challenge ethnic and religious prejudices?
- What does it mean that Christ claims and transforms the inheritance of the patriarchs?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The city of Sychar connects to Jacob's history in the land, linking Jesus' mission to Israel's patriarchal heritage. John emphasizes the historical and theological continuity between Old Testament promises and their New Testament fulfillment in Christ. The plot of ground Jacob gave Joseph symbolizes Israel's inheritance, which Christ has come to claim and transform.