John 4:9
Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 23
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
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πῶς
How is it that
G4459
Πῶς
How is it that
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
8 of 23
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
παρ'
of
G3844
παρ'
of
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
12 of 23
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
20 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
συγχρῶνται
dealings
G4798
συγχρῶνται
dealings
Strong's:
G4798
Word #:
21 of 23
to use jointly, i.e., (by implication) to hold intercourse in common
Cross References
Acts 10:28And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.John 8:48Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?Matthew 10:5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:John 4:27And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
Historical Context
The Samaritan-Jewish schism dated to the Assyrian conquest (722 BC) and the return from exile. By Jesus' time, animosity ran so deep that Jews traveling from Judea to Galilee often took the longer route across the Jordan to avoid Samaria.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern equivalents exist to the Jewish-Samaritan divide, and how does the gospel address them?
- How does recognizing Christ's willingness to cross boundaries embolden us to do likewise?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The woman's response reveals the depth of Jewish-Samaritan hostility, making Jesus' request remarkable. The parenthetical explanation ('For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans') emphasizes how grace crosses boundaries that sin and pride erect. Christ's gospel demolishes ethnic, social, and religious barriers.