John 4:9

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λέγει
saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#2
οὖν
Then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
αὐτῷ
unto him
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
#4
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
γυναικὸς
a woman
a woman; specially, a wife
#6
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
Σαμαρείτιδος
of Samaria
a samaritess, i.e., woman of samaria
#8
Πῶς
How is it that
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#9
σὺ
thou
thou
#10
Ἰουδαῖοι
a Jew
judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah
#11
οὔσης
being
being
#12
παρ'
of
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
#13
ἐμοῦ
me
of me
#14
πιεῖν
drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#15
αἰτεῖς
askest
to ask (in genitive case)
#16
οὔσης
being
being
#17
γυναικὸς
a woman
a woman; specially, a wife
#18
Σαμαρείτιδος
of Samaria
a samaritess, i.e., woman of samaria
#19
οὐ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#20
γὰρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#21
συγχρῶνται
dealings
to use jointly, i.e., (by implication) to hold intercourse in common
#22
Ἰουδαῖοι
a Jew
judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah
#23
Σαμαρείταις
with the Samaritans
a samarite, i.e., inhabitant of samaria

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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