The Meaning of John 4:6 Explained

John 4:6

KJV: Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

YLT: and there was there a well of Jacob. Jesus therefore having been weary from the journeying, was sitting thus on the well; it was as it were the sixth hour;

Darby: Now a fountain of Jacob's was there; Jesus therefore, being wearied with the way he had come, sat just as he was at the fountain. It was about the sixth hour.

ASV: and Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Now  Jacob's  well  was  there.  Jesus  therefore,  being wearied  with  [his] journey,  sat  thus  on  the well:  [and] it was  about  the sixth  hour. 

What does John 4:6 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The Greek words that John used to describe this well were pege (here), meaning a spring, and phrear ( John 4:11-12), meaning a cistern. Evidently Jacob"s well was both. It was a hole that someone had dug in the ground that a spring fed. The site is still a popular tourist attraction, and the deep spring still flows. Edersheim estimated (in1886) that the well was originally about150 feet deep. [1]
The sixth hour when Jesus arrived would have been noon. Even though Jesus was the eternal Word, He became fully man and shared the fatigue and thirst that all travelers experience (cf. Hebrews 4:15-16).

Context Summary

John 4:1-14 - Satisfying An Eternal Thirst
Our Lord had no wish to precipitate the conflict with the Pharisee party, until He had finished His ministry to the people. He was the last and greatest of the prophets, as well as the world's Redeemer. He therefore withdrew from the metropolis. Here is another must, John 4:4. There were three in the previous chapter and there are two in this. It was not necessary for Jesus to go through Samaria except for the purpose of mercy to one soul. Jacob's well is still visible, at the entrance of the green valley up which Sychar lay. Thus, that is, as a tired man would sit. It was noon. The time when women usually drew water was in the evening, but there were special reasons why this woman came by herself. The love of God overleaps narrow restrictions of sex, and sect, and nationality. Two conditions, John 4:10, precede our reception of God's best gifts: we must know, and we must ask.
The living water is not a stagnant pond or well, but leaps up from a hidden spring. The woman keeps referring to the well, Jesus to the spring in the well. That alone can satisfy. Not the word, but the spirit in the word. Not the rite, but the grace it symbolizes. John 4:13 might serve as the inscription on all places of worldly amusement. Ponder that word become, John 4:14. You first drink for your own need, then you help to meet the need of others. [source]

Chapter Summary: John 4

1  Jesus talks with a woman of Samaria, and reveals his identity to her
27  His disciples marvel
31  He declares to them his zeal for God's glory
39  Many Samaritans believe on him
43  He departs into Galilee, and heals the ruler's son that lay sick at Capernaum

Greek Commentary for John 4:6

Jacob‘s well [πηγη του Ιακωβ]
“A spring of Jacob” (here and John 4:14), but πρεαρ — phrear (well, pit, cistern) in John 4:11 and John 4:12. It is really a cistern 100 feet deep dug by a stranger apparently in a land of abundant springs (Genesis 26:19). Wearied Perfect active participle of κοπιαω — kopiaō a state of weariness. The verb means to toil excessively (Luke 5:5). John emphasizes the human emotions of Jesus (John 1:14; John 11:3, John 11:33, John 11:35, John 11:38, John 11:41.; John 12:27; John 13:21; John 19:28). With his journey As a result Imperfect (descriptive) middle of κατεζομαι — kathezomai “was sitting.” Thus Probably “thus wearied,” graphic picture. By the well Literally, “upon the curbstone of the well.” Sixth hour Roman time, about 6 p.m., the usual time for drawing water. [source]
Well [πηγὴ]
Strictly, spring. The word for cistern or well is φρέαρ , which John uses at John 4:11, John 4:12. Elsewhere in the New Testament always of a pit. See Luke 14:5; Revelation 9:1, Revelation 9:2. There is no mention of Jacob's Well in the Old Testament. The traditional well still remains. “At the mouth of the valley of Schechem two slight breaks are visible in the midst of the vast plain of corn - one a white Mussulman chapel; the other a few fragments of stone. The first of these covers the alleged tomb of Joseph, … the second marks the undisputed site of the well, now neglected and choked up by the ruins which have fallen into it; but still with every claim to be considered the original well” (Stanley, “Sinai and Palestine”). Dr. Thomson says: “I could see nothing like a well - nothing but a low, modern wall, much broken down, and never, apparently, more than ten feet high. The area enclosed by it is fifty-six paces from east to west, and sixty-five from north to south. The surface is covered by a confused mass of shapeless rubbish, overgrown with weeds and nettles … . The well is near the southeastern corner of the area, and, to reach the mouth of it, one must let himself down, with some risk, about ten feet into a low vault” (“Land and Book”). Dr. Thomson also remarks upon the great discrepancy in the measurements of the well by different tourists, owing to the accumulations of stones and debris from the ruins of the buildings which formerly covered it. “All confirm the saying of the Samaritan woman that 'the well is deep.'” Maundrell, in 1697, makes the depth one hundred and five feet, with fifteen feet of water. Mr. Calhoun, in 1838, found nearly the same depth of water. Dr. Wilson, in 1841, found the depth only seventy-five feet, which is confirmed by the later measurements of Captain Anderson in 1866, and of Lieutenant Conder in 1875. [source]
Wearied [κεκοπιακὼς]
See on Luke 5:5. [source]
Thus []
Just as He was; or, as some explain, being thus wearied. [source]
Sat []
The imperfect tense; was sitting, when the woman came. [source]
Sixth Hour []
According to the Jewish reckoning, mid-day. According to the Roman mode, between 5 and 6 p.m. See on John 1:39. Evening was the usual time for drawing water. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 4:6

John 4:11 Well [φρέαρ]
See on John 4:6. It may have been fed by living springs ( πηγαὶ ). [source]
John 13:25 As he was [οὕτως]
Inserted by the best texts, and not found in the A.V. Reclining as he was, he leaned back. The general attitude of reclining was maintained. Compare John 4:6: “sat thus ( οὕτως ) on the well.” According to the original institution, the Passover was to be eaten standing (Exodus 12:11). After the Captivity the custom was changed, and the guests reclined. The Rabbis insisted that at least a part of the Paschal meal should be eaten in that position, because it was the manner of slaves to eat standing, and the recumbent position showed that they had been delivered from bondage into freedom. [source]
John 12:27 My soul [η πσυχη μου]
The soul Perfect passive indicative of ταρασσω — tarassō used also in John 11:33; John 13:21 of Jesus. While John proves the deity of Jesus in his Gospel, he assumes throughout his real humanity as here (cf. John 4:6). The language is an echo of that in Psalm 6:4; Psalm 42:7. John does not give the agony in Gethsemane which the Synoptics have (Mark 14:35.; Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42), but it is quite beside the mark to suggest, as Bernard does, that the account here is John‘s version of the Gethsemane experience. Why do some critics feel called upon to level down to a dead plane every variety of experience in Christ‘s life? And what shall I say? Deliberative subjunctive which expresses vividly “a genuine, if momentary indecision” (Bernard). The request of the Greeks called up graphically to Jesus the nearness of the Cross. Father, save me from this hour Jesus began his prayers with “Father” (John 11:41). Dods thinks that this should be a question also. Westcott draws a distinction between απο — ek (out of) and εκ — apo (from) to show that Jesus does not pray to draw back from the hour, but only to come safely out of it all and so interprets εκ — ek in Hebrews 5:7, but that distinction will not stand, for in John 1:44 απο — ek and απο — apo are used in the same sense and in the Synoptics (Mark 14:35.; Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42) we have αλλα δια τουτο ηλτον εις την ωραν ταυτην — apo If it holds here, we lose the point there. Here as in Gethsemane the soul of Jesus instinctively and naturally shrinks from the Cross, but he instantly surrenders to the will of God in both experiences. But for this cause came I unto this hour (alla dia touto ēlthon eis tēn hōran tautēn). It was only a moment of human weakness as in Gethsemane that quickly passed. Thus understood the language has its natural meaning. [source]
John 4:38 I sent [εγω απεστειλα]
Emphatic use of εγω — egō and first aorist active indicative of αποστελλω — apostellō common in John for to send. Whereon ye have not laboured Perfect active indicative of κοπιαω — kopiaō for which see John 4:6. So also κεκοπιακασιν — kekopiakasin in next line. The disciples had done no sowing here in Sychar, only Jesus and the woman. Others And ye Emphatic contrast. Have entered Perfect active indicative of εισερχομαι — eiserchomai Into their labour Into the fruit and blessed results of their toil This is always true as seen in Acts 8:5-7, Acts 8:14. [source]
John 12:27 Is troubled [τεταρακται]
Perfect passive indicative of ταρασσω — tarassō used also in John 11:33; John 13:21 of Jesus. While John proves the deity of Jesus in his Gospel, he assumes throughout his real humanity as here (cf. John 4:6). The language is an echo of that in Psalm 6:4; Psalm 42:7. John does not give the agony in Gethsemane which the Synoptics have (Mark 14:35.; Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42), but it is quite beside the mark to suggest, as Bernard does, that the account here is John‘s version of the Gethsemane experience. Why do some critics feel called upon to level down to a dead plane every variety of experience in Christ‘s life? And what shall I say? Deliberative subjunctive which expresses vividly “a genuine, if momentary indecision” (Bernard). The request of the Greeks called up graphically to Jesus the nearness of the Cross. Father, save me from this hour Jesus began his prayers with “Father” (John 11:41). Dods thinks that this should be a question also. Westcott draws a distinction between απο — ek (out of) and εκ — apo (from) to show that Jesus does not pray to draw back from the hour, but only to come safely out of it all and so interprets εκ — ek in Hebrews 5:7, but that distinction will not stand, for in John 1:44 απο — ek and απο — apo are used in the same sense and in the Synoptics (Mark 14:35.; Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42) we have αλλα δια τουτο ηλτον εις την ωραν ταυτην — apo If it holds here, we lose the point there. Here as in Gethsemane the soul of Jesus instinctively and naturally shrinks from the Cross, but he instantly surrenders to the will of God in both experiences. But for this cause came I unto this hour (alla dia touto ēlthon eis tēn hōran tautēn). It was only a moment of human weakness as in Gethsemane that quickly passed. Thus understood the language has its natural meaning. [source]
John 14:17 The Spirit of truth [το πνευμα της αλητειας]
Same phrase in John 15:27; John 16:13; 1 John 4:6, “a most exquisite title” (Bengel). The Holy Spirit is marked by it (genitive case), gives it, defends it (cf. John 1:17), in contrast to the spirit of error (1 John 4:6). Whom Grammatical neuter gender He is a person, not a mere influence. Cannot receive Left to itself the sinful world is helpless (1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 8:7.), almost Paul‘s very language on this point. The world lacks spiritual insight It failed to recognize Jesus (John 1:10) and likewise the Holy Spirit. Ye know him Emphatic position of υμεις — humeis (ye) in contrast with the world (John 15:19), because they have seen Jesus the Revealer of the Father (John 14:9). Abides Timeless present tense. With you “By your side,” “at home with you,” not merely “with you” In your hearts. So note μετα — meta (John 14:16), παρα εν — para class="translit"> en f0). [source]
1 Corinthians 8:3 The same is known of Him [οὗτος ἔγνωσται ὑπ ' αὐτοῦ]
The same, i.e., this same man who loves God. He does not say knows God, but implies this in the larger truth, is known by God. Compare Galatians 4:9; 1 John 4:7, 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:16; 2 Timothy 2:19. Γινώσκω in New-Testament Greek often denotes a personal relation between the knower and the known, so that the knowledge of an object implies the influence of that object upon the knower. So John 2:24, John 2:25; 1 Corinthians 2:8; 1 John 4:8. In John the relation itself is expressed by the verb. John 17:3, John 17:25; 1 John 5:20; 1 John 4:6; 1 John 2:3, 1 John 2:4, 1 John 2:5. [source]
2 Corinthians 11:26 In journeyings [οδοιποριαις]
Locative case of old word, only here in N.T. and John 4:6, from οδοιπορος — hodoiporos wayfarer. [source]
1 Thessalonians 2:3 Of deceit [ἐκ πλάνης]
Better, of error. It may imply deceit as accompanying or causing error, but it does not occur in the sense of deceit. Our exhortation did not proceed from any false teaching which we had ourselves received. We were guided by “the spirit of truth”; See 1 John 4:6, and comp. 2 Peter 1:16. [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:8 On them that know not God - obey not the gospel [τοῖς μὴ εἰδόσι θεὸν - τοῖς μὴ ὑπακούουσιν τῷ εὐγγελίῳ]
To know God is to know him as the one, true God as distinguished from false gods; to know his will, his holiness, his hatred of sin, and his saving intent toward mankind. Two words are used of such knowledge, εἰδέναι and γινώσκειν . Both are applied to the heathen and to Christians, and both are used of the Jews' knowledge of God. Ἑιδέναι , of heathen, Galatians 4:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:5; 2 Thessalonians 1:8. Γινώσκειν of heathen, Romans 1:21; 1 Corinthians 1:21. Ἑιδέναι , of Christ and Christians, John 7:29, John 8:19, John 8:55; John 14:7. Γινώσκειν of Christ and Christians, Galatians 4:9; 1 John 2:13, 1 John 2:14; 1 John 4:6, 1 John 4:7, 1 John 4:8; John 10:15; John 17:3. In John, γινώσκειν of Jews who do not know the Father, John 16:3; John 8:55: εἰδέναι , John 7:28; John 8:19; John 15:21. The two are combined, John 1:26; John 7:27; John 8:55; 2 Corinthians 5:16. A distinction is asserted between γινώσκειν as knowledge grounded in personal experience, apprehension of external impressions - and εἰδέμαι purely mental perception in contrast with conjecture or knowledge derived from others. There are doubtless passages which bear out this distinction (see on John 2:24), but it is impossible to carry it rigidly through the N.T. In the two classes, - those who know not God and those who obey not the gospel, - it is not probable that Paul has in mind a distinction between Jews and Gentiles. The Jews were not ignorant of God, yet they are described by John as not knowing him. The Gentiles are described by Paul as knowing God, but as refusing to glorify him as God (Romans 1:21). Paul rather describes here the subjects of God's judgment as one class, but under different aspects. [source]
1 Timothy 4:1 Seducing [πλάνοις]
Primarily, wandering, roving. Ὁ πλάνος avagabond, hence deceiver or seducer. See 2 John 1:7, and comp. ὁ πλανῶν thedeceiver, used of Satan, Revelation 12:9; Revelation 20:10; τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πλάνης thespirit of error, 1 John 4:6. Once in Paul, 2 Corinthians 6:8, and in lxx, Job 19:4; Jeremiah 23:32. Evil spirits animating the false teachers are meant. [source]
James 5:20 He which converteth [ο επιστρεπσας]
First aorist active articular participle of επιστρεπω — epistrephō of James 5:19.From the error (εκ πλανης — ek planēs). “Out of the wandering” of James 5:19 (πλανη — planē from which πλαναω — planaō is made). See 1 John 4:6 for contrast between “truth” and “error.”A soul from death The soul of the sinner Future active of καλυπτω — kaluptō old verb, to hide, to veil. But whose sins (those of the converter or the converted)? The Roman Catholics (also Mayor and Ropes) take it of the sins of the converter, who thus saves himself by saving others. The language here will allow that, but not New Testament teaching in general. It is apparently a proverbial saying which Resch considers one of the unwritten sayings of Christ (Clem. Al. Paed. iii. 12). It occurs also in 1 Peter 4:8, where it clearly means the sins of others covered by love as a veil thrown over them. The saying appears also in Proverbs 10:12: “Hatred stirs up strife, but love hides all transgressions” - that is “love refuses to see faults” (Mayor admits). That is undoubtedly the meaning in 1 Peter 4:8; James 5:20. [source]
James 5:20 From the error [εκ πλανης]
“Out of the wandering” of James 5:19 See 1 John 4:6 for contrast between “truth” and “error.” [source]
1 John 5:2 By this [ἐν τούτῳ]
Not by this or from this, as an inference (see on 1 John 4:6), but in the very exercise of the sentiment toward God, we perceive. [source]
1 John 5:19 We are of God [ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐσμέν]
For the phrase εἷναι ἐκ tobe from, see on John 1:46. For ἐσμέν weare, see on 1 John 3:1. John expresses the relation of believers to God by the following phrases: To be born or begotten of God, γεννηθῆναι ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ (1 John 5:1; 1 John 2:29; 1 John 4:7): denoting the initial communication of the new life. To be of God, εἷναι ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ (John 8:47; 1 John 3:10; 1 John 4:6): denoting the essential connection in virtue of the new life. Child of God, τέκνον Θεοῦ (John 1:12; 1 John 3:1, 1 John 3:10): denoting the relation established by the new life. [source]
1 John 1:8 We deceive ourselves [ἑαυτοὺς πλανῶμεν]
Lit., we lead ourselves astray. See on Mark 7:24; see on Matthew 27:63, Matthew 27:64; see on Judges 1:13. Not only do we err, we are responsible for it. The phrase only here in the New Testament. For the verb as applied to deceivers of various kinds, see Matthew 24:4; Revelation 2:20; Revelation 13:14; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 12:9; Revelation 20:3. Compare πλάνοι deceivers(2 John 1:7); πλάνη error(Judges 1:11; 1 John 4:6). [source]
1 John 4:3 Confesseth not [μη ομολογει]
Indefinite relative clause with the subjective negative μη — mē rather than the usual objective negative ου — ou (1 John 4:6). It is seen also in 2 Peter 1:9; Titus 1:11, a survival of the literary construction (Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 171). The Vulgate (along with Irenaeus, Tertullian, Augustine) reads solvit (λυει — luei) instead of μη ομολογει — mē homologei which means “separates Jesus,” apparently an allusion to the Cerinthian heresy (distinction between Jesus and Christ) as the clause before refers to the Docetic heresy. Many MSS. have here also εν σαρκι εληλυτοτα — en sarki elēluthota repeated from preceding clause, but not A B Vg Cop. and not genuine. [source]
1 John 1:8 The truth []
The whole Gospel. All reality is in God. He is the only true God ( ἀληθινός John 17:3; see on John 1:9). This reality is incarnated in Christ, the Word of God, “the very image of His substance,” and in His message to men. This message is the truth, a title not found in the Synoptists, Acts, or Revelation, but in the Catholic Epistles (James 5:19; 1 Peter 1:22; 2 Peter 2:2), and in Paul (2 Corinthians 8:8; Ephesians 1:13, etc.). It is especially characteristic of the Gospel and Epistles of John. The truth is represented by John objectively and subjectively. 1. Objectively. In the person of Christ. He is the Truth, the perfect revelation of God (John 1:18; John 14:6). His manhood is true to the absolute law of right, which is the law of love, and is, therefore, our perfect pattern of manhood. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Truth, absolutely existing in and identified with God, was also, in some measure, diffused in the world. The Word was in the world, before as after the incarnation (John 1:10. See on John 1:4, John 1:5). Christ often treats the truth as something to which He came to bear witness, and which it was His mission to develop into clearer recognition and expression (John 18:37). This He did through the embodiment of truth in His own person (John 1:14, John 1:17; John 14:6), and by His teaching (John 8:40; John 17:17); and His work is carried out by the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13), sent by God and by Christ himself (John 14:26; John 16:7). Hence the Spirit, even as Christ, is the Truth (1 John 5:6). The whole sum of the knowledge of Christ and of the Spirit, is the Truth (1 John 2:21; 2 John 1:1). This truth can be recognized, apprehended, and appropriated by man, and can be also rejected by him (John 8:32; 1 John 2:21; John 8:44). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
2. Subjectively. The truth is lodged in man by the Spirit, and communicated to his spirit (John 14:17; John 15:26; John 16:13). It dwells in man (1 John 1:8; 1 John 2:4; 2 John 1:2), as revelation, comfort, guidance, enlightenment, conviction, impulse, inspiration, knowledge. It is the spirit of truth as opposed to the spirit of error (1 John 4:6). It translates itself into act. God's true children do the truth (John 3:21; 1 John 1:6). It brings sanctification and freedom (John 8:32; John 17:17). See on John 14:6, John 14:17. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
[source]

1 John 5:19 Of God [εκ του τεου]
See 1 John 3:10; 1 John 4:6 for this idiom. [source]
Revelation 9:1 Of the bottomless pit [τοῦ φρέατος τῆς ἀβύσσου]
Rev., of the pit of the abyss. See on John 4:6, and compare Luke 14:5. It is not however a pit that is locked, but the long shaft leading to the abyss, like a well-shaft, which, in the East, is oftener covered and locked. [source]
Revelation 21:6 Fountain [πηγῆς]
See on John 4:6. [source]

What do the individual words in John 4:6 mean?

Was now there [the] well - of Jacob - Therefore Jesus being wearied from the journey was sitting thus at the well [The] hour about [the] sixth
ἦν δὲ ἐκεῖ πηγὴ τοῦ Ἰακώβ οὖν Ἰησοῦς κεκοπιακὼς ἐκ τῆς ὁδοιπορίας ἐκαθέζετο οὕτως ἐπὶ τῇ πηγῇ ὥρα ὡς ἕκτη

δὲ  now 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
πηγὴ  [the]  well 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: πηγή  
Sense: fountain, spring.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἰακώβ  of  Jacob 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰακώβ  
Sense: was the second son of Isaac.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἰησοῦς  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.
κεκοπιακὼς  being  wearied 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: κοπιάω  
Sense: to grow weary, tired, exhausted (with toil or burdens or grief).
ὁδοιπορίας  journey 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: ὁδοιπορία  
Sense: a journey, journeying.
ἐκαθέζετο  was  sitting 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: καθέζομαι  
Sense: to sit down, seat one’s self, sit.
οὕτως  thus 
Parse: Adverb
Root: οὕτως  
Sense: in this manner, thus, so.
ἐπὶ  at 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐπί  
Sense: upon, on, at, by, before.
πηγῇ  well 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: πηγή  
Sense: fountain, spring.
ὥρα  [The]  hour 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: ὥρα  
Sense: a certain definite time or season fixed by natural law and returning with the revolving year.
ὡς  about 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ὡς 
Sense: as, like, even as, etc.
ἕκτη  [the]  sixth 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: ἕκτος  
Sense: the sixth.