John 4:1 Meaning

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. John 4
  4. John 4:1

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

John 1 John 2 John 3 John 4 John 5 John 6 John 7 John 8 John 9 John 10 John 11 John 12 John 13 John 14 John 15 John 16 John 17 John 18 John 19 John 20 John 21

Verse

John 4:1 John 4:2 John 4:3 John 4:4 John 4:5 John 4:6 John 4:7 John 4:8 John 4:9 John 4:10 John 4:11 John 4:12 John 4:13 John 4:14 John 4:15 John 4:16 John 4:17 John 4:18 John 4:19 John 4:20 John 4:21 John 4:22 John 4:23 John 4:24 John 4:25 John 4:26 John 4:27 John 4:28 John 4:29 John 4:30 John 4:31 John 4:32 John 4:33 John 4:34 John 4:35 John 4:36 John 4:37 John 4:38 John 4:39 John 4:40 John 4:41 John 4:42 John 4:43 John 4:44 John 4:45 John 4:46 John 4:47 John 4:48 John 4:49 John 4:50 John 4:51 John 4:52 John 4:53 John 4:54

What is the meaning of John 4:1?

When therefore the LORD knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

Previous Verse
« John 3:36
Next Verse
John 4:2 »

John 4:1 Bible Verse Meaning

Understanding John 4:1 - A Comprehensive Bible Verse Commentary

John 4:1: "When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,"

Context and Overview

The passage occurs at a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, as He begins to gain considerable attention that could lead to conflict with the religious leaders of His time. To properly grasp the meaning of Bible verses, it is important to consider both the immediate context and the broader implications of this verse.

Commentary Insights

The insights provided by various public domain commentaries amplify our Bible verse understanding. Here are summaries from notable sources:

  • Matthew Henry:

    Henry points out that this verse marks a transition where Jesus is no longer operating in the shadow of John the Baptist. The baptisms attributed to Him signify an emerging authority and highlight the increasing discipleship forming around Jesus, leading to a point of tension with the Pharisees.

  • Albert Barnes:

    Barnes emphasizes the significance of Jesus' actions in attracting followers. The mention of "baptizing more disciples than John" reflects the growing influence of Jesus' ministry, challenging traditional religious norms. This situation requires acknowledgment of His divine authority and the impending conflict with religious leaders.

  • Adam Clarke:

    Clarke elaborates on the environment in which Jesus operated, noting how the Pharisees were the custodians of Jewish law. Their awareness of Jesus’ activities indicates their concern over His rising influence, which posed a threat to the established religious order.

Exploring Key Themes

  • Conflict with Religious Authority:

    The passage sets the stage for a recurring theme of tension between Jesus and the established religious authorities. This underlying conflict is crucial for understanding subsequent chapters and events in the ministry of Jesus.

  • The Role of Baptism:

    Baptism symbolizes a pivotal moment of commitment and purification. Here, it serves to underscore the notion that Jesus’ ministry is actively growing, as more individuals align themselves with His teachings.

  • Discipleship:

    This verse hints at the formation of a new community of followers who are reshaping the religious landscape, moving from John’s disciples to those who would follow Jesus directly.

Application to Daily Life

For modern readers seeking to apply the significance of Jesus' teachings, John 4:1 invites reflection on personal discipleship. It asks individuals to consider who they follow and what authority they acknowledge in their spiritual journey.

Cross References

Several Bible verses resonate with the themes found in John 4:1:

  • Matthew 3:11: John's baptism and his role in preparing the way for Jesus.
  • John 3:26: John's disciples express concern over Jesus' growing ministry.
  • Luke 7:29-30: The people's response to John and their attitudes toward Jesus' ministry.

Conclusion

In summary, John 4:1 provides rich soil for Bible study insights. It reveals the early dynamics of Jesus’ ministry, the response of religious leaders, and the implications for discipleship. Such verses require in-depth Bible verse analysis and reflection on their relevance today.

John 4 (KJV) Verse Selection

John 4:1 John 4:2 John 4:3 John 4:4 John 4:5 John 4:6 John 4:7 John 4:8 John 4:9 John 4:10 John 4:11 John 4:12 John 4:13 John 4:14 John 4:15 John 4:16 John 4:17 John 4:18 John 4:19 John 4:20 John 4:21 John 4:22 John 4:23 John 4:24 John 4:25 John 4:26 John 4:27 John 4:28 John 4:29 John 4:30 John 4:31 John 4:32 John 4:33 John 4:34 John 4:35 John 4:36 John 4:37 John 4:38 John 4:39 John 4:40 John 4:41 John 4:42 John 4:43 John 4:44 John 4:45 John 4:46 John 4:47 John 4:48 John 4:49 John 4:50 John 4:51 John 4:52 John 4:53 John 4:54

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »