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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - John 4:48 - 4:48
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
48. σημεῖα κ. τέρατα. Christ’s miracles are never mere τέρατα, wonders to excite astonishment; they are ‘signs’ of heavenly truths as well, and this is their primary characteristic. Where the two words are combined σημεῖα always precedes, excepting Act 2:22; Act 2:43; Act 6:8; Act 7:36. S. John nowhere else uses τέρατα: his words for miracles are σημεῖα and ἔργα.
οὐ μὴ πιστεύσητε. Strongest negation (Joh 4:14). Ye will in no wise believe: or interrogatively; Will ye in no wise believe? Comp. οὐ μὴ πίω; Joh 18:11. The words are addressed to him (πρὸς αὐτόν), but as the representative of the many who demanded a sign before believing (see on 1Co 1:22). Faith of this low type is not rejected (Joh 10:38, Joh 14:11, Joh 20:29); it may grow into something better, as here, by being tested and braced (Joh 4:50). But it may also go back into sheer unbelief, as with most of those who were won over by His miracles. The verse tells of the depressing change which Christ experienced in returning from Samaria to the land of Israel.