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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - John 4:9 - 4:9
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
9. ἡ Σαμαρ. The adjective, as distinct from ἐκ τῆς Σ. in Joh 4:7, lays stress on the national and religious characteristics. The repetition of the article, ἡ γυνὴ ἡ Σ., giving emphasis to the adjective, is very frequent in S. Joh 5:30; Joh 6:38; Joh 6:42; Joh 6:44; Joh 6:50-51; Joh 6:58, &c. &c.
πῶς σὺ—παρ' ἐμοῦ. The pronouns are in emphatic opposition: she is half amused and half triumphant. She would know Him to be a Jew by His dress and speech. In His request He would use the testing letter (Jdg 12:6), ‘Teni lischekoth,’ which a Samaritan would pronounce ‘lisekoth.’
οὐ γὰρ συγχ. For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans; no articles. The remark is not the woman’s, but S. John’s, to explain her question. Comp. Luk 9:53. As He was on His way from Judaea she would suppose Him to be a Judaean. Galileans seem to have been less strict, and hence His disciples had gone to buy food of Samaritans. But even Pharisees allowed Samaritan fruit, vegetables, and eggs. Some important authorities omit the remark.