John 4:32
But He told them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."
But He told them
This phrase indicates a direct communication from Jesus to His disciples. The Greek word for "told" is "λέγει" (legei), which is a present active indicative verb, suggesting an ongoing action. Jesus is actively engaging with His disciples, teaching them in real-time. This highlights the importance of His words and the immediacy of the lesson He is about to impart. In the historical context, rabbis often taught through dialogue, and Jesus, as the ultimate Rabbi, uses this method to reveal deeper spiritual truths.

I have food
The Greek word for "food" is "βρῶσιν" (brosin), which refers to sustenance or nourishment. In the physical sense, food is essential for life, but Jesus is speaking metaphorically about spiritual sustenance. This phrase challenges the disciples to think beyond the physical realm and consider the spiritual nourishment that comes from doing God's will. Historically, food was a central part of daily life and survival, making this metaphor particularly poignant for His audience.

to eat
The verb "to eat" in Greek is "φαγεῖν" (phagein), which is an infinitive form, indicating an action that is to be undertaken. Eating is a basic human need, yet Jesus uses it here to symbolize the act of receiving and internalizing spiritual truths. This action of "eating" spiritually implies a deep, personal engagement with God's will and purpose, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from spiritual, not just physical, nourishment.

that you know nothing about
The phrase "you know nothing about" is translated from the Greek "οὐκ οἴδατε" (ouk oidate), which means "you do not know" or "you are unaware." This highlights the disciples' lack of understanding regarding the spiritual dimension of Jesus' mission. It underscores a common theme in the Gospels where Jesus' followers often misunderstand His teachings. This phrase invites readers to recognize their own limitations in understanding God's ways and encourages a deeper pursuit of spiritual insight. Historically, this reflects the broader theme of revelation and mystery in the Scriptures, where God's truths are progressively revealed to those who seek Him earnestly.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well.

2. Disciples
Followers of Jesus who are concerned about His physical nourishment and are puzzled by His statement.

3. Samaritan Woman
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, her encounter with Jesus sets the context for this teaching moment.

4. Sychar
The town in Samaria where this event takes place, near Jacob's well.

5. Jacob's Well
A significant historical and spiritual site where Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman and later to His disciples.
Teaching Points
Spiritual Nourishment Over Physical Needs
Jesus emphasizes the importance of spiritual sustenance over physical food. Believers are encouraged to prioritize their spiritual growth and relationship with God.

Understanding God's Will
Jesus' "food" is to do the will of the Father. Christians are called to seek and fulfill God's will in their lives, finding satisfaction and purpose in His work.

Misunderstanding Spiritual Truths
The disciples' confusion highlights how easy it is to misunderstand spiritual truths. Believers should seek discernment and wisdom through prayer and study of the Scriptures.

The Role of Obedience
Obedience to God's will is a source of spiritual nourishment. Engaging in acts of service and sharing the Gospel can be fulfilling and sustaining.

Eternal Perspective
Jesus teaches an eternal perspective, reminding believers to focus on what has lasting value rather than temporary, worldly concerns.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' statement about having "food to eat that you know nothing about" challenge our understanding of spiritual versus physical needs?

2. In what ways can we prioritize spiritual nourishment in our daily lives, and what practices can help us achieve this?

3. How does the concept of doing God's will as "food" relate to other teachings of Jesus about the Kingdom of God?

4. Reflect on a time when you misunderstood a spiritual truth. How did you come to a clearer understanding, and what role did Scripture play in that process?

5. How can we cultivate an eternal perspective in our daily decisions and interactions, and what Scriptures support this mindset?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 6:27
Jesus speaks about working for food that endures to eternal life, connecting the idea of spiritual nourishment.

Matthew 4:4
Jesus quotes Deuteronomy, emphasizing that man does not live on bread alone but on every word from God, highlighting the importance of spiritual sustenance.

Philippians 3:19
Paul warns against those whose god is their stomach, contrasting physical desires with spiritual priorities.

Isaiah 55:2
The prophet Isaiah questions why people spend money on what is not bread, urging them to listen to God for true nourishment.
Chance in the Divine EconomyJ. Fawcett, M. A.John 4:1-42
Characteristics of Christ Displayed in This ConversationBp. Ryle.John 4:1-42
Christ Abolishing PrejudicesLange.John 4:1-42
Christ and the SamaritansH. Burton, M. A.John 4:1-42
Christ and the WomanT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 4:1-42
Christ and the Woman of SamariaBp. Ryle.John 4:1-42
Christ and the Woman of SamariaCaleb Morris.John 4:1-42
Christ At Jacob's WellCarl Keogh, D. D.John 4:1-42
Christ Driven AwayJeremiah Dyke.John 4:1-42
Christ in His Human Weakness and Divine ExaltationLange.John 4:1-42
Christ's Gentleness with the FallenJ. Cynddylan Jones, D. D.John 4:1-42
Christ's RequestBp. Ryle.John 4:1-42
Commendable EnthusiasmDr. Guthrie.John 4:1-42
Connection Between the Conversations with the Woman of Samaria and with NicodemusBp. Westcott.John 4:1-42
He Left JudaeaW. H. Dixon., Canon Westcott.John 4:1-42
In the Path of ChristJ. Trapp.John 4:1-42
Influence After DeathH. W. Beecher.John 4:1-42
Its HistoryBp. Ryle.John 4:1-42
Jacob's Well a TypeL. R. Bosanquet.John 4:1-42
Jacob's Welt an Emblem of the SanctuaryR. H. Lovell.John 4:1-42
Jesus At the WellS. S. TimesJohn 4:1-42
Jesus At the WellSermons by the Monday ClubJohn 4:1-42
Jesus At the Well of SycharJames G. Vose.John 4:1-42
Jesus Found At the WellJohn 4:1-42
Jesus Sitting on the WellC. H. SpurgeonJohn 4:1-42
No Sympathy Without SufferingBoswell.John 4:1-42
Our Attitude Towards SamariaW. Hawkins.John 4:1-42
Providence Shown in ConversionsJ. Flavel.John 4:1-42
Sat Thus on the WellF. Godet, D. D.John 4:1-42
Soul-Winning TactBible Society ReportJohn 4:1-42
Subsidiary PointsH. J. Van Dyke, D. D.John 4:1-42
Suffering Begets SympathyJ. Trapp.John 4:1-42
Tact and Kindness Will Win SoulsJohn 4:1-42
The Appropriateness of the Place for the PurposeJ. R. Macduff, D. D.John 4:1-42
The ConferenceJ. R. Macduff, D. D.John 4:1-42
The Drawer of WaterJ. R. Macduff; D. D.John 4:1-42
The First Visit to SamariaG. D. Boardman, D. D.John 4:1-42
The Interior of the WellLieut. S. Anderson, R. E.John 4:1-42
The Jewish Treatment of WomenS. S. TimesJohn 4:1-42
The Journey to SamariaA. Beith, D. D.John 4:1-42
The LocalityF. I. Dunwell, B. A.John 4:1-42
The Lost One Met and SavedJ. Gill.John 4:1-42
The Model TeacherC. S. Robinson, D. D.John 4:1-42
The Needs BeJ. Macduff, D. D.John 4:1-42
The Occasion of the JourneyW. Arnot, D. D.John 4:1-42
The Ordinances NecessaryDean Goulburn.John 4:1-42
The Parcel of Ground that Jacob Gave to His Son JosephA. Beith, D. D.John 4:1-42
The Pedagogy or Rudimentary Teaching of JesusC. E. Luthardt, D. D.John 4:1-42
The Real Significance of the Woman's Coming to ChristJ. R. Macduff, D. D.John 4:1-42
The Realness of the SceneDean Stanley.John 4:1-42
The Retreat of JesusJohn 4:1-42
The Revolution Christ Effected in the Treatment of WomenJ. Cynddylan Jones, D. D.John 4:1-42
The Rite of BaptismT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 4:1-42
The Self-Abnegation of ChristC. E. Luthardt, D. D.John 4:1-42
The Sixth HourBp. Ryle.John 4:1-42
The Thirsting SaviourA. Warrack, M. A.John 4:1-42
The Three BaptismsF. Godet, D. D.John 4:1-42
The Weary PilgrimJ. R. Macduff, D. D.John 4:1-42
The Woman of SamariaJ. Cynddylan Jones, D. D.John 4:1-42
The Woman of SamariaW. Jay.John 4:1-42
Topography of Jacob's Well and NeighbourhoodC. Geikie, D. D.John 4:1-42
Unquenchable EnthusiasmD. L. Moody.John 4:1-42
Utilizing Disagreeable NecessitiesA. F. Muir, M. A.John 4:1-42
Value of a Well in the EastH. W. Beecher.John 4:1-42
Weariness and WorkW. Poole Balfern.John 4:1-42
Why Christ Did not Personally BaptizeJohn 4:1-42
Why Religious Ordinances are Sometimes UnprofitableD. Guthrie, D. D.John 4:1-42
A Fourfold ThemeD. Thomas, D. D.John 4:27-42
Christ's Treatment of the Waifs and StraysJ. Cynddylan Jones.John 4:27-42
Gospel Work in SycharC. S. Robinson, D. D.John 4:27-42
Jewish Prejudice Against WomenF. Godet, D. D.John 4:27-42
Moments of SilenceJ. R. Macduff, D. D.John 4:27-42
Sowing and ReapingSunday School TimesJohn 4:27-42
Sowing and ReapingH. C. McCook, D. D.John 4:27-42
Sowing and ReapingSermons by the Monday ClubJohn 4:27-42
The Mission of the WomanBp. Ryle.John 4:27-42
The Reticence of the DisciplesS. S. TimesJohn 4:27-42
The Samaritan Woman and Her MissionC. H. Spurgeon.John 4:27-42
The Seclusion of Oriental WomenS. S. TimesJohn 4:27-42
The Test of FriendshipH. C. Trumbull, D. D.John 4:27-42
The Physical and Spiritual Food of ManB. Thomas John 4:31-34
People
Jacob, Jesus, John, Joseph
Places
Cana, Capernaum, Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Sychar
Topics
Eat, Meat, Nothing, Replied
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 4:32-33

     8355   understanding

Library
August 23 Morning
I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.--JER. 31:3. We are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.--God . . . hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 18 Evening
En-hakkore. (Or, The well of him that cried.)--JUDG. 15:19. If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith unto thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.--If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. This spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive. Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 29 Morning
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us.--I JOHN 3:16. The love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.--Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.--Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.--Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 24 Morning
Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.--EPH. 4:30. The love of the Spirit.--The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost.--In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 16 Morning
The Lord pondereth the hearts.--PROV. 21:2. The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.--The Lord will shew who are his, and who is holy.--Thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.--There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear. Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 1 Morning
Whom having not seen, ye love.--I PET. 1:8. We walk by faith, not by sight.--We love him, because he first loved us.--And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.--In whom ye trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.--God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 1 Morning
The fruit of the Spirit is love.--GAL. 5:22. God is love: and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.--The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.--Unto you . . . which believe he is precious.--We love him, because he first loved us.--The love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 17 Evening
Draw me, we will run after thee.--SONG 1:4. I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.--I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love.--I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.--Behold the Lamb of God.--As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 6 Morning
He will rest in his love.--ZEPH. 3:17. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: but because the Lord loved you.--We love him, because he first loved us.--You . . . hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 5 Morning
We have known and believed the love that God hath to us.--I JOHN 4:16. God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 22 Morning
Praying in the Holy Ghost.--JUDE 20. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.--We . . . have access by one Spirit unto the Father. O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. The Spirit . . . helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 17 Evening
Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.--MATT. 6:13. The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty: thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting. The Lord is . . . great in power.--If God be for us, who can be against us?--Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us, and he will deliver us.--My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.--Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 8 Evening
The children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country.--I KGS. 20:27. Thus saith the Lord, because the Syrians have said, the Lord is a God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys; therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the Lord. And they pitched one over against the other seven days; and so it was, that in the seventh day the battle was joined: and the children of Israel slew of
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

August 30 Morning
The king held out . . . the golden sceptre. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.--ESTH. 5:2. It shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious. We have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 13 Morning
Pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.--I TIM. 2:8. The true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.--Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.--When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any. Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 23 Evening
Who knoweth the power of thine anger?--PSA. 90:11. From the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying,Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?--The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.--Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.--Christ hath redeemed
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 25 Morning
The kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.--TIT. 3:4. I have loved thee with an everlasting love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 1. "A Well of Water Springing Up" (John iv. 14).
"A well of water springing up" (John iv. 14). In the life overflowing in service for others, we find the deep fountain of life running over the spring and finding vent in rivers of living water that go out to bless and save the world around us. It is beautiful to notice that as the blessing grows unselfish it grows larger. The water in the heart is only a well, but when reaching out to the needs of others it is not only a river, but a delta of many rivers overflowing in majestic blessing. This overflowing
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Gift and the Giver
'Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith unto thee, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water.'--JOHN iv. 10. This Gospel has two characteristics seldom found together: deep thought and vivid character-drawing. Nothing can be more clear-cut and dramatic than the scene in the chapter before us. There is not a word of description of this Samaritan woman. She paints herself, and it is not a beautiful
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Springing Fountain
'The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.'--JOHN iv. 14. There are two kinds of wells, one a simple reservoir, another containing the waters of a spring. It is the latter kind which is spoken about here, as is clear not only from the meaning of the word in the Greek, but also from the description of it as 'springing up.' That suggests at once the activity of a fountain. A fountain is the emblem of motion, not of rest. Its motion is derived
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Second Miracle
'This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when He was come out of Judaea into Galilee.'--JOHN iv. 54. The Evangelist evidently intends us to connect together the two miracles in Cana. His object may, possibly, be mainly chronological, and to mark the epochs in our Lord's ministry. But we cannot fail to see how remarkably these two miracles are contrasted. The one takes place at a wedding, a homely scene of rural festivity and gladness. But life has deeper things in it than gladness, and a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Wearied Christ
'Jesus therefore, being wearied with His journey, sat thus on the well.... He said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.'--JOHN iv. 6,32. Two pictures result from these two verses, each striking in itself, and gaining additional emphasis by the contrast. It was during a long hot day's march that the tired band of pedestrians turned into the fertile valley. There, whilst the disciples went into the little hill-village to purchase, if they could, some food from the despised inhabitants,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'Give Me to Drink'
'... Jesus saith unto her, Give Me to drink.... Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am He.'--JOHN iv. 7, 26. This Evangelist very significantly sets side by side our Lord's conversations with Nicodemus and with the woman of Samaria. The persons are very different: the one a learned Rabbi of reputation, influence, and large theological knowledge of the then fashionable kind; the other an alien woman, poor--for she had to do this menial task of water-drawing in the heat of the day--and of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

August the Third Changing Asking into Thirsting
"Go, call thy husband!" --JOHN iv. 16-30. I never supposed that the transformation would begin here. I thought that there were some words which would remain unspoken. But here our Master speaks a word which only deepens the weariness of the woman, and irritates the sore of her galling yoke. What is He doing? He is seeking to change the sense of wretchedness into the sense of sin! He is seeking to change weariness into desire! He wants to make the woman thirst! And so He puts His finger upon
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

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