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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 4:31 Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, "Rabbi, eat something."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/4-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/43_Jhn_04_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 4:31 - The Disciples Return and Marvel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, Rabbi, eat something." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/4-30.htm" title="John 4:30">◄</a> John 4:31 <a href="/john/4-32.htm" title="John 4:32">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/john/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/john/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile his disciples urged him, &#8220Rabbi, eat something.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, “Rabbi, eat something.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But in the meantime the disciples were asking Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat <i>something.</i>”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, &#8220Rabbi, eat.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />In the meanwhile the disciples were requesting Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus [to have a meal], saying, “Rabbi (Teacher), eat.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />In the meantime the disciples kept urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />In the meantime the disciples kept urging Him, &#8220Rabbi, eat something.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />In the mean while the disciples prayed him, saying, Rabbi, eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />While this was happening, Jesus' disciples were saying to him, "Teacher, please eat something." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />In the mean while the disciples prayed him, saying, Rabbi, eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the disciples were urging him, "Rabbi, have something to eat."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />In the meantime the disciples were begging Jesus, "Teacher, have something to eat!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the disciples were urging him, "Rabbi, have something to eat."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, ?Rabbi, eat something.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, "Rabbi, eat something."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />In the meanwhile, the disciples urged him, saying, "Rabbi, eat."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Meanwhile the disciples were urging Jesus. "Rabbi," they said, "eat something."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />In the meanwhile, the disciples urged him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And in the meanwhile His disciples were asking Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat”;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But in the meantime the disciples were asking Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And in the meanwhile his disciples were asking him, saying, 'Rabbi, eat;'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And in the mean time the disciples asked him, saying, Rabbi, eat.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />In the mean time the disciples prayed him, saying: Rabbi, eat. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the disciples petitioned him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />During the interval his disciples begged him, saying, Teacher, eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And in the midst of these things his disciples were begging him and were saying to him, “Our Master, eat.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />In the mean time, the disciples besought him, saying: Rabbi, eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Meanwhile His disciples were asking Him, saying, Master eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />In the mean time his disciples invited him, saying, Rabbi, eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />In the mean while his disciples invited him, saying, pray master, eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Meanwhile the disciples were urging Jesus. "Rabbi," they said, "eat something."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />In the meantime the disciples were entreating Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />In the mean time his disciples addressed Him, saying, Master, eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/4-31.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=1144" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/4.htm">The Disciples Return and Marvel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">30</span>So they left the town and made their way toward Jesus. <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: En (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3342.htm" title="3342: metaxy (Adv) -- Meanwhile, afterwards, between. From meta and a form of sun; betwixt; as adjective, intervening, or adjoining."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētai (N-NMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples</a> <a href="/greek/2065.htm" title="2065: ērōtōn (V-IIA-3P) -- Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.">urged</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him,</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. "></a> <a href="/greek/4461.htm" title="4461: Rhabbi (N-VMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; my master, i.e Rabbi, as an official title of honor.">“Rabbi,</a> <a href="/greek/5315.htm" title="5315: phage (V-AMA-2S) -- A primary verb; to eat.">eat something.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">32</span>But He told them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-4.htm">Matthew 4:4</a></span><br />But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/8-3.htm">Deuteronomy 8:3</a></span><br />He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-27.htm">John 6:27</a></span><br />Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-32.htm">John 6:32-35</a></span><br />Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. / For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” / “Sir,” they said, “give us this bread at all times.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Matthew 6:25-26</a></span><br />Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? / Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-22.htm">Luke 12:22-23</a></span><br />Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. / For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a></span><br />The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/17-4.htm">John 17:4</a></span><br />I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/5-30.htm">John 5:30</a></span><br />I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-38.htm">John 6:38</a></span><br />For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-16.htm">John 7:16</a></span><br />“My teaching is not My own,” Jesus replied. “It comes from Him who sent Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-28.htm">John 8:28-29</a></span><br />So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me. / He who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-49.htm">John 12:49-50</a></span><br />I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. / And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-31.htm">John 14:31</a></span><br />But I do exactly what the Father has commanded Me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Get up! Let us go on from here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-28.htm">John 19:28-30</a></span><br />After this, knowing that everything had now been accomplished, and to fulfill the Scripture, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” / A jar of sour wine was sitting there. So they soaked a sponge in the wine, put it on a stalk of hyssop, and lifted it to His mouth. / When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished.” And bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.</p><p class="hdg">Master.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-33.htm">Genesis 24:33</a></b></br> And there was set <i>meat</i> before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/16-30.htm">Acts 16:30-34</a></b></br> And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/15-28.htm">Besought</a> <a href="/john/4-27.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/john/2-17.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/john/4-26.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/4-1.htm">Master</a> <a href="/luke/22-60.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/luke/23-10.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Prayed</a> <a href="/john/3-26.htm">Rabbi</a> <a href="/luke/23-35.htm">Something</a> <a href="/luke/24-29.htm">Urged</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-25.htm">Urging</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/4-40.htm">Besought</a> <a href="/john/4-33.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/john/4-32.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/john/4-34.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/6-68.htm">Master</a> <a href="/john/6-42.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/john/7-11.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/john/17-1.htm">Prayed</a> <a href="/john/6-25.htm">Rabbi</a> <a href="/john/4-33.htm">Something</a> <a href="/john/4-40.htm">Urged</a> <a href="/acts/13-43.htm">Urging</a><div class="vheading2">John 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/4-1.htm">Jesus talks with a woman of Samaria, and reveals his identity to her.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/4-27.htm">His disciples marvel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/4-31.htm">He declares to them his zeal for God's glory.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/4-39.htm">Many Samaritans believe on him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">43. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/4-43.htm">He departs into Galilee, and heals the ruler's son that lay sick at Capernaum.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Meanwhile the disciples urged Him,</b><br>This phrase indicates a transition in the narrative, suggesting a shift in focus from Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman to His interaction with the disciples. The disciples' concern for Jesus' physical needs reflects their ongoing learning process about His mission and priorities. This moment occurs in the region of Samaria, a place of historical tension between Jews and Samaritans, highlighting the disciples' growing understanding of Jesus' inclusive ministry.<p><b>“Rabbi,</b><br>The term "Rabbi" is a respectful title meaning "teacher" or "master," used by the disciples to address Jesus. It reflects their recognition of His authority and role as their spiritual guide. This title is consistent with Jewish customs of the time, where disciples would follow and learn from a rabbi, emphasizing the teacher-student relationship.<p><b>eat something.”</b><br>The disciples' request for Jesus to eat underscores their concern for His well-being, as they had gone into the town to buy food (<a href="/john/4-8.htm">John 4:8</a>). This reflects the cultural importance of hospitality and care for one's teacher. However, Jesus uses this opportunity to teach them about spiritual nourishment, foreshadowing His later statements about being the "bread of life" (<a href="/john/6-35.htm">John 6:35</a>). This moment also connects to the broader theme of Jesus prioritizing spiritual over physical needs, as seen in His response to Satan's temptation in the wilderness (<a href="/matthew/4-4.htm">Matthew 4:4</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus (Rabbi)</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, referred to as "Rabbi" by His disciples, indicating His role as a teacher and leader.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a></b><br>Followers of Jesus who are concerned about His physical well-being and urge Him to eat.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a></b><br>The region where this event takes place, specifically near the town of Sychar, highlighting the cultural and religious tensions between Jews and Samaritans.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_samaritan_woman.htm">The Samaritan Woman</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, her encounter with Jesus just prior is crucial to understanding the context.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_well.htm">The Well</a></b><br>The setting of the preceding conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, symbolizing spiritual nourishment and life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_nourishment_over_physical_needs.htm">Spiritual Nourishment Over Physical Needs</a></b><br>Jesus' response to the disciples' concern about eating underscores the priority of spiritual over physical sustenance. Believers are encouraged to seek spiritual fulfillment in Christ, who provides eternal nourishment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_jesus'_mission.htm">Understanding Jesus' Mission</a></b><br>The disciples' focus on physical food contrasts with Jesus' mission to do the will of the Father. Christians are called to align their priorities with God's purposes, seeking His kingdom first.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_and_spiritual_barriers.htm">Cultural and Spiritual Barriers</a></b><br>The setting in Samaria and the interaction with the Samaritan woman illustrate breaking down cultural and spiritual barriers. Believers are challenged to reach out beyond their comfort zones to share the gospel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_discipleship.htm">The Role of Discipleship</a></b><br>The disciples' concern for Jesus' well-being reflects their growing understanding of their role in His ministry. Christians are reminded of the importance of caring for one another within the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_jesus_considered_a_rabbi.htm">Was Jesus considered a rabbi?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_jesus_eat_post-resurrection.htm">John 21:12-14 - How is Jesus physically present and eating with his disciples post-resurrection, given standard biological and historical considerations?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_jesus_speak_secretly_or_openly.htm">Did Jesus speak secretly? John 18:20 says no, but Mark 4:34 and Matthew 13:10-11 suggest he explained parables privately to his disciples.</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_didn't_jesus_write_anything.htm">Why didn't Jesus write anything Himself?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) <span class= "bld">Master.</span>--The Hebrew word Rabbi has been preserved in the earlier passages (<a href="/john/1-38.htm" title="Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, What seek you? They said to him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwell you?">John 1:38</a>; <a href="/john/1-49.htm" title="Nathanael answered and said to him, Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.">John 1:49</a>; <a href="/john/3-2.htm" title="The same came to Jesus by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him.">John 3:2</a>; <a href="/john/3-26.htm" title="And they came to John, and said to him, Rabbi, he that was with you beyond Jordan, to whom you bore witness, behold, the same baptizes, and all men come to him.">John 3:26</a>), and will meet us again in <a href="/john/6-25.htm" title="And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, Rabbi, when came you here?">John 6:25</a>. It is less ambiguous than the English word, and should be restored here and in <a href="/john/9-2.htm" title="And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?">John 9:2</a>; <a href="/john/11-28.htm" title="And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calls for you.">John 11:28</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 31.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">In the mean while</span> (<span class="greek">χρόνῳ</span> understood) - while the men of Sychar were coming across the green corn-fields in excited and eager longing for the bread of life and the water of life eternal - <span class="cmt_word">his disciples besought him;</span> rather, <span class="accented">were entreating him</span> - the verb <span class="greek">ἐρωτάω</span> is used for question and interrogation, and is generally used of one who feels on terms of equality with the person addressed on the matter in hand (cf. <a href="/john/14-16.htm">John 14:16</a>; <a href="/john/15-7.htm">John 15:7</a>; <a href="/john/16-19.htm">John 16:19, 23</a>; <a href="/john/17-15.htm">John 17:15</a>, for its distinctness from <span class="greek">αὐτεω</span>) - <span class="cmt_word">saying, Rabbi, eat</span>. Have we not gone to Sychar to find provisions for thee? Do not despise our effort. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/4-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Meanwhile,</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(En)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">disciples</span><br /><span class="grk">μαθηταὶ</span> <span class="translit">(mathētai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> </span><span class="str2">A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">urged</span><br /><span class="grk">ἠρώτων</span> <span class="translit">(ērōtōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2065.htm">Strong's 2065: </a> </span><span class="str2">Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Him,</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτὸν</span> <span class="translit">(auton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Rabbi,</span><br /><span class="grk">Ῥαββί</span> <span class="translit">(Rhabbi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4461.htm">Strong's 4461: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; my master, i.e Rabbi, as an official title of honor.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">eat [something].”</span><br /><span class="grk">φάγε</span> <span class="translit">(phage)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary verb; to eat.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/4-31.htm">John 4:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/4-31.htm">John 4:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/4-31.htm">John 4:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/4-31.htm">John 4:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/4-31.htm">John 4:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/4-31.htm">John 4:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/4-31.htm">John 4:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/4-31.htm">John 4:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/4-31.htm">John 4:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/4-31.htm">John 4:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/4-31.htm">NT Gospels: John 4:31 In the meanwhile the disciples urged him (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/4-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 4:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 4:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/4-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 4:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 4:32" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>