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John 4:24 God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth."
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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 />God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />God <i>is</i> Spirit, and it behooves those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />God <i>is</i> a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship <i>him</i> in spirit and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />God <i>is</i> Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God is Spirit, and those who worship God must be led by the Spirit to worship him according to the truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />God is a spirit. Those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />God is Spirit, and only by the power of his Spirit can people worship him as he really is." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />God is spirit, and the people who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />God is a Spirit: and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />God is Spirit; and those who worship Him must bring Him true spiritual worship."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />God [is] Spirit, and those worshiping Him should worship in spirit and truth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />God <i>is</i> Spirit, and it behooves those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> God is a Spirit, and those worshipping Him, in spirit and truth it doth behove to worship.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />God a Spirit: and they worshipping him must worship in spirit and truth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />God is a spirit; and they that adore him, must adore him in spirit and in truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />God is Spirit. And so, those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For God is Spirit; and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.<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 />For The Spirit is God, and it is fitting that those who worship him worship in The Spirit and in The Truth.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />God is spirit; and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>God is a Spirit, and it behooveth those who worship Him to worship in spirit and in truth.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />God is a Spirit: and they who worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />God is a spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />God is Spirit; and those who worship Him must bring Him true spiritual worship."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>God is a spirit; and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>God is a spirit, and they that worship Him, must worship in spirit and truth.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/4-24.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=1093" 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">Jesus and the Samaritan Woman</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">23</span>But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. <span class="reftext">24</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God is</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneuma (N-NNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">Spirit,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">His</a> <a href="/greek/4352.htm" title="4352: proskynountas (V-PPA-AMP) -- From pros and a probable derivative of kuon; to fawn or crouch to, i.e. prostrate oneself in homage.">worshipers</a> <a href="/greek/1163.htm" title="1163: dei (V-PIA-3S) -- Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.">must</a> <a href="/greek/4352.htm" title="4352: proskynein (V-PNA) -- From pros and a probable derivative of kuon; to fawn or crouch to, i.e. prostrate oneself in homage.">worship</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/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.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: pneumati (N-DNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">spirit</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/225.htm" title="225: alētheia (N-DFS) -- From alethes; truth.">in truth.” </a> </span> <span class="reftext">25</span>The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.”…<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="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1-3</a></span><br />In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5</a></span><br />And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-8.htm">1 John 4:8</a></span><br />Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-10.htm">1 Corinthians 2:10-11</a></span><br />But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. / For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-17.htm">2 Corinthians 3:17</a></span><br />Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Romans 8:9</a></span><br />You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-25.htm">Galatians 5:25</a></span><br />Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-18.htm">Ephesians 2:18</a></span><br />For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Philippians 3:3</a></span><br />For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-9.htm">Hebrews 12:9</a></span><br />Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/22-6.htm">Revelation 22:6</a></span><br />Then the angel said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants what must soon take place.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2</a></span><br />Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/3-14.htm">Exodus 3:14</a></span><br />God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4</a></span><br />Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a></span><br />But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.</p><p class="hdg">a Spirit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/3-17.htm">2 Corinthians 3:17</a></b></br> Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord <i>is</i>, there <i>is</i> liberty.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/1-17.htm">1 Timothy 1:17</a></b></br> Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, <i>be</i> honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.</p><p class="hdg">must.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a></b></br> But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for <i>the LORD seeth</i> not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/50-13.htm">Psalm 50:13-15,23</a></b></br> Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/51-17.htm">Psalm 51:17</a></b></br> The sacrifices of God <i>are</i> a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/13-16.htm">Behove</a> <a href="/john/4-23.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/john/4-23.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/john/4-23.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/john/4-23.htm">True.</a> <a href="/john/4-23.htm">Way</a> <a href="/john/4-23.htm">Worship</a> <a href="/john/4-23.htm">Worshipers</a> <a href="/john/4-23.htm">Worshippers</a> <a href="/john/4-22.htm">Worshipping</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/18-33.htm">Behove</a> <a href="/john/6-63.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/romans/1-9.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/john/5-19.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/john/4-37.htm">True.</a> <a href="/john/4-28.htm">Way</a> <a href="/john/9-38.htm">Worship</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-2.htm">Worshipers</a> <a href="/acts/13-50.htm">Worshippers</a> <a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Worshipping</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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>God is Spirit</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the non-material nature of God, highlighting His omnipresence and transcendence. In the context of <a href="/john/4.htm">John 4</a>, Jesus is speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well, contrasting the physical locations of worship (Mount Gerizim for Samaritans and Jerusalem for Jews) with the spiritual nature of true worship. The concept of God as Spirit aligns with Old Testament teachings, such as in <a href="/isaiah/31-3.htm">Isaiah 31:3</a>, where the distinction between the spiritual and the physical is made. This understanding of God as Spirit also connects to the creation narrative in Genesis, where God breathes life into humanity, indicating a spiritual essence.<p><b>and His worshipers must worship Him</b><br>The necessity of worshiping God is a central theme throughout the Bible. Worship is not merely a ritualistic practice but a fundamental response to God's nature and actions. In the historical context, both Jews and Samaritans had specific locations and rituals for worship, but Jesus is pointing to a deeper, more personal form of worship. This phrase underscores the idea that worship is not confined to a place or a set of actions but is a requirement for those who follow God.<p><b>in spirit</b><br>Worshiping in spirit means engaging with God on a spiritual level, beyond physical rituals and locations. This reflects the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, as seen in passages like <a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Romans 8:9</a>, where the Spirit of God dwells within. The emphasis on spirit also connects to the prophecy in <a href="/joel/2-28.htm">Joel 2:28</a>, where God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people. This spiritual worship is a fulfillment of the new covenant, where the law is written on hearts rather than tablets of stone.<p><b>and in truth.</b><br>Worshiping in truth involves sincerity and alignment with God's revealed Word. Truth is a recurring theme in John's Gospel, with Jesus Himself declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>). This phrase calls for worship that is genuine and based on the truth of who God is, as revealed through Jesus Christ. The connection to truth also ties back to the Old Testament, where truth is associated with God's faithfulness and covenant promises, as seen in <a href="/psalms/119-160.htm">Psalm 119:160</a>. Worship in truth requires a commitment to living according to God's Word and acknowledging Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well, revealing profound truths about worship and the nature of God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/samaritan_woman.htm">Samaritan Woman</a></b><br>A key figure in this account, she engages in a theological discussion with Jesus, leading to a revelation about true worship.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob's_well.htm">Jacob's Well</a></b><br>The setting of this encounter, located in Samaria, symbolizes a place of historical and spiritual significance, bridging Jewish and Samaritan traditions.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a></b><br>The region where this event takes place, highlighting the cultural and religious tensions between Jews and Samaritans.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_gerizim.htm">Mount Gerizim</a></b><br>Mentioned earlier in the conversation, it represents the Samaritan place of worship, contrasting with the Jewish focus on Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_nature.htm">Understanding God's Nature</a></b><br>Recognize that God is Spirit, which transcends physical limitations and requires a spiritual approach to worship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/true_worship_defined.htm">True Worship Defined</a></b><br>Worship must be conducted in spirit and truth, meaning it should be genuine, heartfelt, and aligned with God's revealed truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_and_religious_barriers.htm">Cultural and Religious Barriers</a></b><br>Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman shows that true worship transcends cultural and religious boundaries.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_reflection.htm">Personal Reflection</a></b><br>Evaluate your own worship practices to ensure they are sincere and based on biblical truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_worship.htm">Living Worship</a></b><br>Worship is not confined to a location or ritual but is a lifestyle of honoring God in all aspects of life.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(24) <span class= "bld">God is a Spirit.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">God is spirit.</span> His will has been expressed in the seeking. But His very nature and essence is spirit, and it follows from this that all true worship must be spiritual. The appeal is here made to a doctrine of special prominence in the Samaritan theology. They had altered a number of passages in the Pentateuch, which seemed to them to speak of God in language properly applicable to man, and to ascribe to Him human form and feelings. But to believe in the spiritual essence of God contained its own answer both as to place and mode of worship.<p>The second "Him" ("they that worship Him") should be omitted, as the italics show.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 24.</span> - A still more explicit and comprehensive reason is given for the previous assertion, based on the essential nature of God himself in the fulness of his eternal Being. <span class="cmt_word">God is Spirit</span> (<span class="greek">Πνεῦμα ὁ Θεός</span>; cf. <a href="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1</a>, <span class="greek">Θεὸς η΅ν ὁ Λόγος</span>, - the article indicates the subject, and the predicate is here generic, and not an indefinite; therefore we do not render it, "God is a Spirit"). The most comprehensive and far-reaching metaphor or method by which Jesus endeavoured to portray the fundamental essence of the Divine Being is "Spirit," not body, not <span class="greek">ὕλη</span>, not <span class="greek">κόσμος</span>, but that deep inner verity presented in self-conscious ego; the <span class="accented">substantia</span> of which mind may be predicated, and all its states and faculties. The Father <span class="accented">is</span> Spirit, the Son is Spirit, and Spirit is the unity of the Father and the Son. St. John has recorded elsewhere that "God is Light," and "God is Love." These three Divine utterances are the sublimest ever formed to express the metaphysical, intellectual, and moral essence of the Deity. They are unfathomably deep, and quite inexhaustible in their suggestions, and yet they are not too profound for even a little child or a poor Samaritaness to grasp for practical purposes. If God be Spirit, <span class="cmt_word">then they who worship him,</span> the Spirit, <span class="cmt_word">must</span> by the nature of the case, <span class="accented">must</span> by the force of a Divine arrangement, <span class="cmt_word">worship him,</span> if they worship him at all, <span class="cmt_word">in spirit and in truth.</span> The truth which our Lord uttered was not unknown in the Old Testament. From Genesis to Malachi, in the Psalms, in the historical books, in Judges, Samuel, and Kings, the Spirit and the spirituality of God are presupposed; but the Lord has generalized these teachings, cited them from darkness and neglect, combined them in one eternal oracle of Divine truth. The Galilaean Peasant has thus uttered the profoundest truth of ethic and religion - one which no sage in East or West had ever surpassed, and towards which the highest minds in all the ages of Christendom have been slowly making approach. Forms, postures, ceremonial, sacraments, liturgies, holy days, and places are not condemned, but they all are inefficacious if this prime condition be not present, and they can all be dispensed with if it be. Only the <span class="accented">spirit</span> of man can really touch or commune with the Spirit of spirits, and the history of the new dispensation is the history of a progress from forms to realities, from the sensuous to the spiritual, from the outward to the inward, from the earthly to the heavenly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/4-24.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">God [is]</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεός</span> <span class="translit">(Theos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Spirit,</span><br /><span class="grk">Πνεῦμα</span> <span class="translit">(Pneuma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, spirit. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[His]</span><br /><span class="grk">τοὺς</span> <span class="translit">(tous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative 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">worshipers</span><br /><span class="grk">προσκυνοῦντας</span> <span class="translit">(proskynountas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4352.htm">Strong's 4352: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pros and a probable derivative of kuon; to fawn or crouch to, i.e. prostrate oneself in homage.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">must</span><br /><span class="grk">δεῖ</span> <span class="translit">(dei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1163.htm">Strong's 1163: </a> </span><span class="str2">Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">worship</span><br /><span class="grk">προσκυνεῖν</span> <span class="translit">(proskynein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4352.htm">Strong's 4352: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pros and a probable derivative of kuon; to fawn or crouch to, i.e. prostrate oneself in homage.</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">in</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">spirit</span><br /><span class="grk">πνεύματι</span> <span class="translit">(pneumati)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, spirit. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[in] truth.”</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀληθείᾳ</span> <span class="translit">(alētheia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_225.htm">Strong's 225: </a> </span><span class="str2">From alethes; truth.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/4-24.htm">NT Gospels: John 4:24 God is spirit and those who worship (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/4-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 4:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 4:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/4-25.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 4:25"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 4:25" /></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>