They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Samaritans distinguish their newfound, personal conviction from the woman's initial testimony by using a different word for "saying." They contrast Jesus' authoritative "word" with the woman's "speech" or "talk" (a term that can carry a slightly dismissive tone), highlighting that their belief is now grounded in their own direct experience of hearing Jesus. This emphasizes a crucial step in faith: moving from secondhand accounts to a personal encounter and conviction.
They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just spent two days in a Samaritan town, and many people who initially believed because of the woman's testimony now have their own firsthand experience of Jesus. They tell the woman that their faith is no longer solely based on her words, but on their own encounter with Jesus, whom they now recognize as the Savior of the world.
The Samaritan men initially believed because of the woman's testimony. But when they met Jesus, their faith took a powerful leap forward.
This verse marks a crucial development in faith. The Samaritans tell the woman, 'It is no longer because of what you said that we believe.'
The Power of a Witness
Initially, the woman's powerful testimony was enough to draw them out. Her words, 'He told me all that ever I did,' were so profound they couldn't ignore them. This shows how a genuine encounter with God, shared by someone else, can spark curiosity and prepare hearts.
The Direct Encounter
But the verse emphasizes that their current belief isn't solely based on her word anymore. They've moved from secondhand information to a firsthand encounter: 'for we have heard for ourselves.'
This is the progression of faith: starting with the witness of others, but deepening through direct engagement with Christ and His Word. It's the difference between hearing about Jesus and truly knowing Him.
These Samaritans didn't just recognize Jesus as a prophet or a teacher. They declared something far grander – a truth that shattered their own cultural boundaries.
The climax of their declaration is stunning: '...and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.'
Beyond National Saviors
For many Jews of Jesus' day, the Messiah was expected to be primarily a savior for Israel. The Samaritans, often seen as outsiders by the Jews, now proclaim Jesus as the 'Savior of the .' This immediately broadens the scope of salvation beyond any single nation or group.
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Certainty in Christ
The word 'know' here isn't casual guesswork. It speaks of a deep, settled conviction that comes from personal encounter and hearing Jesus' own words. It's a knowledge that transforms their understanding of who Jesus is and what He came to do.
This truth is foundational: Jesus' mission wasn't limited; it was cosmic. His saving work is intended for all people, everywhere.
Understand the original words
sōtēr · Greek Noun
A title of extreme significance, referring to the one who delivers from sin, judgment, and death; the Messiah who restores humanity's broken relationship with God.
kosmos · Greek Noun
The created order and all people therein; biblically, it refers to the totality of human society that is alienated from God and in need of redemption.
This passage speaks to faith that is not based on human wisdom but on the power of God, mirroring how the Samaritans' faith moved beyond the woman's testimony to Christ's own power.
John 1:41Andrew first finds his brother Simon and tells him, 'We have found the Messiah.' This shows a pattern of one person's encounter with Jesus leading them to bring others, who then confirm the truth for themselves.
Acts 4:12The declaration that 'there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved' powerfully echoes the Samaritans' profound realization of Jesus as the Savior of the entire world.
Luke 24:27Jesus, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, interpreted to his disciples the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures. This connects to the idea that Jesus himself provides the ultimate understanding that solidifies faith.
John 1:14The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory. This verse highlights the importance of encountering Jesus directly, moving from hearing about him to seeing and knowing him, which is precisely what the Samaritans experienced.
calvinJohn 4:39-45: "And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did."
- And many Samaritans out of that city believed in him on account of the saying of the woman, who testified, I told you all things that ever I did. 40. When the Samaritans, therefore, came to him, they entreated him to remain with them; and he remained two days. 41. And many more believed on account of his word; 42. And said to the woman, We no…
cambridgeJohn 4:42: "And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world."
42 . thy saying ] Not the same word as in John 4:39 , the Greek for which is the same as that translated ‘word’ in John 4:41 . John 4:39; John 4:41 should be alike, viz. ‘word,’ meaning ‘statement’ in John 4:39 and ‘teaching’ in John 4:41 . Here we should have ‘speech’ or ‘talk.’ In classical Greek lalia has a slight…
The Samaritans distinguish their newfound, personal conviction from the woman's initial testimony by using a different word for "saying." They contrast Jesus' authoritative "word" with the woman's "speech" or "talk" (a term that can carry a slightly dismissive tone), highlighting that their belief is now grounded in their own direct experience of hearing Jesus. This emphasizes a crucial step in faith: moving from secondhand accounts to a personal encounter and conviction.
Jesus has just spent two days in a Samaritan town, and many people who initially believed because of the woman's testimony now have their own firsthand experience of Jesus. They tell the woman that their faith is no longer solely based on her words, but on their own encounter with Jesus, whom they now recognize as the Savior of the world.
Jesus has just spent two days in a Samaritan town, and many people who initially believed because of the woman's testimony now have their own firsthand experience of Jesus. They tell the woman that their faith is no longer solely based on her words, but on their own encounter with Jesus, whom they now recognize as the Savior of the world.
"They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”" — The Samaritans distinguish their newfound, personal conviction from the woman's initial testimony by using a different word for "saying." They contrast Jesus' authoritative "word" with the woman's "s…
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Last reviewed October 2026