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John 4:31

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 4:31 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “In the mean while the disciples prayed him, saying, Rabbi, eat.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

In the mean while the disciples prayed him, saying, Rabbi, eat.
John 4:31 — American Standard Version

Context — John 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
28So the woman left her waterpot, and went away into the city, and saith to the people,
29Come, see a man, who told me all things that [ever] I did: can this be the Christ?
30They went out of the city, and were coming to him.
31In the mean while the disciples prayed him, saying, Rabbi, eat.
32But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not.
33The disciples therefore said one to another, Hath any man brought him [aught] to eat?
34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to accomplish his work.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“In the mean while, etc.] Whilst the woman was gone into the city, and had acquainted the inhabitants, that such a wonderful person was at Jacob’s well, and invited them to come and see him: his disciples prayed him, saying, master, eat; for they perceived a disinclination in him to food; and they knew that he was weary with his journey, and that it was the time of day, and high time, that he had had some food; and therefore out of great respect to him, and in concern for his health and welfare, they entreated him that he would take some food: so far was Christ from indulging his sensual appetite; and so little reason had the Scribes and Pharisees to traduce him as a wine bibber and glutton.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“meantime--that is, while the woman was away. Master, eat--Fatigue and thirst we saw He felt; here is revealed another of our common infirmities to which the Lord was subject--hunger.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Prayed him - Asked him. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“In the meantime - Before the people came. John 4:34”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Master: Gen 24:33; Act 16:30-34 John 4:32”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification