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John 4:47

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 4:47 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought [him] that he would come down, and heal his son; for he was at the point of death.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought [him] that he would come down, and heal his son; for he was at the point of death.
John 4:47 — American Standard Version

Context — John 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
44For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honor in his own country.
45So when he came into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did in Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
46He came therefore again unto Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
47When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought [him] that he would come down, and heal his son; for he was at the point of death.
48Jesus therefore said unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will in no wise believe.
49The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
50Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. The man believed the word that Jesus spake unto him, and he went his way.
← John 4:46John 4:48 →
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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
“When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea, etc.] For the fame of Christ, for his doctrine and miracles, was spread every where; so that it was known, and talked of, in most places, where he was, and what course he was steering: and this nobleman understanding that he had left Judea, and was come into Galilee; and having inquired in what parts of Galilee he was, he went unto him; though it was many miles from Capernaum, where Jesus was, at least a day’s journey; since, when the servants met their master, the child had been healed at one o’clock the day before; (see <430452>John 4:52). Some reckon it about fifteen miles, but one would think it should be more: and besought him, that he…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He went unto him - Though high in office, yet he did not refuse to go personally to Jesus to ask his aid. He felt as a father; and believing, after all that Jesus had done, that he could cure his son, he traveled to meet him. If men receive benefits of Christ, they must come in the same manner. The rich and the poor, the high and the low, must come personally as humble suppliants, and must be willing to bear all the reproach that may be cast on them for thus coming to him. This man showed strong faith in being willing thus to go to Jesus, but he erred in supposing that Jesus could heal only by his being present with his son. Would come down - It is probable that the miracles of Jesus…”
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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
“To come down - For Cana stood much higher than Capernaum. John 4:48”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he heard: Mar 2:1-3, Mar 6:55, Mar 6:56, Mar 10:47 that he: Joh 11:21, Joh 11:32; Psa 46:1; Luk 7:6-8, Luk 8:41; Act 9:38 John 4:48”
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Related study paths

Read John 4 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification