BibleWord.ai› Bible› John› Chapter 4› Verse 8

John 4:8

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 4:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For his disciples were gone away into the city to buy food.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For his disciples were gone away into the city to buy food.
John 4:8 — American Standard Version

Context — John 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph:
6and Jacob`s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
8For his disciples were gone away into the city to buy food.
9The Samaritan woman therefore saith unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, who am a Samaritan woman? (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
10Jesus answered and said unto unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
11The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: whence then hast thou that living water?
← John 4:7John 4:9 →
← Full Chapter 4 John Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For his disciples were gone away, etc.] This is related, not so much to give a reason why Christ asked the woman for water, because his disciples were not present, to minister to him; but rather to show, that Christ took the opportunity, in their absence, to converse with her; partly to avoid the scandal and offence they might take, at his conversation with her, being a Samaritan; as it appears to have been astonishing to them, when they found him talking with her, (<430427>John 4:27). And partly, that he might not put the woman to shame and blushing before them all; he chooses to tell her of the sins of her former life, in a private way. The disciples were gone unto the city: to the city…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Buy meat - Buy food. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For his disciples were gone - Else he needed not have asked her. John 4:9”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“to buy: Joh 6:5-7; Luk 9:13 John 4:9”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

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

Sources and verification