Definition: Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from John 4:21. It’s a really profound statement about God and our relationship with Him. Here's what it means in simpler terms:
The Core Idea:
Jesus is telling a woman that
soon
– very soon – things are going to change drastically for her and for everyone. He’s saying that the way we worship God will be different, and it won’t just be in one place, like Jerusalem or a mountain.
Let's unpack it piece by piece:
“Jesus saith unto her…”
– This is Jesus speaking directly to Mary (a woman who had been following him).
“…Woman, believe me…”
– He’s addressing someone special, likely someone who feels drawn to God.
“…the hour cometh…”
– This is a crucial word. "Hour" in this context refers to a
time
, a period of time that's about to happen. It doesn't just mean the present moment.
“…when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.”
– This is the big message. It means that God wants us to change how we
approach
Him.
What does it mean for us?
“In this mountain”:
This refers to the place where Jesus taught and lived. It's a specific location, but it represents the way we often think about God – maybe focusing on rituals or traditions.
“Yet yet at Jerusalem…”:
This emphasizes that worshipping God isn’t
just
in one spot. It means we need to worship Him wherever we are – in our daily lives, with our families, and in all areas of our lives.
The Big Picture - It's about a Change of Heart
Jesus is telling us that God wants us to shift our focus from
doing
things to
being
with Him. It’s not just about going to temples or performing rituals; it’s about a fundamental change in our relationship with the divine – a turning towards a closer, more personal connection with God.
Why is this important?
This verse speaks to the idea that God wants us to be
present
and
involved
in His life. It's a reminder that true worship isn’t about rules or traditions, but about a deep and heartfelt connection with the heart of God.
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Resources if you want to learn more:
Bible Gateway:
[https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/4:21](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/4:21)
GotQuestions.org:
[https://www.gotquestions.org/John-4-21.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/John-4-21.html)
Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or would you like me to connect this verse to a specific theme in the Bible?