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Book of John - Chapter 4 - Verse 20

4:20
Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

Meaning

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a Samaritan woman at the well, who brings up a long-standing debate between the Samaritans and the Jews about the proper place of worship. The Samaritans believed that Mount Gerizim was the true place to worship, while the Jews believed it was in Jerusalem. Jesus addresses this debate by stating that true worship is not about a physical location, but about worshipping God in spirit and in truth. He is emphasizing that God desires sincere and authentic worship from the heart, rather than strict adherence to a specific location or tradition. By making this statement, Jesus is teaching that the focus of worship should be on the relationship between individuals and God, rather than on external factors such as geographic location or religious traditions. This teaching is a powerful reminder for believers to prioritize a genuine and heartfelt connection with God in their worship practices.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of John, Jesus is having a conversation with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. The woman brings up a theological dispute between Jews and Samaritans regarding the proper place for worship. Samaritans believed that Mount Gerizim was the designated place to worship, while Jews believed that Jerusalem was the holy city where worship should take place. Jesus uses this opportunity to shift the focus from physical locations to a deeper understanding of worship. He explains that true worship is not limited to a specific place, but is about worshiping God in spirit and truth. This theological interpretation of the verse highlights Jesus' teachings on the spiritual nature of worship, emphasizing the importance of sincere devotion and authenticity in one's relationship with God. By looking at the word studies related to worship and place, we can gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this conversation in the context of Jesus' ministry.

American Standard Version

Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
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