Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

John 4:27

ἐθαύμαζον, with all the best MSS., for ἑθαύμασαν, which has been substituted to harmonize with ἦλθαν.

27. ἐθαύμαζον. Change of tense; their coming was a single act, they continued wondering (John 4:30; John 4:40) that He was talking with a woman, contrary to the precepts of the Rabbis. ‘Let no man talk with a woman in the street, no not with his own wife. Rather burn the words of the Law than teach them to women.’ This was probably the first time that they had seen Him ignore this prejudice, and the woman’s being a Samaritan would increase their astonishment.

οὐδείς. Out of reverence: comp. John 21:12.

μέντοι. Only thrice (2 Timothy 2:19; James 2:8; Jude 1:8) outside this Gospel (John 7:13; John 12:42; John 20:5; John 21:4). The two questions are probably both addressed (hypothetically) to Christ. The word λαλεῖν, thrice in two verses, seems to point to the freedom with which He had conversed with her.

Continues after advertising

BibliaPlus

Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

John 4:27

Old Testament

New Testament