Vincent's Word Studies in the NT

John 4:12

Art thou greater [μ η σ υ μ ε ι ζ ω ν]. The interrogative particle indicates that a negative answer is expected : Surely thou art not. The su, thou, first in the sentence, is emphatic, and possibly with a shade of contempt.

Our father Jacob. The Samaritans claimed descent from Joseph, as representing the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.

Children [υ ι ο ι]. Rev., correctly, sons.

Cattle [θ ρ ε μ μ α τ α]. Only here in the New Testament. From [τ ρ ε φ ω] to nourish. A general term for whatever is fed or nursed. When used of animals - mostly of tame ones - cattle, sheep, etc. It is applied to children, fowls, insects, and fish, also to domestic slaves, which, according to some, is the meaning here; but, as Meyer justly remarks, "there was no need specially to name the servants; the mention of the herds completes the picture of their nomadic progenitor."

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Vincent's Word Studies in the NT

John 4:12

Old Testament

New Testament