As soon as Jesus opens the living spring within our hearts, we abandon our water pots. When we are saved, we must hasten with the tidings to those with whom we have sinned. First find Christ for yourself; then say, "Come and see." He who knows us with an unchallengeable knowledge cannot be other than the Christ.
The disciples were naturally astonished when they came upon this interview. They might have asked the woman what she was seeking, and the Master why He was talking to her. But they were silent; the awe of God was upon them. Their natural care for their beloved leader led them to press on Him the viands they had purchased, but they were destined to learn that the soul may be nourished in obeying the will of God. The whiteness of the harvest appeared in the crowds that were coming down the valley; but at harvest time we are sometimes apt to forget the sower who passed home without seeing the result of his labor. That is not the divine method. The sower is rewarded for his share, as the reaper for his-they rejoice together. [source]
Chapter Summary: John 4
1Jesus talks with a woman of Samaria, and reveals his identity to her 27His disciples marvel 31He declares to them his zeal for God's glory 39Many Samaritans believe on him 43He departs into Galilee, and heals the ruler's son that lay sick at Capernaum
Greek Commentary for John 4:31
In the meanwhile [εν τωι μεταχυ] Supply καιροι kairoi or χρονοι chronoi See το μεταχυ Σαββατον to metaxu Sabbaton “the next Sabbath” (Acts 13:42) and εν τωι μεταχυ en tōi metaxu (Luke 8:1). Μεταχυ Metaxu means between. Prayed him Imperfect active, “kept beseeching him.” For this late (Koiné) use of ερωταω erōtaō to beseech, instead of the usual sense to question see also John 4:40,John 4:47. Their concern for the comfort of Jesus overcame their surprise about the woman. [source]
What do the individual words in John 4:31 mean?
But inthemeantimewere askingHimthedisciplessayingRabbieat
Greek Commentary for John 4:31
Supply καιροι kairoi or χρονοι chronoi See το μεταχυ Σαββατον to metaxu Sabbaton “the next Sabbath” (Acts 13:42) and εν τωι μεταχυ en tōi metaxu (Luke 8:1). Μεταχυ Metaxu means between. Prayed him Imperfect active, “kept beseeching him.” For this late (Koiné) use of ερωταω erōtaō to beseech, instead of the usual sense to question see also John 4:40, John 4:47. Their concern for the comfort of Jesus overcame their surprise about the woman. [source]