New International Version(Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.)
New Living TranslationHe himself had said that a prophet is not honored in his own hometown.
English Standard Version(For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.)
Berean Standard BibleNow He Himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.
Berean Literal BibleFor Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in the own hometown.
King James BibleFor Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
New King James VersionFor Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
New American Standard BibleFor Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
NASB 1995For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
NASB 1977 For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
Legacy Standard Bible For Jesus Himself bore witness that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
Amplified BibleFor Jesus Himself declared that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
Christian Standard Bible(Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. )
Holman Christian Standard BibleJesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
American Standard VersionFor Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honor in his own country.
English Revised VersionFor Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationJesus had said that a prophet is not honored in his own country.
Good News TranslationFor he himself had said, "Prophets are not respected in their own country."
International Standard Versionsince Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
NET Bible(For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.)
New Heart English BibleFor Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor Jesus himself testified that a prophet hath no honor in his own country.
Weymouth New Testamentthough Jesus Himself declared that a Prophet has no honour in his own country. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow He Himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.
World English BibleFor Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor Jesus Himself testified that a prophet will not have honor in his own country;
Berean Literal BibleFor Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in the own hometown.
Young's Literal Translation for Jesus himself testified that a prophet in his own country shall not have honour;
Smith's Literal TranslationFor Jesus himself testified, that a prophet has no honour in his own country. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor Jesus himself gave testimony that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor Jesus himself offered testimony that a Prophet has no honor in his own country.
New American BibleFor Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his native place.
New Revised Standard Version(for Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in the prophet’s own country). Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor Jesus himself testified, that a prophet is not honored in his own city.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishFor Yeshua had been testifying that a Prophet is not honored in his city. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentfor Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
Godbey New TestamentAnd Jesus Himself witnessed, that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
Haweis New TestamentFor Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
Mace New Testament(tho' Jesus himself had declared, that a prophet is not honoured in his own country.)
Weymouth New Testamentthough Jesus Himself declared that a Prophet has no honour in his own country.
Worrell New Testamentfor Jesus Himself testified, that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
Worsley New TestamentFor Jesus himself had testified that a prophet hath no honor in his own country.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Heals the Official's Son43After two days, Jesus left for Galilee. 44Now He Himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown. 45Yet when He arrived, the Galileans welcomed Him. They had seen all the great things He had done in Jerusalem at the feast, for they had gone there as well.…
Cross References Matthew 13:57And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own household is a prophet without honor.”
Mark 6:4Then Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household is a prophet without honor.”
Luke 4:24Then He added, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown.
John 1:11He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
Matthew 21:11The crowds replied, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Mark 1:24“What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”
Luke 7:16A sense of awe swept over all of them, and they glorified God. “A great prophet has appeared among us!” they said. “God has visited His people!”
John 7:40-43On hearing these words, some of the people said, “This is truly the Prophet.” / Others declared, “This is the Christ.” But still others asked, “How can the Christ come from Galilee? / Doesn’t the Scripture say that the Christ will come from the line of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” ...
Matthew 12:39-42Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. / For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. / The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here. ...
Mark 3:21When His family heard about this, they went out to take custody of Him, saying, “He is out of His mind.”
Luke 13:33Nevertheless, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day, for it is not admissible for a prophet to perish outside of Jerusalem.
John 6:42They were asking, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then can He say, ‘I have come down from heaven?’”
Matthew 11:6Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.”
Mark 8:31Then He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and after three days rise again.
Luke 9:22“The Son of Man must suffer many things,” He said. “He must be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”
Matthew 13:57
And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. Mark 6:4
But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. Luke 4:24
And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. Jump to Previous Birth Bore Country Declared Honor Honour Jesus Pointed Prophet Testified WitnessJump to Next Birth Bore Country Declared Honor Honour Jesus Pointed Prophet Testified WitnessJohn 4 1. Jesus talks with a woman of Samaria, and reveals his identity to her.27. His disciples marvel.31. He declares to them his zeal for God's glory.39. Many Samaritans believe on him.43. He departs into Galilee, and heals the ruler's son that lay sick at Capernaum.Now He Himself had testifiedThis phrase indicates that Jesus personally made this statement, emphasizing its importance and authenticity. The use of "testified" suggests a formal declaration, underscoring the truth and weight of His words. This statement is consistent with Jesus' role as a prophet, one who speaks the truth of God, often in the face of opposition. that a prophet has no honor
The concept of a prophet lacking honor is a recurring theme in the Bible. Prophets often faced rejection and persecution, as seen with figures like Jeremiah and Elijah. This lack of honor reflects the human tendency to resist divine messages, especially when they challenge established norms or call for repentance. in his own hometown.
Jesus' reference to His "own hometown" is significant, as it highlights the familiarity that breeds contempt. In the context of Jesus' ministry, this refers to Nazareth, where He was raised. The people of Nazareth knew Jesus as the carpenter's son, which made it difficult for them to accept His divine authority and messianic identity. This rejection is documented in other Gospel accounts, such as Matthew 13:57 and Mark 6:4, where Jesus is not accepted by those who knew Him best. This phrase also foreshadows the broader rejection Jesus would face from His own people, the Israelites, fulfilling prophecies like Isaiah 53:3, which speaks of the Messiah being despised and rejected. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is the one who makes the statement about a prophet's honor. His ministry often faced skepticism, especially from those who were familiar with His earthly origins. 2. GalileeThe region where Jesus was raised and where He returned after this statement. It is significant as His "own country" where He experienced a lack of honor. 3. ProphetsThe reference to prophets highlights a broader biblical theme where God's messengers often face rejection from their own people. 4. JudeaThe region Jesus left to return to Galilee. This context is important as it contrasts the reception He received in different areas. 5. SamariaPrior to this verse, Jesus had been in Samaria, where He was received with belief, contrasting with the reception in His own country. Teaching Points Understanding RejectionJesus' experience teaches us that rejection, especially from those closest to us, is a common experience for those who follow God's calling. We should not be discouraged when facing similar situations. Faith Beyond FamiliarityFamiliarity can breed contempt. We must guard against dismissing the truth or the messenger simply because we are overly familiar with them. Perseverance in MinistryDespite rejection, Jesus continued His ministry. We are called to persevere in our mission, trusting that God will use our efforts for His purposes. Recognizing True HonorTrue honor comes from God, not from human approval. Our focus should be on pleasing God rather than seeking validation from others. Witnessing in Difficult PlacesLike Jesus, we may be called to witness in places where we are not honored. We should rely on God's strength and wisdom in these situations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of John 4:44?
2. How does John 4:44 reflect Jesus' reception in His hometown and its significance?
3. Why might a prophet be "without honor" in his own country, according to John 4:44?
4. How can John 4:44 guide us in handling rejection in our own communities?
5. What other biblical examples show prophets being rejected by their own people?
6. How can we honor Jesus in our lives, despite societal or cultural opposition?
7. Why does Jesus say a prophet has no honor in his own country in John 4:44?
8. How does John 4:44 reflect on Jesus' acceptance in his hometown?
9. What historical context explains Jesus' statement in John 4:44?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from John 4?
11. What did Jesus mean by 'A prophet lacks honor'?
12. Why is John the Baptist considered the greatest?
13. What does reverence for God mean?
14. What did Jesus mean by "A prophet lacks honor"?What Does John 4:44 Mean NowJohn begins with “Now,” signaling a fresh scene while connecting it to what just happened in Samaria. Jesus leaves a place where He was warmly received (John 4:39–42) and heads toward Galilee. This transition reminds us of similar narrative pivots such as John 2:12 and Acts 9:31, where “now” shifts our focus without breaking the story’s flow.
He HimselfThe double emphasis points directly to Jesus—no secondhand report, no rumor. It is the same Lord who personally affirmed His identity to the Samaritan woman (John 4:26) and personally cleansed the temple (John 2:15). Other Gospel writers echo this firsthand authority: “He began teaching them…” (Matthew 5:2) and “He was teaching in their synagogues” (Luke 4:15). The point: Jesus is not quoting others; He is the ultimate authority.
had testified“Had testified” reaches back to an earlier moment. John does not record that earlier statement in Galilee until later events unfold, but the synoptic parallels fill it in (Matthew 13:57; Mark 6:4; Luke 4:24). Testifying is a legal-sounding word in John (see John 1:34; 5:39), underscoring the reliability of Jesus’ words. He speaks truth that stands in any courtroom—earthly or heavenly.
that a prophetBy using “prophet,” Jesus places Himself in the line of men like Elijah and Jeremiah (Luke 24:19). He is more than a prophet (John 6:14–15), yet He willingly steps into that role. In Luke 13:33 He says, “Surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem,” hinting that rejection has always dogged God’s messengers. Recognizing Jesus as prophet sharpens our responsibility to listen, just as Israel was to heed Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15).
has no honorHonor involves respect, trust, and willingness to obey. Psalm 69:8–9 foretold Messiah’s rejection by His own family, and Isaiah 53:3 declared Him “despised and rejected by men.” When people think they already know someone, they often withhold honor. John 1:11 captures this tragedy: “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.”
in his own hometownFor Jesus, “hometown” points to Nazareth in Galilee (Matthew 2:23) and broadly to Galilee itself among Judeans (John 7:41, 52). In Nazareth, the crowd tried to throw Him off a cliff (Luke 4:28–29). Even His brothers did not believe at first (John 7:5). The pattern stretches back to Joseph scorned by his brothers (Genesis 37:4) and forward to Paul dismissed in Tarsus until Barnabas intervened (Acts 9:30; 11:25–26). Familiarity can dull spiritual sensitivity.
summaryJohn 4:44 reminds us that Jesus, though Lord of all, experienced the sting of rejection where He should have been most celebrated. The verse prepares us for mixed reactions in Galilee and invites us to examine whether familiarity with Christ has dulled our own honor of Him. (44) A prophet hath no honour.--The statement that a prophet hath no honour in his own country is at first thought a strange explanation of the fact that He went into Galilee, and that the Galileans received Him; and the common geographical solutions, as that "His own country" means Judaea, or Nazareth, as distinct from Galilee, or the district of the so-called lower Galilee, are brought to, not from, the text. The narrative of the earlier Gospels places the commencement of the ministry in Galilee. John has in these opening chapters told of an earlier ministry in Judaea and Samaria. He now records the reception in Galilee to which this earlier ministry had been the real introduction. Jesus Himself said so. He knew the principle that a prophet's own friends are the last to hear his message, and He came to His own country only when that message had been received by many in Judaea and Samaria, and when His own countrymen had seen and known His work at the Passover. Others had received Him at Jerusalem, and they therefore receive Him in Galilee. The honour is brought from without. It does not arise in His own country.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Nowγὰρ (gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.[He]Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.Himselfαὐτὸς (autos)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.had testifiedἐμαρτύρησεν (emartyrēsen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3140: To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.thatὅτι (hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.a prophetπροφήτης (prophētēs)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4396: From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.hasἔχει (echei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.noοὐκ (ouk)Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.honorτιμὴν (timēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5092: A price, honor. From tino; a value, i.e. Money paid, or valuables; by analogy, esteem, or the dignity itself.inἐν (en)Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[his]τῇ (tē)Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.ownἰδίᾳ (idia)Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2398: Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.country.πατρίδι (patridi)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3968: Fatherland, one's native place. From parasemos; a father-land, i.e. Native town; heavenly home.
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NT Gospels: John 4:44 For Jesus himself testified that a prophet (Jhn Jo Jn) |
