But He told themIn this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples. The context is His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, which occurs in the region of Samaria. This interaction is significant because Jews typically avoided Samaritans due to longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Jesus' willingness to engage with the Samaritans demonstrates His mission to reach all people, transcending cultural barriers. The phrase indicates a direct communication from Jesus, emphasizing His role as a teacher and leader.
“I have food to eat
Here, Jesus uses the metaphor of food to convey a spiritual truth. In the Bible, food often symbolizes sustenance and satisfaction. Jesus is referring to a type of nourishment that goes beyond physical sustenance. This aligns with other scriptural references where spiritual fulfillment is likened to food, such as inMatthew 4:4, where Jesus says, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." The "food" Jesus speaks of is His commitment to doing the will of the Father, which provides Him with spiritual strength and satisfaction.
that you know nothing about.”
This phrase highlights the disciples' lack of understanding regarding spiritual matters at this point in their journey with Jesus. It underscores a common theme in the Gospels where Jesus' followers often misunderstand His teachings, which are frequently spiritual in nature rather than literal. This statement invites the disciples to seek deeper understanding and insight into Jesus' mission and the nature of His kingdom. It also foreshadows the greater revelation and comprehension they will gain after the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well.
2.
DisciplesFollowers of Jesus who are concerned about His physical nourishment and are puzzled by His statement.
3.
Samaritan WomanAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, her encounter with Jesus sets the context for this teaching moment.
4.
SycharThe town in Samaria where this event takes place, near Jacob's well.
5.
Jacob's WellA significant historical and spiritual site where Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman and later to His disciples.
Teaching Points
Spiritual Nourishment Over Physical NeedsJesus emphasizes the importance of spiritual sustenance over physical food. Believers are encouraged to prioritize their spiritual growth and relationship with God.
Understanding God's WillJesus' "food" is to do the will of the Father. Christians are called to seek and fulfill God's will in their lives, finding satisfaction and purpose in His work.
Misunderstanding Spiritual TruthsThe disciples' confusion highlights how easy it is to misunderstand spiritual truths. Believers should seek discernment and wisdom through prayer and study of the Scriptures.
The Role of ObedienceObedience to God's will is a source of spiritual nourishment. Engaging in acts of service and sharing the Gospel can be fulfilling and sustaining.
Eternal PerspectiveJesus teaches an eternal perspective, reminding believers to focus on what has lasting value rather than temporary, worldly concerns.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of John 4:32?
2.What does Jesus mean by "food" in John 4:32, and how can we seek it?
3.How can understanding Jesus' "food" influence our daily spiritual practices?
4.Connect John 4:32 with Matthew 4:4. How do both verses emphasize spiritual nourishment?
5.How can we prioritize spiritual "food" over physical needs in our daily lives?
6.In what ways can we align our will with God's, as Jesus did?
7.What does Jesus mean by "I have food to eat that you know nothing about" in John 4:32?
8.How does John 4:32 challenge our understanding of spiritual nourishment versus physical sustenance?
9.In what ways does John 4:32 reflect Jesus' mission and purpose on Earth?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 4?
11.What is the Bible's view on moderation?
12.What do locusts symbolize in the Book of Joel?
13.In 1 Corinthians 8:4, if idols are 'nothing,' how does this align with extensive archaeological and historical evidence of pervasive idol worship in the ancient world?
14.What foods are mentioned in the Bible?What Does John 4:32 Mean
But He told themJesus had just been speaking with the Samaritan woman while His disciples had gone to buy food (John 4:8). When they returned and urged Him to eat (John 4:31), He redirected the conversation.
• By saying “He told them,” Scripture highlights that the disciples needed teaching in that moment—much like inMatthew 16:11–12, when Jesus corrected their misunderstanding about bread.
• Christ often seized ordinary moments to reveal spiritual truth (Luke 10:38–42;Mark 8:14–21). Here, their concern for lunch became a doorway to a lesson on divine priorities.
I have food to eatJesus pointed to a sustenance beyond the physical.
• InMatthew 4:4 He quoted, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God,” showing that spiritual nourishment sustains more deeply than any meal.
• His “food” was doing the Father’s will; this is stated plainly a few verses later: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work” (John 4:34).
• Obedience and mission energized Jesus. Similarly, when believers walk in God’s purposes, they experience strength and satisfaction (Isaiah 40:31;Philippians 2:13).
that you know nothing aboutThe disciples, focused on groceries, missed the spiritual dimension unfolding before them.
• Earlier they had marveled that He spoke with a woman (John 4:27); now they marvel again, revealing limited understanding (compareJohn 12:16).
• Jesus was not rebuking them harshly but inviting them to a deeper awareness (Psalm 34:8;Ephesians 1:17–18).
• Soon they would taste this “food” themselves, laboring in a harvest they had not planted (John 4:38) and discovering the joy of gospel work (Acts 5:41).
summaryJohn 4:32 reveals that Jesus draws life from accomplishing the Father’s will. Physical needs are real, yet spiritual obedience feeds the soul with a satisfaction the world cannot grasp. Christ invites His followers to share that same sustaining purpose—finding true nourishment in serving God and advancing His kingdom.
(32)
I have meat to eat that ye know not of.--The emphasis is on the pronouns, which are opposed to each other. "Meat" is better rendered
food (see Note on
John 4:8). The Greek word here is the same as in
John 6:27;
John 6:55.
Verse 32. -
But he saith to them, I have food to eat that ye know not; of which you are ignorant, but which you may come to know by and by.
Βρῶσιν and
βρῶμα are both used. The first denotes, strictly speaking, the act of eating; and the second the material for food; but they are, in Greek literature, generally used almost interchangeably. There were Divine desires and sacred satisfactions which discriminated the Lord's consciousness from that of his disciples. Thoma refers to the mighty fasts of the great lawgiver and prophet as the literary antecedent of this significant event; but this superiority to food is true of every great soul. The men of the spirit are consumed with desires which dwarf the desires of the flesh, and they forget to eat their bread. Nor can we forget that the synoptic narrative places the forty dave' fast in this very epoch of Christ's life, chronologically speaking. (See note at end of this chapter.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.He toldεἶπεν(eipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.them,αὐτοῖς(autois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.“IἘγὼ(Egō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.haveἔχω(echō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.foodβρῶσιν(brōsin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1035:(a) abstr: eating, (b) food, a meal, (c) rust. From the base of bibrosko; eating; by extension food.to eatφαγεῖν(phagein)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 5315:A primary verb; to eat.thatἣν(hēn)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.youὑμεῖς(hymeis)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.knowοἴδατε(oidate)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.nothing [about].”οὐκ(ouk)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.
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NT Gospels: John 4:32 But he said to them I have (Jhn Jo Jn) 
