4:23a
But: This Greek connector that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But indicates that there is a contrast. The contrast is between what the situation had been and what it would be soon, and even was already starting. Now even the Samaritans can know God, and the place of worship does not matter. What matters is that worship comes from the spirit or the heart.
a time is coming and has now come: This Greek expression is talking about both the future and the present moment. Jesus was talking about the time after his death and resurrection. It was now here because Jesus was already on earth and had started his ministry. So events had started that would lead to his death and resurrection. Here are some other ways to say this expression that may be more natural in some languages:
the time is arriving
-or-
in the future, which you can see now
4:23b
the true worshipers: This phrase refers to people who genuinely worship God, in an honest and real way. In some languages it may be natural to translate this using a verb phrase. For example:
those who truly worship
will worship: The Greek verb here is in the future tense. Jesus was speaking about a time that would soon begin.
in spirit: There are two possible ways to understand the Greek word translated spirit here.
(1) It refers to the human spirit or inner self. For example:
when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (New Living Translation (2004))
(Berean Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, God’s Word, Revised English Bible, New Century Version, NET Bible, Revised Standard Version, King James Version, New International Version (1984), New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version, New Living Translation (2004))
(2) It refers to the Holy Spirit. For example:
when by the power of God’s Spirit people will worship the Father as he really is, offering him the true worship that he wants (Good News Translation)
(Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, NIV2011)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) and most translations and scholars.
In some languages you may not want to translate “worship the Father” in spirit literally. Scholars have suggested these two ideas about what the phrase means.
(1) It means to worship God in a spiritual way, not in a physical or material way. Worship is to come from a person’s heart or inner self. It is not just physical actions, such as kneeling or saying certain words. Certainly, Jesus said that worship would not be limited to a particular place. It could also mean that idols were not acceptable. For example:
with their inner being
-or-
out of their heart
(2) It means that only those who have been born again can truly worship. Jesus said to Nicodemus in 3:6, “What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.” So to worship in spirit may mean that one must be born of the Spirit. Then he can have the right spirit to worship. For example:
out of their spirit
-or-
in a spiritual way
Either understanding is acceptable. English translations use the word spirit rather than “inner being” or “heart.” However, if you do not talk about living people having spirits in your language, you may use a word like “inner being” or “heart.”
in truth: In some languages you may not want to translate “worship the Father” in truth literally. Scholars have suggested these two ideas about what the phrase means.
(1) It means to worship God sincerely. It is true or genuine worship because the worshiper truly wants to worship him. For example:
sincere will be his worship of him
-or-
their worship is true/genuine
(2) It means that one’s worship is based on the truth about God. The worshiper must believe the truth that Jesus revealed and worship in a way that agrees with that truth. For example:
based on the truth which comes from him
-or-
that agrees with God’s true character
Either understanding is acceptable.
General Comment on 4:23b
In some languages it may be natural to make explicit that the Father is the one that “true worshipers” worship. Then later in the sentence a pronoun may be used as the object of the verb “worship.” For example:
when those who truly worship ⌊the Father⌋ will worship him in spirit and truth
4:23c
for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him: Jesus told the woman that God wanted people to worship him in spirit and in truth. God did not want any other kind of worship, or any other kind of worshiper. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks (New International Version)
-or-
These are the worshippers the Father wants. (Revised English Bible)
for: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for means “because.” It introduces the reason why people will worship this way: God wants them to. In some languages this word can be left implicit. For example:
that is the kind of worshipper the Father seeks (New Jerusalem Bible)
the Father: The word Father refers to God the Father. In some languages it is more natural to make that explicit:
God the Father
is seeking: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as seeking here means “wants, desires.” The verb form shows that God continues to want or desire these worshipers. It also implies that God is doing something to get what he wants. God continues to want this and he actively searches for people like this to worship him. God wants people to honor and praise him in a true and spiritual way. Here is another way to translate this verb:
The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. (New Living Translation (2004))
such as these: The phrase such as these means “(people) like these” or “this kind of worshiper.”
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