John 4:23

But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus speaks to a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, shifting the discussion from geographical worship sites to the nature of genuine devotion.

The words — ὥρα (hōra) means “hour,” paired with νῦν ἐστιν (nun estin) “has now come” to mark a decisive transition in divine timing.

The thread — The “hour is coming and has now come” structure repeats in John 5:25 regarding resurrection, while Spirit-led worship connects to Philippians 3:3 and the truth requirement contrasts with Matthew 15:7.

Why it lands — The text states the Father actively seeks those who worship Him in spirit and truth, requiring readers to align their devotion with divine reality rather than external forms.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Cross-references

Philippians 3:3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
Matthew 15:7 You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you:
John 5:25 Truly, truly, I tell you, the hour is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.
Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”
Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.
Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
Isaiah 29:13 Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.
John 12:23 But Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.
John 4:21 “Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.