Subject: would like to study 4:23-24. |
Bible Note: Hi Searcher, The NASB has in the margin for John 4:24, [Or, Spirit]. The NKJ uses "God is Spirit" in their text. You have said,"It does not say or mean "in the Spirit and the truth". I agree with you. But let me offer yet another possibility which I think we both can agree on. I will go with "God is spirit" and the fact that we worship "in spirit and truth". Will you go with the King James version with its inclusion of two "worship Him" phrases? That will allow us to worship Him alone, and also in spirit and truth. It also suggests a triune God by the three pronouns in the verse. Concerning your Greek words of service and worship, I am sure that they are different words but I haven't grasped why you put such emphasis on that. After we worship God do we not go out and serve? The two are very much connected. Here is my interpretation of John and Matthew for what it is worth. John 4:23, "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be (His) worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth." Matthew 4:10, "Then Jesus said to him, "Begone, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve (Him) only.'" John 17:17, "And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true (God), and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent." From the heart, Ray |