Definition: Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from John 4:22. It’s a really rich and layered message about God’s plan for humanity. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse essentially says that true worship is reserved for Jewish people. It’s not just any kind of worship, but a specific, deeply connected worship that focuses on God and His relationship with those who are chosen to follow Him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ye worship ye know not what…” – This is a gentle way of saying “You are worshipping something you don’t fully understand.” It suggests a level of mystery and depth in the faith that goes beyond just feeling good or doing right. “we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.” - This is the crucial part. The Jewish people, according to this verse, are the center of God’s plan for salvation (getting us out of our sin and into eternal life). "Salvation" means being saved from our sins and given a relationship with God. So, what does it mean? It suggests that God has a special way of offering forgiveness and redemption to those who are descended from Abraham and chosen by Him. It’s not about worshipping anyone – not even the Jews themselves! It's about worshipping God through the Jewish people, who have been called to follow His teachings and be part of His plan for humanity. Important Context: This verse is often misunderstood. It doesn’t mean that Jesus didn’t care about all people. Instead, it means that the initial focus of early Christian teaching was on sharing the Gospel (the good news) with Jewish people first. The idea was that God's salvation was a gift to those who were chosen by Him to be saved through faith in Jesus Christ. In short: The verse highlights that true, significant worship is reserved for those who are part of the Jewish tradition and have been chosen by God to follow His plan of redemption. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/passage/John%204:22](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/passage/John%204:22) The Bible Project: [https://www.thebiblestory.com/2018/08/27/john-4-22-meaning-and-context/](https://www.thebiblestory.com/2018/08/27/john-4-22-meaning-and-context/) Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Talk about the historical context of this verse? Explore why this concept is important to Christians?