John 4:4

Verse

Ἔδει δὲ αὐτὸν διέρχεσθαι διὰ τῆς Σαμαρείας.

RBT Greek Interlinear:

1163; Edei; Ἔδει; It behooved [you]; V-IIA-3S

1161; de; δὲ; then; Conj

846; auton; αὐτὸν; himself; PPro-AM3S

1330; dierchesthai; διέρχεσθαι; to pass; V-PNM/P

1223; dia; διὰ; across; Prep

3588; tēs; τῆς; the; Art-GFS

4540; Samareias; Σαμαρείας; Samaria; N-GFS

RBT Translation:

But it was necessary for himself to pass across the other side from the Guard-tower [Samaria].

Fortified Guard Tower.

Samaria comes from the Hebrew word "Shomron" (שֹׁמְרוֹן) and its root "shamar" (שָׁמַר), which means "to guard," "to keep," or "to watch over." This root conveys the idea of preservation, protection, or vigilance. "Shomron" is the name of a region and later a city in Israel, which eventually became the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Also related: שָׁמִיר "shamir" a thorn, a point. "Perhaps the two significations (No. I., II.) may be reconciled from the sense of guarding, coming from that of shutting up, making fast with nails." (cf. Gesenius)

LITV Translation:
And it was needful for Him to pass through Samaria.

ESV Translation:
And he had to pass through Samaria.