Living Waters: Συχάρ (Strong’s G4965: Sychar) Reveals Messiah’s Universal Grace

Strong’s G4965: A Samaritan city near Jacob’s well, Συχάρ marks the location of the Messiah’s transformative encounter with the Samaritan woman. This site became symbolic of His mission to extend salvation beyond Jewish boundaries to all peoples.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συχάρ represents more than just a geographical location—it embodies a pivotal moment in the Messiah’s ministry where cultural and religious barriers were broken down. Located near Mount Gerizim in Samaria, this city witnessed the remarkable conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. The early church saw in this location a powerful symbol of the Gospel’s universal scope, transcending ethnic and social boundaries. Today, Συχάρ continues to remind us that the living water of salvation is offered to all people, regardless of their background.

Save 20% with code – FOG20

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Συχάρ, Sychar, /sü-khär’/
• Pronunciation Guide: “soo-KHAR” (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Possibly derived from Hebrew שִׁכּוֹר (shikkor) meaning “drunken”
• Alternatively from Hebrew סוּכָר (sukar) meaning “town”
• Some connect it to שֶׁקֶר (sheqer) meaning “falsehood”

D – Defining Meanings

• A city in Samaria
• Location of Jacob’s well
• Site of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman

Translation Options:

• “Sychar” – Traditional transliteration preserving historical connection
• “Shechem” – Some identify it with this ancient city
• “Askar” – Modern Arabic name of the site

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Σιχέμ (Sichem) /sē-khem’/ – Hebrew Shechem – See G4966
• Σαμάρεια (Samareia) /sä-mä’-rā-ä/ – Samaria – See G4540
• Σιών (Sión) /sē-ōn’/ – Zion – See G4622

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a proper noun, Συχάρ exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Indeclinable in Greek

The word remains unchanged regardless of its grammatical function:

• Nominative: Συχάρ (Sychar)
• Genitive: Συχάρ (of Sychar)
• Dative: Συχάρ (to/in Sychar)
• Accusative: Συχάρ (to Sychar)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies it as a Samaritan city near Jacob’s well. Thayer’s discusses its possible relationship to Shechem. LSJ notes its significance in John’s Gospel. Vine’s connects it to the Messiah’s ministry to Samaritans. Strong’s emphasizes its location in Samaria. Moulton and Milligan discuss archaeological evidence for the site.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
John 4:5: “So He came to a town in Samaria called [Συχάρ] Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συχάρ stands as a testament to the Messiah’s mission to seek and save the lost, regardless of cultural or social barriers. This location proclaims the good news that His living water flows freely to all who thirst, breaking down walls of hostility and bringing salvation to every nation, tribe, and tongue.

D – Did You Know?

• The site of Sychar has been identified with modern-day Askar
• Archaeological evidence suggests continuous habitation from New Testament times
• The location became a significant Christian pilgrimage site by the 4th century

Strong’s G4965: A Samaritan city near Jacob’s well, Συχάρ marks the location of the Messiah’s transformative encounter with the Samaritan woman. This site became symbolic of His mission to extend salvation beyond Jewish boundaries to all peoples.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Samaria, Jacob’s well, Samaritan woman, living water, Gospel inclusion, John 4, sacred sites, biblical geography, evangelism, salvation history​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​