A.T. Robertson Commentary John 4:8

"For his disciples were gone away into the city to buy food." — John 4:8 (ASV)

For (γαρ). Explanation of the reason for asking her.

Were gone away (απεληλυθεισαν). Past perfect of απερχομα, to go off. They had already gone before she came. To Sychar (5,39).

To buy food (ινα τροφας αγορασωσιν). Hινα in purpose clause with first aorist active subjunctive of αγοραζω, old verb from αγορα (marketplace). See Mt 21:12. Τροφη (nourishment) is old word from τρεφω, to nourish (Matthew 3:4). "Victuals" (plural).