Charles Ellicott Commentary John 4:42

"and they said to the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy speaking: for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world." — John 4:42 (ASV)

We have heard him ourselves.—The “Him” is not part of the original text, and the sentence is more forceful without it: We have ourselves heard. Probably “the Christ” should also be regarded as no part of the original text, and the last clause should be, and know that this is truly the Saviour of the world. The result of their hearing is that they know. Here, as frequently in Saint John, emphasis is placed upon the development of faith. We will find it again in the following verses, which mark it in the case of the courtier.