John 4:4

Ἔδει δὲ αὐτὸν διέρχεσθαι διὰ τῆς Σαμαρείας.

RBT Greek Interlinear:

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

Strongs 1161; de; δὲ; and; Conj

Strongs 846; auton; αὐτὸν; himself; PPro-AM3S

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

Strongs 1223; dia; διὰ; across; Prep

Strongs 3588; tēs; τῆς; the; Art-GFS

Strongs 4540; Samareias; Σαμαρείας; Samaria; N-GFS

RBT Hebrew Literal:

And it was necessary for himself to go across the other side from the Guard Tower ("Samaria").

Fortified Guard Tower.

Samaria comes from the Hebrew word "Shomron" (שמרוֹן) and its root "shamar" (שמר), which means "to guard," "to keep," or "to watch over." This root conveys the idea of preservation, protection, or vigilance.

"A thorn/nail in my side"
Also related: שׁמיר "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)

Julia Smith Literal 1876 Translation:
And it was necessary for him to pass through Samaria.

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

ESV Translation:
And he had to pass through Samaria.