John 4:10

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and {G2532} said {G2036} unto her {G846}, If {G1487} thou knewest {G1492} the gift {G1431} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} who {G5101} it is {G2076} that saith {G3004} to thee {G4671}, Give {G1325} me {G3427} to drink {G4095}; thou {G4771} wouldest {G302} have asked {G154} of him {G846}, and {G2532} he would {G302} have given {G1325} thee {G4671} living {G2198} water {G5204}.

Yeshua answered her, “If you knew God’s gift, that is, who it is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink of water,’ then you would have asked him; and he would have given you living water.”

Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' profound encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well in Sychar. The scene opens with Jesus, weary from His journey, asking the woman for a drink of physical water, a request that challenged the deep-seated social and religious barriers between Jews and Samaritans. Her surprise at His request sets the stage for Jesus' revelation of a deeper reality. In John 4:10, Jesus shifts the conversation from literal water to a spiritual truth, introducing the concept of a divine "gift" and "living water" that He alone can provide, thereby inviting her to consider His true identity and purpose.

Key Themes

  • The "Gift of God": Jesus speaks of a profound "gift of God" (see John 3:16 for God's ultimate gift). This refers not merely to a blessing, but primarily to Jesus Himself as the embodiment of God's grace and salvation. It is a divine offering, freely given, intended to meet humanity's deepest needs.
  • "Living Water": The central metaphor in this verse, "living water," holds a dual meaning. Literally, it refers to fresh, flowing spring water, as opposed to stagnant water from a cistern. Spiritually, it symbolizes eternal life, the Holy Spirit, and the spiritual refreshment and satisfaction that only Jesus can provide. It's water that quenches thirst permanently, leading to everlasting life.
  • Jesus' Divine Identity: Implicit in Jesus' statement is a subtle yet powerful revelation of His own identity. He implies that He is the one who possesses and can bestow this ultimate "gift" and "living water." He is not just a thirsty traveler but the divine source of spiritual life.
  • The Invitation to Ask: Jesus' words, "thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee," highlight the necessity of recognizing Him and actively seeking what He offers. The woman's current ignorance prevents her from asking for the true spiritual sustenance.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "living water" is hudōr zōon (ὕδωρ ζῶον). While it literally means "running water" (like from a spring or river, which was highly valued for its purity and freshness), in a spiritual context, it signifies water that is life-giving or imparts life. This double entendre was likely understood by the woman, setting up the deeper spiritual conversation that follows about eternal life and spiritual satisfaction.

Significance and Application

John 4:10 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, revealing Jesus' mission to bring spiritual salvation to all people, regardless of their background. It underscores that humanity has a fundamental spiritual thirst that cannot be satisfied by worldly pursuits or ritualistic practices. Only Jesus, the "gift of God," can provide the "living water" of spiritual life and the Holy Spirit, leading to true and lasting fulfillment. For us today, the verse is a powerful invitation to recognize Jesus as the ultimate source of life, to acknowledge our spiritual need, and to ask Him for the refreshment that only He can give, leading to eternal satisfaction.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 4:14 (68 votes)

    But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

  • Revelation 7:17 (61 votes)

    For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

  • Isaiah 44:3 (49 votes)

    For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

  • John 7:37 (48 votes)

    ¶ In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

  • John 7:39 (48 votes)

    (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

  • Revelation 21:6 (37 votes)

    And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

  • Psalms 36:8 (37 votes)

    They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.