John 4:11

KJV

The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

KJV (with Strong's)

The woman {G1135} saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Sir {G2962}, thou hast {G2192} nothing {G3777} to draw with {G502}, and {G2532} the well {G5421} is {G2076} deep {G901}: from whence {G4159} then {G3767} hast thou {G2192} that living {G2198} water {G5204}?

Complete Jewish Bible

She said to him, “Sir, you don’t have a bucket, and the well is deep; so where do you get this ‘living water’?

Berean Standard Bible

“Sir,” the woman replied, “You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where then will You get this living water?

American Standard Version

The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: whence then hast thou that living water?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 4:11, the Samaritan woman's response to Jesus's offer of "living water" reveals a profound misunderstanding rooted in her literal, physical perception of the situation. Faced with Jesus's seemingly impractical claim, she points out his lack of a drawing implement and the well's depth, thereby challenging the feasibility of his promise within her material understanding. Her question, "from whence then hast thou that living water?", underscores her inability to grasp the spiritual reality Jesus is presenting, setting the stage for his further revelation of himself as the divine source of eternal life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the pivotal encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at [Jacob's well](/john/4-6 "John 4:6 - Jesus at Jacob's Well") in Sychar. The narrative begins with Jesus, weary from his journey, resting at the well and initiating a conversation by asking the woman for a drink, a request that immediately breaks significant social conventions ([John 4:7-9](/john/4-7-9 "John 4:7-9 - Jesus Asks for Water")). In the preceding verse, [John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water"), Jesus introduces the enigmatic concept of "living water," implying a spiritual gift that would satisfy eternally. The woman's response in [John 4:11](/john/4-11 "John 4:11 - The Woman's Question") directly addresses this offer, but her interpretation remains firmly grounded in the physical act of drawing water from the well, highlighting the initial chasm between her earthly perspective and Jesus's divine discourse.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting at Jacob's well is rich with historical and cultural significance. Jacob's well itself was an ancient, revered site, connecting the narrative to the patriarchs and the historical roots of both Jewish and Samaritan peoples. The animosity between Jews and Samaritans was deep-seated, stemming from historical, ethnic, and religious differences, making Jesus's interaction with a Samaritan woman, especially in public, highly unconventional and even scandalous ([John 4:9](/john/4-9 "John 4:9 - Jewish-Samaritan Division")). Furthermore, societal norms dictated that Jewish men did not speak to women in public, particularly not a Samaritan woman of questionable reputation. The act of drawing water was a daily chore, typically performed by women, and required specific tools (a rope and a bucket or jar). The woman's immediate focus on Jesus's lack of these tools and the well's depth reflects a practical, everyday concern within her cultural experience, contrasting sharply with the spiritual reality Jesus sought to convey.

* **Key Themes:** [John 4:11](/john/4-11 "John 4:11 - The Woman's Misunderstanding") contributes to several major themes woven throughout the Gospel of John. Foremost is the theme of **Misunderstanding Spiritual Truth**, where characters repeatedly interpret Jesus's metaphorical or spiritual statements literally, as seen later with Nicodemus's confusion about being "born again" ([John 3:4](/john/3-4 "John 3:4 - Nicodemus's Question")) or the disciples' misinterpretation of Jesus's hunger ([John 4:31-33](/john/4-31-33 "John 4:31-33 - Disciples Offer Food")). This highlights the human tendency to struggle with divine concepts when they transcend the material. Another key theme is **Jesus as the Source of Life and Satisfaction**, where Jesus presents himself as the ultimate fulfillment of human longing, offering something no earthly resource can provide. The "living water" is a primary example of this, foreshadowing later declarations like "I am the bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and "I am the light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). Finally, the encounter underscores the theme of **Breaking Down Barriers**, as Jesus transcends ethnic, gender, and social boundaries to offer salvation to all.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sir (Greek, _kýrios'_):** The woman addresses Jesus as "Sir." While _kýrios_ can mean "Lord" or "Master" and is often used in the Gospels to refer to Jesus's divine authority, here it likely functions as a polite, respectful address, similar to "Sir." It indicates her initial recognition of Jesus as a person of some standing, yet without full comprehension of his true identity or the spiritual nature of his offer. This respectful address, however, sets the stage for a deeper revelation of who Jesus truly is.
* **draw with (Greek, _ántlēma'_):** This word refers to a "baling-vessel" or "thing to draw with," specifically a bucket, rope, or other implement used to fetch water from a well. The woman's observation that Jesus has no _ántlēma_ is a practical, logical assessment based on the physical reality of the situation. Her focus on this tangible lack underscores her literal interpretation of "living water" as physical water that must be drawn from a deep well, rather than a spiritual gift.
* **living (Greek, _záō'_):** Derived from a primary verb meaning "to live" (literally or figuratively), _záō_ here modifies "water" (_hýdōr_). While _hýdōr zōn_ (living water) can literally mean "running" or "fresh" water (like from a spring, as opposed to stagnant water in a cistern), Jesus clearly uses it metaphorically. The woman's question reveals her understanding of "living water" in its literal sense, as fresh spring water, but she cannot reconcile how Jesus, without means, could access such water from a deep well. This sets up Jesus's subsequent explanation of the spiritual, eternal life that he, as the true source, provides.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The woman saith unto him, Sir,"**: This opening establishes the woman's response to Jesus's surprising offer. Her use of "Sir" (_kýrios_) indicates a level of respect, perhaps born of curiosity or politeness, but not yet a recognition of his divine authority. It marks the continuation of their dialogue, with the woman now taking the lead in questioning.
* **"thou hast nothing to draw with,"**: This clause highlights the woman's immediate, practical observation. She notes Jesus's lack of a bucket or rope, essential tools for drawing water from a deep well. This physical limitation is her primary point of reference, demonstrating her literal interpretation of "living water" as something that must be physically drawn.
* **"and the well is deep:"**: This adds to the practical challenge. The depth of Jacob's well (estimated at over 100 feet) makes drawing water without proper equipment impossible. This statement reinforces her literal understanding and frames her subsequent question as a logical challenge to Jesus's claim based on the physical constraints of their environment.
* **"from whence then hast thou that living water?"**: This is the culminating question, revealing the core of her misunderstanding. She acknowledges Jesus's claim of having "living water" but cannot conceive of its source or how he would obtain it, given his lack of tools and the well's depth. Her "whence then" is a challenge, implicitly asking, "How can you possibly provide this, if not from here, and without the means to draw it?" This question, however, becomes the perfect opening for Jesus to clarify the spiritual nature of the water he offers.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as the audience (and Jesus) knows the spiritual meaning of "living water," while the woman interprets it literally. Her practical questions about drawing water from a deep well highlight this gap in understanding, creating a sense of anticipation for Jesus's deeper revelation. **Metaphor** is central, with "living water" serving as a profound symbol for eternal life, the Holy Spirit, and the spiritual sustenance that only Jesus can provide. The entire dialogue is built around this extended metaphor, with the physical act of drawing water from a well being juxtaposed against the spiritual provision of Christ. Finally, the woman's **Questioning** ("from whence then hast thou that living water?") serves not only as a point of misunderstanding but also as a narrative device to propel the conversation forward, allowing Jesus to elaborate on the true nature of his gift and his identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Samaritan woman's initial misunderstanding of "living water" as merely physical sustenance underscores a profound theological truth: humanity's natural inclination to perceive spiritual realities through a worldly lens. Jesus's offer transcends mere physical thirst, pointing to a deeper spiritual need for eternal satisfaction and the life-giving presence of God. This "living water" is ultimately a metaphor for the Holy Spirit and the eternal life that flows from a relationship with Christ, providing an inner spring that never runs dry. It highlights God's supernatural provision, which operates independently of human means or physical limitations, offering a fulfillment that far surpasses any earthly resource.

* [Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1 - Invitation to Water for the Thirsty")
* [John 7:37-39](/john/7-37-39 "John 7:37-39 - Jesus' Invitation to Drink Living Water")
* [Revelation 21:6](/revelation/21-6 "Revelation 21:6 - God as the Source of the Water of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Samaritan woman's initial inability to grasp Jesus's spiritual offer serves as a powerful mirror for our own lives. How often do we, like her, approach divine truths with a limited, earthly mindset, failing to perceive the deeper, supernatural reality God intends to reveal? This verse challenges us to move beyond our practical limitations and human assumptions, recognizing that God's provision and spiritual gifts transcend what we can physically see or achieve. It encourages us to cultivate a spiritual discernment that looks beyond the "how" (how will Jesus draw water?) to the "what" and "who" (what is this living water, and who is offering it?). True satisfaction and eternal life are not found through human effort or material resources, but through a humble openness to the spiritual sustenance that only Jesus can provide. We are called to ask not about the mechanics of drawing, but about the nature of the gift itself and the identity of the Giver.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be interpreting God's spiritual promises through a purely physical or practical lens?**
* **What "wells" or earthly sources do you tend to rely on for satisfaction, instead of seeking the "living water" that Jesus offers?**
* **How does the woman's initial misunderstanding encourage you to seek deeper spiritual understanding rather than remaining on a superficial level?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a greater spiritual discernment that recognizes God's supernatural provision beyond human limitations?**

### FAQ

**What is the "living water" Jesus refers to in this passage?**

Answer: In [John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water") and subsequent verses, Jesus uses "living water" as a profound metaphor for the eternal spiritual life and satisfaction that He alone can provide. While literally "living water" (_hudōr zōn_) refers to fresh, flowing spring water (as opposed to stagnant water in a cistern), Jesus elevates its meaning to represent the Holy Spirit and the everlasting life that comes from believing in Him. He later clarifies this in [John 7:37-39](/john/7-37-39 "John 7:37-39 - Jesus' Promise of Living Water"), stating that "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive)." This spiritual water quenches a thirst far deeper than physical dehydration, providing unending spiritual vitality and communion with God.

**Why did the Samaritan woman misunderstand Jesus's offer?**

Answer: The Samaritan woman's misunderstanding stemmed from her immediate, literal interpretation of Jesus's words, a common theme in the Gospel of John where characters struggle to grasp Jesus's spiritual teachings. She was focused on the practical realities of drawing physical water from [Jacob's well](/john/4-6 "John 4:6 - Jesus at Jacob's Well"): Jesus had no bucket or rope, and the well was deep. Her worldview was limited to the material and tangible, making it difficult for her to comprehend the spiritual, metaphorical nature of Jesus's offer. This initial confusion, however, served as a crucial stepping stone in the dialogue, allowing Jesus to patiently guide her from earthly concerns to divine truths, ultimately revealing Himself as the Messiah ([John 4:26](/john/4-26 "John 4:26 - Jesus Reveals Himself")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter at Jacob's well, particularly the woman's question in [John 4:11](/john/4-11 "John 4:11 - The Woman's Question"), powerfully illustrates Christ's role as the ultimate fulfillment of humanity's deepest spiritual longings. The "living water" Jesus offers is not merely a metaphor for spiritual blessing; it is intrinsically linked to His very being and the redemptive work He came to accomplish. He is the true wellspring of life, a concept rooted in Old Testament prophecies that speak of God as the fountain of living waters ([Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")). Jesus, as the incarnate God, embodies this divine provision, offering not just a temporary quenching of thirst but an eternal, overflowing source of life. His subsequent revelation of Himself as the Messiah ([John 4:25-26](/john/4-25-26 "John 4:25-26 - Jesus Reveals Himself as Messiah")) and His promise that those who drink of His water "shall never thirst" ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Never Thirst Again")) directly connect His identity to the spiritual fulfillment He provides. This living water, later identified as the Holy Spirit ([John 7:37-39](/john/7-37-39 "John 7:37-39 - Jesus' Promise of Living Water")), is poured out through His death and resurrection, establishing Him as the sole provider of eternal life and true satisfaction for all who believe, transcending all human limitations and expectations.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

John 3:4

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?