John 4:13

KJV

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and {G2532} said {G2036} unto her {G846}, Whosoever {G3956} drinketh {G4095} of {G1537} this {G5127} water {G5204} shall thirst {G1372} again {G3825}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again,

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again.

American Standard Version

Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 4:13, Jesus engages the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well by stating a fundamental truth about physical existence: anyone who drinks the water from the well will inevitably thirst again. This declaration serves as a crucial pivot in their conversation, subtly shifting the focus from the immediate physical need for water to a deeper, spiritual reality, thereby preparing her heart for the revelation of the "living water" He offers, which provides eternal satisfaction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, immediately following her surprise at His request for a drink, given the deep-seated animosity between Jews and Samaritans ([John 4:9](/john/4-9 "John 4:9 - Samaritan Woman's Surprise")). Jesus' words in [John 4:13](/john/4-13 "John 4:13 - The Nature of Physical Water") serve as a direct response to the unspoken question of why He, a Jew, would engage with her. By highlighting the temporary nature of physical thirst, Jesus skillfully redirects the conversation from mundane physical needs to profound spiritual realities, setting the stage for His subsequent revelation about the "living water" in [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - The Living Water Jesus Gives"). This rhetorical strategy is characteristic of John's Gospel, where physical objects or events often serve as metaphors for deeper spiritual truths.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jacob's well in Samaria, a site of immense historical and cultural significance, revered by Samaritans as a sacred place where their patriarch Jacob had dug and drunk from. For Jesus, a Jew, to be at this well and to initiate conversation with a Samaritan woman was highly unconventional, challenging deeply ingrained cultural and religious barriers. Jewish men typically did not speak to women in public, especially not Samaritan women, due to ethnic prejudice and social custom. The well itself represented a source of life and heritage, but Jesus' statement subtly critiques the limitations of even such a venerated, physical source, hinting at a superior, spiritual provision that transcends historical and ethnic divides.

* **Key Themes:** [John 4:13](/john/4-13 "John 4:13 - The Insufficiency of Earthly Satisfaction") contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of John. Firstly, it underscores **the inadequacy of worldly satisfaction**, emphasizing that physical provisions and earthly pursuits, no matter how essential or cherished (like water from Jacob's well), can only offer temporary relief and cannot address humanity's deepest spiritual longings. Secondly, it highlights the **contrast between the physical and the spiritual**, a recurring motif in John's Gospel, where Jesus consistently elevates the spiritual realm above the material, as seen in discussions about the Bread of Life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) or light versus darkness ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). Finally, the verse serves as a crucial **preparation for revelation**, gently guiding the Samaritan woman (and the reader) from a tangible, relatable concept (physical thirst) to an abstract, profound spiritual truth (living water), demonstrating Jesus' pedagogical method of using familiar contexts to introduce divine mysteries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **drinketh (Greek, _pínō'_):** From G4095, meaning "to imbibe (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it refers to the physical act of consuming water from the well. However, in the broader discourse, it foreshadows the spiritual "drinking" of living water, implying an internal reception and assimilation of Christ's life-giving truth. The use here grounds the conversation in a common human experience before elevating it.
* **water (Greek, _hýdōr'_):** From G5204, meaning "water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively." Here, it literally refers to the physical water from Jacob's well. Yet, in the subsequent verse ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - The Living Water")), Jesus will use this same word metaphorically to describe the spiritual "living water" He offers, creating a powerful contrast and highlighting the dual nature of the term in this passage.
* **shall thirst again (Greek, _dipsáō'_ and _pálin'_):** G1372 (_dipsáō_) means "to thirst for (literally or figuratively)," and G3825 (_pálin_) means "anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand." The combination emphasizes the cyclical, recurring, and ultimately unsatisfying nature of physical or worldly provisions. It signifies that no matter how much one consumes or acquires from earthly sources, the fundamental human longing for ultimate fulfillment will always return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus answered and said unto her,"**: This opening phrase establishes Jesus' initiative in the conversation and His direct engagement with the Samaritan woman. His "answer" is not necessarily a direct reply to a question, but rather a continuation and redirection of the dialogue, demonstrating His divine wisdom and purposeful communication. It highlights His willingness to transcend social norms to minister.
* **"Whosoever drinketh of this water"**: This clause refers specifically to the physical water from Jacob's well, the immediate context of their conversation. The phrase "whosoever drinketh" makes the statement universal, applying to all people who rely on finite, physical sources for their satisfaction, not just the woman. It sets up a common ground of understanding before introducing a profound spiritual truth.
* **"shall thirst again:"**: This is the core declaration of the verse, highlighting the temporary and insufficient nature of physical water. The certainty implied by "shall thirst again" underscores the inescapable reality that earthly provisions, no matter how vital, cannot provide ultimate or lasting satisfaction for the human soul. This statement serves as a rhetorical device to prepare the woman for the concept of a superior, eternal source of satisfaction.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [John 4:13](/john/4-13 "John 4:13 - Literary Devices") is **Contrast**. Jesus draws a sharp distinction between the water from Jacob's well and the "living water" He is about to introduce. The phrase "shall thirst again" directly contrasts with the promise of never thirsting again in the subsequent verse, setting up a clear dichotomy between temporary, physical satisfaction and eternal, spiritual fulfillment. This contrast is further enhanced by **Symbolism**, where the physical water serves as a symbol for all earthly provisions, achievements, and relationships that can only offer fleeting contentment. The act of drinking and the experience of thirst become symbolic of humanity's perpetual search for meaning and satisfaction in the world. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' statement about recurring thirst subtly hints at the profound spiritual revelation of "living water" that is to follow, building anticipation and preparing the listener for a deeper understanding of His true identity and mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 4:13](/john/4-13 "John 4:13 - Theological Implications") serves as a foundational theological statement about the inherent insufficiency of all worldly provisions to satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. It underscores a core biblical truth: humanity's spiritual thirst cannot be quenched by physical means, material possessions, or fleeting experiences. This verse sets the stage for understanding that true, lasting satisfaction and eternal life are found exclusively in Christ, who alone can provide the "living water" that addresses the soul's ultimate need. It highlights the universal human condition of spiritual emptiness apart from God and prepares the way for the Gospel's message of divine provision.

* [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - The Fountain of Living Water") directly follows, explaining that the water Jesus gives will become "a well of water springing up into everlasting life," providing eternal satisfaction.
* [Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1 - Invitation to the Thirsty") echoes this theme, inviting "everyone who thirsts" to come to the waters, pointing to God as the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance.
* [Revelation 21:6](/revelation/21-6 "Revelation 21:6 - The Water of Life") promises that God will give "of the fountain of the water of life freely" to those who are athirst, signifying the complete and eternal fulfillment found in the New Creation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 4:13](/john/4-13 "John 4:13 - Personal Reflection") offers a timeless challenge for contemporary believers: to critically examine the sources from which we seek our deepest satisfaction. In a world constantly offering temporary fixes—be it through material accumulation, social media validation, fleeting pleasures, or even human relationships—Jesus' words remind us that these "waters" will inevitably leave us thirsting again. This verse calls us to a profound self-awareness, prompting us to recognize the recurring emptiness that arises when we rely on anything less than Christ for our spiritual nourishment. It encourages us to shift our focus from the finite to the infinite, from the temporary to the eternal, understanding that only by drawing from the inexhaustible wellspring of Christ's life can our souls find true and lasting contentment, leading to a life not merely sustained, but overflowing with divine purpose and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "water" am I currently drinking that leaves me feeling spiritually thirsty again and again?**
* **How does my pursuit of worldly satisfaction (e.g., career, possessions, relationships) compare to my pursuit of Christ?**
* **In what practical ways can I intentionally "drink" from the living water that Jesus offers daily?**
* **How does recognizing the temporary nature of earthly satisfaction motivate me to seek eternal fulfillment in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus emphasize that drinking from "this water" will lead to thirst again?**

Answer: Jesus emphasizes this point to highlight the inherent limitation and temporary nature of physical and worldly provisions. By stating that anyone who drinks from Jacob's well will "thirst again," He is subtly drawing a contrast between the finite satisfaction that earthly sources can offer and the eternal, unending satisfaction that He is about to reveal through the "living water" in [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - The Promise of Living Water"). This serves as a pedagogical tool, preparing the Samaritan woman's heart and mind to receive a deeper, spiritual truth by first acknowledging a common, relatable experience of human need. It underscores that all human efforts and material acquisitions, while perhaps providing temporary relief, cannot ultimately quench the soul's deepest spiritual longing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 4:13](/john/4-13 "John 4:13 - Christ as the Source of Life") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the singular and eternal source of true satisfaction, the "living water" that forever quenches spiritual thirst. By declaring that physical water leads to recurring thirst, Jesus implicitly positions Himself as the one who offers a superior, permanent solution to humanity's deepest longing. He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies that spoke of God as the fountain of living waters ([Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")) and the one who invites all who are thirsty to come and drink freely ([Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1 - Invitation to the Thirsty")). In the New Testament, Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as this ultimate provision, proclaiming, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink" ([John 7:37](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus' Invitation to the Thirsty")). He is not merely a dispenser of living water, but the very embodiment of it, the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), providing complete and unending spiritual sustenance. Thus, [John 4:13](/john/4-13 "John 4:13 - The Fulfillment in Christ") serves as a poignant setup, highlighting the inadequacy of all else to showcase Christ as the all-sufficient, never-failing source of eternal life and satisfaction for every soul.

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

John 6:27

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

Isaiah 65:13

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:

Isaiah 65:14

Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.

Luke 16:24

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

John 6:49

Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.