John 4:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} whosoever {G3739}{G302} drinketh {G4095} of {G1537} the water {G5204} that {G3739} I {G1473} shall give {G1325} him {G846} shall {G1372} never {G1519}{G165}{G3364} thirst {G1372}; but {G235} the water {G5204} that {G3739} I shall give {G1325} him {G846} shall be {G1096} in {G1722} him {G846} a well {G4077} of water {G5204} springing up {G242} into {G1519} everlasting {G166} life {G2222}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but whoever drinks the water I will give him will never be thirsty again! On the contrary, the water I give him will become a spring of water inside him, welling up into eternal life!”

Berean Standard Bible

But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.”

American Standard Version

but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 4:14, Jesus contrasts the temporary satisfaction offered by physical water with the eternal, self-sustaining spiritual life He provides. This "water" is a divine gift that, once received, eradicates fundamental spiritual thirst, becoming an internal, ever-flowing source of life that culminates in everlasting communion with God. It speaks to the profound and enduring nature of the new life found in Christ, which satisfies the deepest longings of the human soul.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement in Jesus' profound conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, following His surprising request for a drink and His initial offer of "living water" in [John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water"). The woman, still thinking physically, questions how Jesus can provide this water without a bucket ([John 4:11](/john/4-11 "John 4:11 - The Woman's Question")). Jesus clarifies the distinction between the well water, which only temporarily quenches thirst ([John 4:13](/john/4-13 "John 4:13 - The Nature of Physical Water")), and the water He offers, which brings eternal satisfaction. This dialogue sets the stage for Jesus' revelation of Himself as the Messiah and the true object of worship, moving from physical needs to spiritual realities.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The encounter takes place in Samaria, a region historically estranged from Judea, highlighting Jesus' groundbreaking willingness to cross social and ethnic boundaries. Jacob's well itself was a significant historical and religious site, a source of identity and tradition for both Jews and Samaritans. In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, water was not merely a commodity but a symbol of life, sustenance, and divine blessing. The concept of "living water" (flowing, fresh water) was highly prized, often associated with spiritual renewal and God's presence, as seen in prophetic literature. Jesus' use of this metaphor would have immediately resonated with the woman and her understanding of essential human needs and divine provision.

* **Key Themes:** John 4:14 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of John. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus as the Source of Life**, contrasting with the world's inability to provide lasting satisfaction. This is a recurring motif, also seen in Jesus' declaration as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"). The verse also introduces the concept of **Eternal Life** not merely as endless existence, but as a quality of life characterized by a vibrant, ongoing relationship with God, beginning in the present. Furthermore, it strongly foreshadows the **Indwelling Holy Spirit**, which Jesus later promises to His disciples as an internal source of power and guidance, depicted as [rivers of living water flowing from within](/john/7-37-39 "John 7:37-39 - Rivers of Living Water").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **drinketh (Greek, _dipsáō'_):** From the verb "to thirst," this word here is used in the negative ("shall never thirst"). It signifies a complete and permanent cessation of the fundamental spiritual longing or emptiness that drives humanity to seek satisfaction in fleeting worldly pursuits. It implies a deep, abiding contentment and fulfillment found in Christ.
* **well (Greek, _pēgḗ'_):** This term refers to a "fountain" or "source" of water, not merely a static pool. It emphasizes that the water Jesus gives is not a finite quantity but an active, self-replenishing origin. It points to an internal, dynamic supply of spiritual life that is continuously accessible and inexhaustible.
* **springing up (Greek, _hállomai'_):** This vivid verb means "to leap," "to gush," or "to bubble up." It conveys a sense of vibrant, spontaneous, and abundant flow. It illustrates the active, effervescent nature of the spiritual life given by Jesus, indicating that it is not stagnant but continually active, overflowing, and producing life within the believer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst":** This clause establishes a profound contrast with the physical water from Jacob's well. Jesus asserts His unique ability to provide a "water" that offers ultimate and permanent satisfaction. The "never thirst" signifies not the absence of all desire, but the end of a fundamental, existential spiritual craving. Those who partake of this spiritual gift will find their deepest longings met, eliminating the need to search for fulfillment elsewhere.
* **"but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up":** Here, Jesus elaborates on the nature of this spiritual water. It is not an external, one-time provision, but an internal, indwelling source. The imagery of a "well" (fountain) that is "in him" underscores that the spiritual life Jesus imparts becomes an intrinsic part of the believer, an active and continuous supply. The phrase "springing up" denotes a dynamic, vibrant, and inexhaustible flow, suggesting that this life is not static but continually active and overflowing from within.
* **"into everlasting life":** This final phrase reveals the ultimate purpose and destination of this spiritual well. The "springing up" is not aimless but directed towards "everlasting life." This is not merely an endless duration of existence, but a quality of life—a rich, full, and abundant life that is in communion with God, beginning in the present and extending into eternity. It signifies a life that participates in God's own eternal nature.

#### Literary Devices
John 4:14 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily using "water" as a symbol for the spiritual life and divine provision that Jesus offers. This metaphor is extended to "a well of water springing up," vividly portraying the internal, dynamic, and inexhaustible nature of this spiritual gift, often understood as the Holy Spirit. The verse also employs **Contrast**, setting the temporary, unsatisfying nature of physical water against the permanent, deeply satisfying spiritual water Jesus provides, highlighting the superiority of His divine gift. The phrase "shall never thirst" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute and ultimate spiritual satisfaction found in Christ, rather than a literal absence of all future desire. This rhetorical device underscores the profound and complete nature of the spiritual fulfillment Jesus brings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 4:14 is a profound theological statement on the nature of salvation and the indwelling Holy Spirit. It reveals Jesus as the exclusive source of true and lasting spiritual satisfaction, contrasting human efforts and worldly provisions with His divine gift. The "water" is often interpreted as the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus would later pour out on believers, enabling them to experience God's presence and power from within. This internal well signifies a new covenant reality where God's Spirit resides within His people, transforming them from the inside out and empowering them for a life of communion with Him. It speaks to the abundant, overflowing nature of God's grace, which not only meets spiritual needs but also empowers a life that flows outward in blessing.

* [John 7:38-39](/john/7-38-39 "John 7:38-39 - Rivers of Living Water")
* [Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1 - Invitation to Water")
* [Revelation 21:6](/revelation/21-6 "Revelation 21:6 - The Fountain of the Water of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 4:14 invites us to reflect on the sources from which we seek satisfaction in our lives. Do we, like the Samaritan woman initially, continue to draw from "wells" that ultimately leave us thirsty—worldly achievements, material possessions, fleeting pleasures, or human approval? Jesus' promise assures us that true, lasting spiritual satisfaction comes only from Him. To "drink" of the water He gives means to trust in Him, to receive His life, and to allow His Spirit to indwell and transform us. This verse encourages us to shift our deepest longings from external, temporary fixes to the internal, eternal wellspring of Christ's life within us. When we rely on this divine source, we discover an inexhaustible supply of peace, joy, purpose, and spiritual vitality that empowers us to live a life that is not merely enduring, but truly abundant and eternally significant. It's a call to cease striving for what cannot satisfy and to embrace the overflowing life that only Jesus can provide.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wells" in your life do you consistently return to for satisfaction, only to find yourself still thirsty?**
* **How does the concept of an "internal well of water springing up" change your understanding of spiritual life and growth?**
* **In what ways can you more intentionally "drink" of the water Jesus offers, allowing His Spirit to satisfy your deepest longings?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "never thirst"? Does it imply that believers will never again have desires or struggles?**

Answer: The phrase "shall never thirst" does not mean that believers will never experience any form of desire or struggle in life. Rather, it signifies that the fundamental, existential spiritual thirst for meaning, purpose, and ultimate satisfaction will be quenched. It refers to a deep, abiding contentment in God that transcends temporary circumstances. While believers may still experience physical thirst, emotional longings, or spiritual challenges, the core spiritual emptiness that drives people to seek fulfillment outside of God is permanently addressed by the "water" Jesus provides. This "water"—often understood as the indwelling Holy Spirit—provides a continuous source of life and satisfaction, ensuring that our deepest spiritual needs are met in Christ. As Jesus also states in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), "He that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 4:14 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' unique identity as the divine Giver of life and the source of the Holy Spirit. He is not merely a prophet pointing to water, but the very embodiment of the "living water" itself, capable of satisfying humanity's deepest spiritual longings. His death and resurrection paved the way for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which is the internal "well of water" promised in this verse. As prophesied in [John 7:37-39](/john/7-37-39 "John 7:37-39 - Rivers of Living Water"), Jesus stood and cried out, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink... (this spoke He of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive)." This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost, when the Spirit was poured out, making God's presence an indwelling reality for believers, transforming them into temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the "everlasting life" is not just a future hope but a present reality, experienced through the Spirit who unites believers to Christ, the eternal source of all life ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus")).

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 7:38

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

John 7:39

(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.)

John 6:35

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Isaiah 49:10

They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

Revelation 7:16

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

Ephesians 1:13

In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Ephesians 1:14

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.