John 4:15

The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

The woman {G1135} saith {G3004} unto {G4314} him {G846}, Sir {G2962}, give {G1325} me {G3427} this {G5124} water {G5204}, that {G3363} I thirst {G1372} not {G3363}, neither {G3366} come {G2064} hither {G1759} to draw {G501}.

“Sir, give me this water,” the woman said to him, “so that I won’t have to be thirsty and keep coming here to draw water.”

The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water so that I will not get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come all the way hither to draw.

Commentary

Context

This verse occurs during a pivotal encounter between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. Jesus, breaking social and religious norms by speaking to a Samaritan woman, has just offered her "living water" (John 4:10). The woman, still operating under a literal understanding, had questioned how He could provide water without a bucket, especially since He was a Jew and she a Samaritan. Jesus then clarified that His water would satisfy thirst permanently (John 4:14). In John 4:15, her response reveals her continued misunderstanding, interpreting His spiritual offer in purely physical terms.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Misunderstanding of Spiritual Truth: The woman's request highlights the common human tendency to interpret divine, spiritual realities through a purely physical or earthly lens. She desires a practical solution to her daily chore, not yet grasping the eternal significance of Jesus' offer.
  • Human Need vs. Divine Provision: Her words express a very real human need—relief from toil and thirst. However, Jesus is offering something far greater: an end to spiritual thirst and the provision of eternal life. This contrast underscores the difference between temporary solutions and God's ultimate, satisfying provision.
  • Gradual Revelation: Jesus patiently engages with her, allowing her to voice her physical desire, even though it misses the point. This demonstrates His method of leading individuals from their immediate, tangible concerns to deeper, spiritual truths.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "water" here is hudōr (ὕδωρ), which can refer to both literal water and, as Jesus uses it, symbolic "living water" representing the Holy Spirit or eternal life. The woman's use of "water" in this verse, however, is clearly in its literal sense, reflecting her focus on the physical act of drawing and the relief from physical thirst (Greek: dipsaō - διψάω).

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of how often we, like the Samaritan woman, might focus on our immediate, physical, or temporal needs, overlooking the profound spiritual provision that Christ offers. We might ask for relief from daily burdens, while Jesus desires to give us abundant and eternal life. The passage encourages us to look beyond mere convenience or earthly satisfaction and to seek the "living water" that truly quenches the deepest thirst of the soul, providing lasting peace and purpose. It also highlights Jesus' patience in meeting us where we are, gently guiding us towards a deeper understanding of His truth.

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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 6:34

    Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.

  • Romans 8:5

    For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

  • John 17:2

    As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

  • John 17:3

    And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

  • Romans 6:23

    For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  • Psalms 4:6

    ¶ [There be] many that say, Who will shew us [any] good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

  • John 6:26

    Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.