John 4:28

The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,

The woman {G1135} then {G3767} left {G863} her {G846} waterpot {G5201}, and {G2532} went her way {G565} into {G1519} the city {G4172}, and {G2532} saith {G3004} to the men {G444},

So the woman left her water-jar, went back to the town and said to the people there,

Then the woman left her water jar, went back into the town, and said to the people,

So the woman left her waterpot, and went away into the city, and saith to the people,

Commentary

Context

John 4:28 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. Immediately following her profound encounter with Jesus, where He revealed her past and ultimately identified Himself as the Messiah (John 4:26), her priorities dramatically shift. This verse describes her immediate, impulsive action driven by the overwhelming truth she has just received, setting the stage for her testimony to her city.

Key Themes

  • Immediate Transformation: The woman's decision to leave her waterpot signifies a radical change in her life. She came for physical water but found living water in Christ. Her previous purpose (drawing water for daily needs) became secondary to her newfound spiritual discovery. This highlights the swift and powerful transformative impact of an authentic encounter with Jesus.
  • Urgency of Witness: Her haste to return to the city, leaving behind her essential vessel, demonstrates an urgent desire to share the good news. She couldn't wait; the message of the Messiah was too compelling to keep to herself. This illustrates the natural outpouring of a heart touched by God's grace and truth.
  • Symbolism of the Waterpot: The waterpot represented her daily routine, her mundane concerns, and perhaps even her past life. By leaving it, she symbolically abandoned her old way of life and her former priorities, embracing a new mission. It suggests that encountering Jesus often requires letting go of what once seemed essential to wholeheartedly pursue Him and His kingdom.
  • Breaking Social Barriers: A Samaritan woman speaking to men in public, especially about religious matters, was highly unusual and potentially scandalous in that cultural context. Her actions demonstrate how the power of God's revelation can empower individuals to overcome social norms and personal inhibitions for the sake of the Gospel, as seen in her subsequent testimony in John 4:29.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "waterpot" is hydria (ὑδρία), a common large vessel specifically for carrying water. The act of "leaving" it (ἀφῆκεν - aphēken) implies an immediate abandonment, not just setting it aside temporarily. This emphasizes the urgency and single-mindedness of her new purpose and her sudden shift in focus from physical needs to spiritual truth.

Practical Application

The Samaritan woman's response serves as a powerful example for believers today. Her story encourages us to:

  • Prioritize Christ: Are we willing to set aside our daily routines, comforts, or perceived necessities when called to share the Gospel or deepen our relationship with God?
  • Share Urgently: Do we feel the same urgency to tell others about Jesus after experiencing His transformative power in our own lives?
  • Overcome Obstacles: Her willingness to defy social expectations reminds us that sharing our faith might require stepping out of our comfort zones or challenging societal norms. Her testimony led many in her city to believe (John 4:39), demonstrating the profound impact one transformed life can have on an entire community.
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 4:7 (4 votes)

    There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

  • Luke 24:33 (3 votes)

    And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

  • Mark 16:8 (2 votes)

    And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any [man]; for they were afraid.

  • Mark 16:10 (2 votes)

    [And] she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.

  • Luke 24:9 (2 votes)

    And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.

  • Matthew 28:8 (2 votes)

    And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.