John 4:7

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

There cometh {G2064} a woman {G1135} of {G1537} Samaria {G4540} to draw {G501} water {G5204}: Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} unto her {G846}, Give {G1325} me {G3427} to drink {G4095}.

A woman from Shomron came to draw some water; and Yeshua said to her, “Give me a drink of water.”

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.”

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

Commentary

John 4:7 marks the pivotal beginning of one of the most significant and revolutionary encounters in the Gospels: Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. This verse sets the stage for a profound theological discussion and a demonstration of Jesus' mission to all people, regardless of their social standing, ethnicity, or gender.

Context

As Jesus traveled from Judea to Galilee, He purposefully passed through Samaria, a region often avoided by Jews due to centuries of deep-seated ethnic and religious animosity. Jews considered Samaritans to be mixed-race and heterodox, leading to mutual disdain. Jesus, weary from His journey, rested at Jacob's well, a historic site near the town of Sychar. The arrival of a woman of Samaria, alone at midday (an unusual time for drawing water, suggesting she might have been ostracized by her community), provided the opportunity for Jesus to initiate a conversation. His simple request, "Give me to drink," was groundbreaking, as a Jewish man, let alone a rabbi, would not typically speak to a Samaritan woman in public, let alone ask for a favor from her. This act immediately challenged the prevailing social and cultural norms, paving the way for a deeper spiritual dialogue, as highlighted by the woman's surprise in John 4:9.

Key Themes

  • Breaking Down Barriers: Jesus' request for water immediately shatters multiple social, ethnic, and gender barriers. He transcends the animosity between Jews and Samaritans, the customary separation between men and women in public, and the distinction between a holy teacher and a marginalized individual. This act underscores His inclusive ministry.
  • Divine Initiative: It is Jesus who initiates the conversation, not the woman. This highlights God's active pursuit of humanity, especially those who are overlooked or outcast. He reaches out first, demonstrating His desire for relationship.
  • Common Humanity: The simple need for water serves as a universal point of connection. Jesus' physical thirst provides a relatable entry point for a conversation that will soon delve into profound spiritual truths, such as the offer of living water.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Give me to drink" translates from the Greek dos moi piein (δός μοι πιεῖν). While seemingly straightforward, the power of this simple request lies in its context. It is a direct and humble appeal for a basic human necessity, yet it carries immense implications given the social and religious chasm between the two individuals. It is an invitation to engage, to move beyond prejudice and into shared humanity.

Practical Application

John 4:7 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today to emulate Jesus' example of intentional engagement with those outside our usual circles. It challenges us to:

  • Overcome Prejudice: Look beyond social stereotypes, ethnic differences, or past judgments to see individuals as God sees them.
  • Initiate Connection: Be willing to step out of our comfort zones and initiate conversations, even with those who might seem "different" or marginalized.
  • Find Common Ground: Use shared human experiences or simple acts of kindness as a bridge to share deeper spiritual truths. Jesus met the woman at her point of need (physical thirst) to lead her to her ultimate need (spiritual thirst).

This verse teaches us that God's love and salvation are for all people, and His followers are called to actively participate in breaking down barriers to share that message.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 10:42

    And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

  • 1 Kings 17:10

    So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman [was] there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

  • Genesis 24:43

    Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw [water], and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink;

  • 2 Samuel 23:15

    And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which [is] by the gate!

  • 2 Samuel 23:17

    And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: [is not this] the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

  • John 19:28

    After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

  • John 4:10

    Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.