John 4:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 4:7 initiates a transformative encounter between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, a moment that transcends deep-seated ethnic, social, and gender barriers of the ancient world. This seemingly simple request for water by Jesus serves as a profound catalyst, setting the stage for one of the most significant theological dialogues in the Gospels, revealing Jesus' universal mission to offer spiritual life to all who thirst, regardless of their background or past.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' departure from Judea and His intentional journey through Samaria, a route typically avoided by Jews. The narrative in [John 4](/john/4 "John 4 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman") highlights Jesus' deliberate engagement with a marginalized community. The preceding verses establish Jesus' weariness from travel and His arrival at Jacob's well, a historical site with deep significance for both Jews and Samaritans. The interaction begins with Jesus' physical need for water, but quickly escalates into a profound spiritual discussion about "living water" and true worship, culminating in the woman's evangelism of her town and many Samaritans coming to believe in Jesus as the Savior of the world, as recounted in [John 4:39-42](/john/4-39-42 "John 4:39-42 - Many Samaritans Believe").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Samaria, located between Judea and Galilee, was inhabited by Samaritans, a people descended from intermarriage between remaining Israelites after the Assyrian exile (722 BC) and foreign settlers. They developed their own version of Judaism, accepting only the Pentateuch (the first five books of Moses) as scripture and worshipping on Mount Gerizim instead of Jerusalem. This led to centuries of intense animosity and mutual disdain between Jews and Samaritans, with Jews often taking longer routes to avoid passing through Samaria. Furthermore, a Jewish man, especially a rabbi, speaking to a woman in public, let alone a Samaritan woman, was highly unconventional and socially scandalous. The woman's arrival at the well at midday, the hottest part of the day, suggests she might have been ostracized by her community, avoiding the cooler morning or evening hours when other women would gather. Jesus' simple request thus shatters multiple layers of societal and religious taboos.
* **Key Themes:** John 4:7 introduces several pivotal themes that permeate the entire chapter and the Gospel of John. Foremost is the theme of **Breaking Down Barriers**, as Jesus deliberately crosses ethnic, social, and gender divides to engage with the Samaritan woman. This act foreshadows the universal scope of the Gospel, extending beyond Israel to all nations (see [John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). Another key theme is **Divine Initiative**, where Jesus, though physically weary, is spiritually active, initiating the conversation and revealing God's active pursuit of humanity, especially the marginalized. This contrasts with the typical expectation of the seeker approaching the holy man. Finally, the theme of **Thirst and Living Water** is subtly introduced. Jesus' physical thirst for water serves as a relatable entry point to discuss the spiritual thirst of humanity and His unique ability to provide "living water" that satisfies eternally, as He explains in [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus' Offer of Living Water").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **woman (Greek, _gynḗ_):** This term (G1135) refers generally to a female, but in this context, it carries significant weight. She is not just any woman but "a woman of Samaria," immediately highlighting her ethnic and social identity. The word itself is neutral, but the cultural context imbues it with the meaning of someone typically avoided by a Jewish man, especially a rabbi. Her identity as a woman and a Samaritan amplifies the revolutionary nature of Jesus' interaction.
* **cometh (Greek, _érchomai_):** The verb (G2064) signifies coming or going, often with purpose. Here, it describes the woman's arrival at the well. While seemingly mundane, her "coming" to the well at an unusual time (midday) and her subsequent encounter with Jesus are divinely orchestrated. It sets up the meeting, not as a random occurrence, but as an intentional divine appointment, paving the way for the profound revelations that follow.
* **Give (Greek, _dídōmi_):** This verb (G1325) means "to give" in a very wide application. Jesus' simple command, "Give me to drink," is a humble request for a basic human necessity. Yet, coming from Him, it is also an invitation for the woman to participate in an exchange that will ultimately lead to her receiving a far greater gift—living water. The act of giving here is a reciprocal one, initiating a relationship where the one who asks for a small favor will ultimately bestow an immeasurable blessing.
* **drink (Greek, _pínō_):** This verb (G4095) means "to imbibe," literally or figuratively. Initially, it refers to physical water. However, in the subsequent dialogue, Jesus redefines "drink" to refer to the spiritual sustenance He offers. The physical act of drinking water becomes a powerful **Symbol** for the spiritual satisfaction found in Christ, shifting the conversation from the mundane to the miraculous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water":** This clause establishes the setting and introduces the second key character in the narrative. The woman's arrival at the well is presented as a simple, everyday act, yet her identity as a "woman of Samaria" immediately signals the cultural and ethnic barriers that Jesus is about to dismantle. Her purpose, "to draw water," connects her to a fundamental human need, which Jesus will later use as a metaphor for spiritual thirst.
* **"Jesus saith unto her, 'Give me to drink.'":** This short, direct statement is the pivotal moment of the verse. Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, initiates contact with a Samaritan woman, breaking multiple social and religious conventions. His request is one of vulnerability and dependence, highlighting His shared humanity. This simple plea for physical water becomes the unexpected opening for a conversation that will reveal His divine identity and offer spiritual life.

#### Literary Devices
John 4:7 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus' request for physical water subtly hints at the "living water" He will soon offer, which is far more significant. The **Irony** lies in the fact that the Son of God, the source of all life, asks a marginalized woman for a basic necessity, subverting typical power dynamics. This also demonstrates Jesus' **Humility** and willingness to engage on common ground. The well itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing not only physical sustenance but also the deep spiritual thirst of humanity and the historical, religious divides between Jews and Samaritans. Jesus' presence at Jacob's well, a site of ancestral significance, also adds a layer of **Historical Resonance**, connecting His new covenant to the old, while simultaneously transcending its limitations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 4:7 profoundly illustrates Jesus' radical inclusivity and divine initiative, demonstrating that God's grace extends beyond all human-made boundaries. By engaging a Samaritan woman, Jesus challenges the deeply entrenched prejudices of His time, revealing that His mission is for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, or social standing. This encounter underscores the truth that God actively seeks out those who are marginalized or overlooked by society, offering them dignity and the opportunity for salvation. It highlights the principle that genuine spiritual connection transcends external distinctions, focusing instead on the universal human need for God's living water.

* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Unity in Christ")
* [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Jesus Seeks the Lost")
* [Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Invitation to the Thirsty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 4:7 serves as a powerful call to action for believers today, challenging us to embody the radical love and inclusivity of Jesus in our own lives. It compels us to look beyond superficial differences—whether they be ethnic, socio-economic, political, or cultural—and to see every individual as someone created in God's image, worthy of dignity and the Gospel message. Just as Jesus initiated a conversation with a woman from a despised group, we are called to intentionally step out of our comfort zones and engage with those who are "different" from us, or those whom society has marginalized. Our simple acts of kindness, genuine curiosity, and willingness to listen can become the "give me to drink" moments that open doors for deeper spiritual conversations, leading others to the transformative "living water" that only Christ can provide. This verse reminds us that true evangelism often begins with a humble, compassionate connection, mirroring God's own pursuit of humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What social, ethnic, or cultural barriers do I unconsciously uphold in my own life or community?**
* **How can I intentionally initiate conversations or acts of kindness with someone outside my usual social circle this week?**
* **In what ways might God be calling me to offer "living water" by addressing someone's immediate, tangible need, just as Jesus asked for physical water?**
* **How does Jesus' example in John 4:7 challenge my preconceived notions about who is "worthy" or "ready" to hear the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so unusual for Jesus to ask a Samaritan woman for a drink?**

Answer: Jesus' request was highly unusual for several reasons, reflecting the deep-seated prejudices of the time. First, Jews and Samaritans had a long history of intense animosity, with Jews typically avoiding all contact with Samaritans. Second, it was culturally improper for a Jewish man, especially a rabbi, to engage in public conversation with a woman who was not his close relative. Third, asking for a drink from a Samaritan vessel would have rendered the Jewish person ritually unclean according to Jewish custom. By making this simple request, Jesus deliberately broke multiple social, ethnic, and religious barriers, signaling His inclusive mission and challenging the prevailing norms, as the woman herself notes in [John 4:9](/john/4-9 "John 4:9 - The Samaritan Woman's Surprise").

**What is the significance of the well in this encounter?**

Answer: The well, specifically Jacob's well, holds profound significance. It was a site of historical and ancestral importance, believed to have been dug by Jacob himself (as mentioned in [John 4:6](/john/4-6 "John 4:6 - Jacob's Well")). For both Jews and Samaritans, it represented a connection to their patriarchal heritage. By meeting the woman at this specific well, Jesus not only engages her on common historical ground but also sets the stage for a discussion about a different kind of "water"—the "living water" that He offers, which transcends the physical and temporal limitations of the well's water. The well thus becomes a powerful symbol of both shared human need and the deeper spiritual wellspring found in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 4:7, though a simple request for water, is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing Jesus as the ultimate fulfiller of humanity's deepest longings and the one who breaks down all dividing walls. His willingness to humble Himself and ask for a drink from a Samaritan woman foreshadows His ultimate act of self-emptying on the cross, where He became thirsty for the salvation of humanity, as recorded in [John 19:28](/john/19-28 "John 19:28 - Jesus' Thirst on the Cross"). This encounter at the well demonstrates Jesus' divine compassion and His mission to seek and save the lost, regardless of their social standing or past sins, echoing His own declaration in [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost"). He is the "living water" promised in the Old Testament, the one who satisfies all spiritual thirst (see [Isaiah 55:1-3](/isaiah/55-1-3 "Isaiah 55:1-3 - Invitation to Living Water")). Through His interaction with the Samaritan woman, Jesus exemplifies the new covenant reality where all are one in Him, fulfilling the prophetic vision of a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation coming to Him for salvation, as later articulated by Paul in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ"). His simple request for water thus becomes the gateway to the abundant life He offers to all who believe, demonstrating His role as the universal Savior.

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

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.