John 7:37

KJV

¶ In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} In {G1722} the last {G2078} day {G2250}, that great {G3173} day of the feast {G1859}, Jesus {G2424} stood {G2476} and {G2532} cried {G2896}, saying {G3004}, If {G1437} any man {G5100} thirst {G1372}, let him come {G2064} unto {G4314} me {G3165}, and {G2532} drink {G4095}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now on the last day of the festival, Hoshana Rabbah, Yeshua stood and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him keep coming to me and drinking!

Berean Standard Bible

On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.

American Standard Version

Now on the last day, the greatdayof the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 7:37 captures one of Jesus' most profound and public invitations, delivered amidst the climactic final day of the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. In this pivotal moment, Jesus stands and issues a resounding call to anyone experiencing spiritual longing, offering Himself as the singular source of ultimate satisfaction and eternal life. This declaration underscores His divine authority and His role as the fulfillment of Israel's ancient hopes and rituals, promising spiritual refreshment to all who come to Him in faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger narrative in [John 7](/john/7 "John 7 - Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles") where Jesus is in Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, facing increasing opposition from Jewish leaders, yet also drawing significant crowds and debate. Chapters [John 7:1-13](/john/7-1-13 "John 7:1-13 - Jesus Goes to the Feast Secretly") describe His initial reluctance to go publicly, while [John 7:14-36](/john/7-14-36 "John 7:14-36 - Jesus Teaches in the Temple") detail His teaching in the temple, challenging the authorities and revealing His divine origin. The immediate verses following ([John 7:38-39](/john/7-38-39 "John 7:38-39 - The Promise of the Spirit")) explicitly link the "rivers of living water" to the Holy Spirit, which believers would receive after Jesus' glorification. This places Jesus' invitation within a discourse about His identity, the nature of true spiritual life, and the coming outpouring of the Spirit.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals, a joyous week-long celebration commemorating God's provision for Israel during their wilderness wanderings ([Leviticus 23:34-43](/leviticus/23-34-43 "Leviticus 23:34-43 - The Feast of Tabernacles")). A key ritual involved daily water libations: priests would draw water from the Pool of Siloam in a golden pitcher, carry it to the temple, and pour it out at the altar, accompanied by trumpet blasts and shouts of joy. This ceremony symbolized God's miraculous provision of water from the rock in the desert ([Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock")) and anticipated the future outpouring of the Holy Spirit and messianic blessings ([Isaiah 12:3](/isaiah/12-3 "Isaiah 12:3 - Drawing Water from Wells of Salvation"), [Ezekiel 47:1-12](/ezekiel/47-1-12 "Ezekiel 47:1-12 - The River from the Temple")). The "last day, that great day" was particularly significant, often marking the culmination of the water-drawing ceremony or a special assembly. It was against this backdrop, possibly at the very moment of the water libation, that Jesus made His dramatic declaration, directly contrasting the symbolic water with Himself as the true source.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel of John. Firstly, it highlights Jesus' **divine authority and self-revelation**, as He presents Himself as the ultimate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and temple rituals, claiming to offer what no mere man could. Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **spiritual thirst and satisfaction**, portraying humanity's deep-seated longing for meaning and purpose, which can only be quenched by a relationship with Christ. This echoes Jesus' earlier conversation with the Samaritan woman about [living water](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman"). Thirdly, the verse points to the **universal invitation of the Gospel**, extending salvation to "any man" who thirsts, irrespective of background or status. Finally, it foreshadows the **gift of the Holy Spirit**, which, as [John 7:39](/john/7-39 "John 7:39 - The Spirit Not Yet Given") clarifies, is the "living water" that flows from believers, a promise fulfilled after Jesus' glorification.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cried (Greek, _krázō'_):** From G2896, this word means to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, to call aloud, shriek, or exclaim. It denotes a loud, public, and emphatic declaration, not a quiet whisper. Jesus was making a powerful, attention-grabbing statement in the midst of a bustling crowd and a significant religious ceremony, emphasizing the urgency and importance of His message.
* **thirst (Greek, _dipsáō'_):** From G1372, this refers to a literal or figurative thirst. In this context, it conveys a deep, desperate spiritual need or longing for meaning, purpose, forgiveness, and eternal life. It highlights the intensity of the spiritual emptiness Jesus addresses, which only He can satisfy.
* **come (Greek, _érchomai'_):** From G2064, this primary verb means "to come or go" in a great variety of applications. Here, it signifies an active, intentional movement towards Jesus, implying a response of faith, trust, and reliance on Him. It is an invitation to draw near and engage personally with the source of spiritual life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the last day, that great [day] of the feast,"**: This phrase establishes the precise and climactic setting. The "last day" (likely the seventh or eighth day) of the Feast of Tabernacles was the culmination of the week-long celebration, a day of special solemnity and joy, often associated with the most elaborate water-drawing rituals. Jesus chose this highly symbolic and public moment to make His profound declaration, drawing a stark contrast between the physical ritual and His spiritual reality.
* **"Jesus stood and cried, saying,"**: Jesus' posture of "standing" signifies a deliberate, authoritative public declaration, not a casual remark. The word "cried" (as analyzed above) emphasizes the loudness and urgency of His voice, ensuring His message would be heard by the vast crowds gathered in the temple courts. This was a bold, unmistakable proclamation of His identity and purpose.
* **"If any man thirst,"**: This is a universal invitation, extending to "any man" (G5100, _tìs'_ - some or any person) regardless of social status, religious background, or past sins. The "thirst" is not physical but a deep, innate spiritual longing for true satisfaction, meaning, and connection with God – an emptiness that worldly pursuits cannot fill. It acknowledges a fundamental human condition.
* **"let him come unto me,"**: This is an imperative, a direct command and invitation. "Come unto me" signifies a personal, active response of faith and reliance upon Jesus. It implies turning away from other sources of supposed satisfaction and placing one's trust and hope in Him alone. This "coming" is an act of receiving His offer of grace.
* **"and drink."**: This final command completes the invitation, symbolizing the reception of spiritual nourishment and life from Jesus. To "drink" means to appropriate, to internalize, and to be satisfied by what Jesus offers – which, as the following verses clarify, is the Holy Spirit and the abundant life that flows from Him. It is the act of being filled and quenched by the divine presence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, with "thirst" representing humanity's spiritual emptiness and longing, and "drink" symbolizing the reception of spiritual life and the Holy Spirit from Jesus. The water libation ceremony of the Feast of Tabernacles, though not explicitly mentioned in the verse, forms a crucial symbolic backdrop, allowing Jesus to present Himself as the **Antitype** or fulfillment of the Old Testament ritual. The phrase "Jesus stood and cried" uses **Emphasis** to highlight the public, authoritative, and urgent nature of His declaration. The conditional "If any man thirst" coupled with the imperative "let him come unto me, and drink" constitutes a direct **Invitation** and **Call to Action**, making the offer universally accessible yet requiring a personal response. This also creates a **Contrast** between the temporary, physical water of the feast and the eternal, spiritual "living water" that Jesus provides.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 7:37 stands as a powerful testament to Jesus' identity as the ultimate source of spiritual life and satisfaction, fulfilling the deepest longings of the human heart. It echoes the Old Testament prophetic anticipation of a time when God would pour out His Spirit and provide abundant spiritual refreshment for His people. Jesus' audacious claim to be the one who can quench spiritual thirst directly challenges the sufficiency of religious rituals and points to a personal relationship with Him as the sole means of true fulfillment. This invitation is foundational to the Christian understanding of salvation as a free gift, offered to all who acknowledge their spiritual need and turn to Christ.

* [Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1 - Come to the Waters")
* [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")
* [Revelation 22:17](/revelation/22-17 "Revelation 22:17 - The Invitation to the Water of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 7:37 presents a timeless and open invitation from Jesus to all humanity. It calls us to honestly assess our deepest desires and acknowledge the spiritual hunger and thirst that often manifest as restlessness, dissatisfaction, or a relentless pursuit of fleeting pleasures. Instead of seeking fulfillment in worldly achievements, possessions, or relationships, Jesus directs us to Himself as the only true and lasting source of satisfaction. To "come and drink" means to respond in faith, to surrender our self-sufficiency, and to receive His forgiveness, His Spirit, and the abundant life He offers. This involves a continuous turning to Him for spiritual nourishment, allowing His presence to fill our emptiness and guide our lives, leading to genuine peace, purpose, and eternal joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "thirst" mean in your own life? What are you currently seeking to satisfy that deep longing?**
* **How does Jesus' invitation to "come unto me, and drink" challenge your assumptions about where true satisfaction can be found?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "come" to Jesus and "drink" from Him more regularly in your daily life?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus' invitation on the 'last day' of the Feast of Tabernacles?**

Answer: Jesus' timing for this profound invitation is highly significant, leveraging the rich symbolism of the Feast of Tabernacles. The "last day, that great day" was the climax of the festival, often associated with the most elaborate water-drawing ceremony, where priests would pour water from the Pool of Siloam onto the temple altar. This ritual commemorated God's provision of water in the wilderness and anticipated the future outpouring of the Holy Spirit. By standing and crying out at this precise moment, Jesus directly presented Himself as the fulfillment of this ritual and the prophecies it represented. He was essentially declaring, "You perform these rituals, but I am the reality they point to! I am the true source of the living water that quenches spiritual thirst." This made His claim undeniably bold and clear to all present, contrasting the temporary water of the ritual with the eternal satisfaction He offers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 7:37 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as the divine source of the Holy Spirit, the very "living water" promised in the Old Testament. The water libation ceremony at the Feast of Tabernacles, with its remembrance of God's provision in the desert and its prophetic anticipation of a future outpouring, was a shadow pointing to the reality found in Christ. Jesus' proclamation, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink," is a direct invitation to receive the Spirit, which He would pour out upon His glorification ([John 7:39](/john/7-39 "John 7:39 - The Spirit Not Yet Given")). He is the new and greater Temple from whom rivers of living water flow ([Ezekiel 47:1-12](/ezekiel/47-1-12 "Ezekiel 47:1-12 - The River from the Temple") finds its spiritual reality in Him). Through His death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus secured the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to experience the abundant, eternal life He promised. Thus, to "come unto me, and drink" is to embrace the New Covenant, where the Spirit indwells believers, empowering them and satisfying their deepest spiritual longings, just as Jesus promised in [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water, Never Thirst Again"). He is the ultimate provision, the fulfillment of all types and shadows, offering eternal spiritual refreshment to all who believe.

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

Isaiah 55:1

¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

John 4:14

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.

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 12:3

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

Revelation 22:17

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Isaiah 44:3

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

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.