The Greek word antléō, represented by G501, means to dip or draw water. Its base definition is to bale up, as if removing bilge water from a ship, but in scripture it is used for the action of drawing water with a bucket or pitcher. It is a specific term, appearing only 4 times across 4 unique verses, all within the Gospel of John.
The use of G501 occurs in two significant episodes. The first is at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus instructs the servants to "Draw out now" John 2:8. The servants who drew the water were the only ones who knew its miraculous origin when it was turned into wine John 2:9. The second is the account of the Samaritan woman, who "cometh...to draw water" John 4:7. Her physical task of drawing leads to a dialogue where she asks for living water so she would no longer have to come to the well to draw John 4:15.
Several related words provide context for the action of drawing water:
- G5204 hýdōr: This word for water is the object being acted upon in every instance of G501. The interaction between the physical act of drawing and the spiritual significance of the water is central, as Jesus offers "living water" John 4:10.
- G2064 érchomai: Meaning to come or go, this word describes the movement necessary to perform the action. The Samaritan woman cometh to the well to draw water John 4:7, and Jesus uses the same word to describe his purpose, stating "I am come that they might have life" John 10:10.
- G1325 dídōmi: This word for to give is frequently connected to the result of drawing water. Jesus asks the woman, "Give me to drink" John 4:7, and then promises he would have given her living water John 4:10.
- G4095 pínō: Meaning to drink, this is the ultimate purpose of drawing water. The physical need to drink John 4:7 opens the conversation to the spiritual satisfaction found in Jesus, where those who come to him can drink and never thirst again John 7:37.
The theological weight of G501 lies in its role as a narrative bridge from the physical to the spiritual.
- Setting for Revelation: The mundane act of drawing water becomes the catalyst for divine revelation. In Cana, it precedes Jesus's first miracle, revealing his glory John 2:9. In Samaria, it initiates a conversation that reveals him as the source of eternal life John 4:15.
- Contrast of Labor and Grace: The physical effort required to draw (John 4:7, John 4:15) is contrasted with the water Jesus gives freely. The woman's repetitive, earthly labor highlights the gift of salvation that cannot be earned by human effort.
- Miraculous Provision: In both contexts where G501 is used, the ordinary water being drawn is superseded by a miraculous provision from Christ. The water drawn by the servants becomes wine John 2:9, and the well water is contrasted with the "living water" Jesus offers John 4:14.
In summary, G501 is a simple verb whose significance is magnified by its exclusive use in John's Gospel. While literally meaning to draw water, it functions as a key element in narratives that transition from earthly tasks to heavenly truths. The act of drawing from a well or a water pot sets the stage for Jesus to reveal himself as the source of something far greater: the new wine of the kingdom and the living water of eternal life.
TRV