### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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