### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἄντλημα (ántlēma, `{{G502}}`) is derived from the verb ἀντλέω (antleō, `{{G501}}`), meaning "to draw water." Consequently, ἄντλημα denotes the instrument or vessel used for this purpose. Its core meaning is a "baling-vessel," a "bucket," or a "scoop"—anything employed to draw water from a well, cistern, or similar source. The semantic range of ἄντλημα is remarkably narrow, referring exclusively to this specific physical tool. It carries no inherent metaphorical or abstract connotations in its base definition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἄντλημα (ántlēma, `{{G502}}`) appears only once in the entire New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of John:
* **[[John 4:11]]**: In the profound encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, the woman observes, "Sir, you have no ἄντλημα, and the well is deep; where then do you get that living water?"
* In this context, the woman's statement is a practical observation. She notes Jesus' lack of the necessary tool (a bucket or rope) to draw physical water from the deep well. This highlights a tangible, physical limitation.
* Her question, grounded in the immediate physical reality, serves as a crucial pivot point for Jesus to introduce the concept of "living water," which transcends the need for physical instruments or human effort. The deep well and the absence of a ἄντλημα underscore the inadequacy of conventional means to access the spiritual wellspring Jesus offers.
The singular occurrence of ἄντλημα thus carries significant weight, setting the stage for one of Jesus' most profound teachings on spiritual provision.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning and significance of ἄντλημα are illuminated by its relationship to several key terms and concepts:
* **ἀντλέω (antleō, `{{G501}}`)**: The root verb meaning "to draw water." This verb appears elsewhere in John's Gospel, such as when water is drawn for the wedding at Cana ([[John 2:8]], [[John 2:9]]) or when Jesus asks the Samaritan woman to draw water for Him ([[John 4:7]], [[John 4:15]]). The noun ἄντλημα is the concrete instrument of this action.
* **ὕδωρ (hydōr, `{{G5204}}`)**: "Water." This is the substance drawn by the ἄντλημα. The narrative contrasts physical water, which requires a vessel, with the "living water" offered by Jesus, which does not.
* **φρέαρ (phrear, `{{G5456}}`)**: "Well" or "cistern." This is the source from which water is drawn. The depth of the "well" in [[John 4:11]] further emphasizes the practical necessity of a ἄντλημα.
* **ὕδωρ ζῶν (hydōr zōn)**: "Living water." This is the spiritual reality Jesus offers, standing in stark contrast to the physical water that requires a ἄντλημα and provides only temporary satisfaction. The dialogue moves from the practical need for a drawing vessel to the spiritual reality of eternal sustenance.
### Theological Significance
Though appearing only once, ἄντλημα plays a pivotal role in the theological discourse of [[John 4:11]].
1. **Symbol of Human Limitation and Means**: The ἄντλημα represents human effort, ingenuity, and the tools necessary to meet physical needs. The woman's observation, "You have no ἄντλημα," highlights the practical barrier to obtaining physical water. This sets up a profound theological contrast: while physical sustenance requires human means, spiritual sustenance from Christ transcends such limitations.
2. **Contrast Between Physical and Spiritual Provision**: The lack of a ἄντλημα for Jesus, who is about to offer "living water," underscores that His provision is not contingent on human instruments or effort. The "living water" is a divine gift, freely given, not something that can be drawn up by human means or merit. It points to the sufficiency of God's grace over human striving.
3. **Emphasis on Divine Source**: The inability to draw water without a ἄντλημα from a deep well serves as a metaphor for humanity's inability to satisfy its deepest spiritual thirst through its own resources. True satisfaction and eternal life must come from a source beyond human capacity, namely, from Christ Himself, who is the source of "living water."
4. **The Simplicity of Receiving Grace**: While drawing physical water requires a specific tool and effort, receiving the "living water" from Jesus requires only faith and acceptance. The absence of the ἄντλημα for Jesus subtly teaches that the profound spiritual truths and life offered by God are not obtained through cumbersome rituals, laborious works, or human-devised mechanisms, but through simple, direct reception from the divine giver.
### Summary
The Greek word ἄντλημα (ántlēma, `{{G502}}`) specifically refers to a "baling-vessel" or "thing to draw with," such as a bucket or scoop used for drawing water. Its sole appearance in the New Testament is in [[John 4:11]], where the Samaritan woman points out Jesus' lack of such a tool at Jacob's well. This practical observation serves as a crucial literary and theological device, contrasting human limitations and the need for physical instruments with the boundless, freely given "living water" that Jesus offers. The ἄντλημα thus symbolizes the inadequacy of human means to address spiritual thirst, powerfully underscoring that true spiritual life and satisfaction are divine provisions, accessible not through human effort or tools, but through faith in Christ.
TRV