John 4:10

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀπεκρίθη

G611

answered

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτὸν

G846

of him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ᾔδεις

G1492

thou knewest

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δωρεὰν

G1431

the gift

a gratuity

#10

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

τίς

G5101

who

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

#14

ἐστιν

G2076

it is

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#15

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

λέγων

G3004

that saith

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#17

σοι

G4671

thee

to thee

#18

ἔδωκεν

G1325

Give

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#19

μοι

G3427

to me

#20

πιεῖν,

G4095

to drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#21

σὺ

G4771

thou

#22

ἄν

G302

he would

whatsoever

#23

ᾔτησας

G154

have asked

to ask (in genitive case)

#24

αὐτὸν

G846

of him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#25

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#26

ἔδωκεν

G1325

Give

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#27

ἄν

G302

he would

whatsoever

#28

σοι

G4671

thee

to thee

#29

ὕδωρ

G5204

water

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

#30

ζῶν

G2198

living

to live (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The divine name or title here functions within theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the divine love theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address the problem of evil and suffering in light of God's goodness, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

John 4:10

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources