John 4:11

Authorized King James Version

The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

Word-by-Word Analysis

λέγει

G3004

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

αὐτῷ

G846

unto 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

ἡ

G3588

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

γυνή

G1135

The woman

a woman; specially, a wife

Κύριε

G2962

Sir

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

οὔτε

G3777

nothing

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ἄντλημα

G502

to draw with

a baling-vessel

ἔχεις

G2192

hast thou

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

τὸ

G3588

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

#11

φρέαρ

G5421

the well

a hole in the ground (dug for obtaining or holding water or other purposes), i.e., a cistern or well; figuratively, an abyss (as a prison)

#12

ἐστὶν

G2076

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

#13

βαθύ·

G901

deep

profound (as going down), literally or figuratively

#14

πόθεν

G4159

from whence

from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause

#15

οὖν

G3767

then

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

#16

ἔχεις

G2192

hast thou

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#17

τὸ

G3588

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

#18

ὕδωρ

G5204

water

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

#19

τὸ

G3588

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

#20

ζῶν

G2198

that living

to live (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity, advancing the author's theological argument. 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding divine love as presented in this verse, particularly in light of responding to cultural confusion about the nature of love and relationships?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about divine love?
How does this verse's literary context within John chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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John 4:11

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

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