John 4:11
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?
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 20
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
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 20
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
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κύριε
Sir
G2962
Κύριε
Sir
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 20
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἔχεις
hast thou
G2192
ἔχεις
hast thou
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
8 of 20
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φρέαρ
the well
G5421
φρέαρ
the well
Strong's:
G5421
Word #:
11 of 20
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)
πόθεν
from whence
G4159
πόθεν
from whence
Strong's:
G4159
Word #:
14 of 20
from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause
ἔχεις
hast thou
G2192
ἔχεις
hast thou
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
16 of 20
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.John 3:4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
Historical Context
The well's depth (around 100 feet) required a rope and vessel. The woman's focus on physical impossibility reflects the natural mind's limitation in comprehending spiritual realities (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'literal' interpretations of Scripture prevent us from grasping deeper spiritual truths?
- How does the Spirit overcome our natural inability to understand divine things?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The woman's literal interpretation ('thou hast nothing to draw with') mirrors Nicodemus' confusion about new birth (John 3:4), showing natural inability to grasp spiritual truth apart from illumination. Her question 'whence then hast thou that living water?' will find its answer in Christ's divine identity and mission.