John 4:13
Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 15
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῇ
unto her
G846
αὐτῇ
unto her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 15
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The Samaritan woman came to Jacob's well at noon (unusual time, suggesting shame avoidance). Jesus uses this daily necessity—drawing water—to reveal spiritual truth. Ancient wells were communal gathering places; this woman's isolation highlights her social rejection. Christ offers what no earthly resource can provide.
Questions for Reflection
- What earthly things are you drinking from that leave you spiritually thirsty?
- How has Christ satisfied your soul in ways that worldly pursuits never could?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Christ contrasts physical water with spiritual: 'Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again.' Physical water temporarily satisfies but must be repeatedly consumed. This applies to all earthly pleasures, achievements, and relationships—they cannot permanently satisfy the soul's deepest longings. Only Christ provides lasting satisfaction. This diagnostic truth exposes humanity's futility: we drink from broken cisterns (Jeremiah 2:13) that never truly quench spiritual thirst.