John 4:15
The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
2 of 18
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 18
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 #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κύριε
Sir
G2962
Κύριε
Sir
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
δός
give
G1325
δός
give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
7 of 18
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
13 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
έρχωμαι
come
G2064
έρχωμαι
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
16 of 18
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
John 6:34Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.Romans 8:5For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.Psalms 4:6There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.John 6:26Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.James 4:3Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Historical Context
Daily water-drawing was laborious work, especially at midday heat. The woman's desire to avoid this task is understandable, revealing how Jesus' offer appeals to felt needs before addressing deeper spiritual necessities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God work through our earthly desires to awaken spiritual hunger?
- What 'toils' in our life might God want to replace with the satisfaction He provides?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The woman's request 'Sir, give me this water' shows emerging interest but continued misunderstanding. Her motive remains earthly comfort ('that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw'), yet Jesus works through mixed motives to bring spiritual awakening. God meets us in our partial understanding and draws us toward truth.