John 4:15

Authorized King James Version

The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λέγει
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
#2
πρὸς
unto
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,
#3
αὐτὸν
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
#4
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
γυνή
The woman
a woman; specially, a wife
#6
Κύριε
Sir
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#7
δός
give
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#8
μοι
me
to me
#9
τοῦτο
this
that thing
#10
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ὕδωρ
water
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#12
ἵνα
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#13
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#14
διψῶ
I thirst
to thirst for (literally or figuratively)
#15
μηδὲ
neither
but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor
#16
έρχωμαι
come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#17
ἐνθάδε
hither
properly, within, i.e., (of place) here, hither
#18
ἀντλεῖν
to draw
to bale up (properly, bilge water), i.e., dip water (with a bucket, pitcher, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of John.

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

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