John 4:28
The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
Original Language Analysis
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῆς
G846
αὐτῆς
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 16
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 #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπῆλθεν
went her way
G565
ἀπῆλθεν
went her way
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
9 of 16
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλιν
the city
G4172
πόλιν
the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
12 of 16
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Historical Context
Leaving the water pot shows her intent to return, but more significantly her priorities have shifted. The pot represents her old life and concerns, now secondary to proclaiming Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'water pots' (earthly concerns or pursuits) do we need to leave behind to fully embrace Christ?
- How does genuine encounter with Christ naturally produce witness to others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The woman's abandonment of her water pot symbolizes leaving behind earthly concerns for spiritual treasure. Her immediate turn to evangelism ('and went her way into the city') demonstrates genuine conversion—those who have encountered Christ cannot help but share the news. The most unlikely converts often become the most zealous witnesses.