John 4:6
Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
Original Language Analysis
πηγῇ·
the well
G4077
πηγῇ·
the well
Strong's:
G4077
Word #:
4 of 22
a fount (literally or figuratively), i.e., source or supply (of water, blood, enjoyment) (not necessarily the original spring)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰακώβ
Jacob's
G2384
Ἰακώβ
Jacob's
Strong's:
G2384
Word #:
6 of 22
jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
8 of 22
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
9 of 22
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
κεκοπιακὼς
being wearied
G2872
κεκοπιακὼς
being wearied
Strong's:
G2872
Word #:
10 of 22
to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard
ἐκ
with
G1537
ἐκ
with
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
11 of 22
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
16 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πηγῇ·
the well
G4077
πηγῇ·
the well
Strong's:
G4077
Word #:
18 of 22
a fount (literally or figuratively), i.e., source or supply (of water, blood, enjoyment) (not necessarily the original spring)
Cross References
Hebrews 4:15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.Hebrews 2:17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.Matthew 8:24And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
Historical Context
Jacob's well, still existing today, was about 100 feet deep. Jesus' journey from Judea to Galilee (about 70 miles) explains His physical fatigue. Women typically drew water at dawn or dusk; this woman's noon visit suggests social ostracism.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's experience of physical weakness comfort us in our limitations?
- What does it mean that Jesus, who offers living water, sits thirsty at a well?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' weariness and sitting by the well affirms His genuine humanity—the incarnate Son experienced physical exhaustion. The sixth hour (noon) and His thirst emphasize His identification with human weakness. This moment of need sets the stage for offering living water, illustrating how Christ's humiliation enables our exaltation.