King James Version

What Does John 4:14 Mean?

John 4:14 in the King James Version says “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall ... — study this verse from John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

John 4:14 · KJV


Context

12

Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

13

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

14

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

15

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

16

Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' promise to the Samaritan woman introduces the profound metaphor of 'living water' (ὕδωρ ζῶν/hydōr zōn), contrasting physical water from Jacob's well with spiritual water He provides. The phrase 'shall never thirst' (οὐ μὴ διψήσει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα) uses the strongest Greek negative construction, indicating absolute and eternal satisfaction. Unlike physical water that temporarily quenches thirst, requiring daily return to the well, Jesus' water produces permanent satisfaction. The imagery shifts: the water Jesus gives 'shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life' (γενήσεται ἐν αὐτῷ πηγὴ ὕδατος ἁλλομένου εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον). This water becomes an internal, self-renewing source. The verb 'springing up' (ἁλλομένου/hallomenou) conveys leaping, bubbling, flowing—dynamic, abundant life. The destination is 'everlasting life' (ζωὴν αἰώνιον)—not merely endless existence but qualitative, eternal life in communion with God. Jesus is describing the Holy Spirit's indwelling (John 7:37-39), who regenerates believers and continuously sustains spiritual life. This living water contrasts with all human religious effort—it's received, not achieved; internal, not external; eternal, not temporary. The woman's religious tradition (Samaritan worship at Mount Gerizim) and moral failure (five husbands) left her spiritually dry. Jesus offers what no human relationship, religious system, or temporary pleasure can provide: eternal satisfaction through the Spirit's indwelling.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This conversation occurred at Jacob's well near Sychar in Samaria, a region Jews typically avoided due to ethnic and religious animosity. The Samaritan schism dated to the Assyrian conquest (722 BC) when foreigners intermarried with remaining Israelites, and the subsequent building of a rival temple on Mount Gerizim. Jews considered Samaritans ethnically impure and religiously heretical. Jesus' engagement with this Samaritan woman violated multiple cultural norms: rabbis didn't speak publicly with women; Jews avoided Samaritans; religious leaders didn't associate with known sinners. The woman came to draw water at noon (sixth hour), unusual timing suggesting social ostracism due to her immoral history. Wells were central to community life—places of daily gathering, social interaction, and often romantic encounter (Isaac's servant found Rebekah at a well, Jacob met Rachel at a well). By meeting this woman at the well and offering living water, Jesus positioned Himself as the bridegroom offering covenant relationship. The woman's focus on physical water ('Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not') parallels Nicodemus's confusion about physical rebirth (John 3:4)—both struggle to move from literal to spiritual understanding. Early church fathers saw this encounter as demonstrating salvation's extension beyond Judaism to Samaritans (Acts 8) and ultimately to all nations. The living water Jesus offered fulfilled Old Testament promises of God providing water in the wilderness and the Spirit being poured out (Isaiah 44:3, Ezekiel 36:25-27, Joel 2:28).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the contrast between physical water (temporary satisfaction) and living water (eternal satisfaction) challenge where we seek fulfillment?
  2. What does it mean that the living water becomes 'a well springing up' within believers rather than an external resource we repeatedly access?
  3. How does Jesus offering living water to a sinful Samaritan woman demonstrate the inclusiveness and transformative power of the gospel?
  4. In what ways does this passage connect the Holy Spirit's indwelling to eternal life and ongoing spiritual vitality?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
1 of 32

that

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δ'2 of 32

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἂν3 of 32
G302

whatsoever

πίῃ4 of 32

drinketh

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ5 of 32

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ6 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὕδατος7 of 32

of water

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

8 of 32

that

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐγὼ9 of 32

I

G1473

i, me

δώσω10 of 32

I shall give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτῷ11 of 32

him

G846

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

οὐ12 of 32
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ13 of 32
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

διψήσῃ14 of 32

shall

G1372

to thirst for (literally or figuratively)

εἰς15 of 32

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν16 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἰῶνα17 of 32
G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

ἀλλὰ18 of 32

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τὸ19 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὕδατος20 of 32

of water

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

21 of 32

that

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δώσω22 of 32

I shall give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτῷ23 of 32

him

G846

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

γενήσεται24 of 32

shall be

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐν25 of 32

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῷ26 of 32

him

G846

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

πηγὴ27 of 32

a well

G4077

a fount (literally or figuratively), i.e., source or supply (of water, blood, enjoyment) (not necessarily the original spring)

ὕδατος28 of 32

of water

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

ἁλλομένου29 of 32

springing up

G242

to jump; figuratively, to gush

εἰς30 of 32

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ζωὴν31 of 32

life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

αἰώνιον32 of 32

everlasting

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 4:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 4:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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