John 4:15
What does John 4:15 mean?
A plain-English look at John 4:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 4:15 means
The woman, still possibly misunderstanding the full spiritual depth of Jesus' words, expresses a desire for this "living water" to alleviate her physical burdens. She requests it so she won't have to return to the well for water or endure thirst. This response shows a blend of dawning curiosity and a persistent, earthly interpretation, revealing her gradual movement toward understanding, though not yet fully grasping the eternal implications.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come all the way hither to draw.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come all the way hither to draw.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The woman said to him, Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be in need again of drink and will not have to come all this way for it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The woman saith unto him, `Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come hither to draw.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The woman said to him: Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come hither to draw.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The woman says to him, Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst nor come here to draw.
Context
This verse is the Samaritan woman's immediate reaction to Jesus' promise of water that leads to eternal life. It directly follows Jesus' profound declaration in verse 14. Her request, though still framed in practical, physical terms, indicates that she is intrigued by what Jesus offers, even if she doesn't fully comprehend it. This sets the stage for Jesus' unexpected command in the next verse, which will strip away her defenses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 4:6
Many there are that say, Who will show us any good? Jehovah, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
- Romans 8:5
For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
- John 6:34
They said therefore unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
- 1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we 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.
- John 17:2
even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life.
- John 6:26
Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw signs, but because ye ate of the loaves, and were filled.
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