John 7:37
What does John 7:37 mean?
A plain-English look at John 7:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 7:37 means
On the feast’s last and great day, Jesus stands and cries, inviting any who thirst to come to Him and drink. In a festival celebrating God’s provision, He claims to be the source of lasting satisfaction. Thirst speaks to deep spiritual need; coming to Him implies trust; drinking pictures reception and dependence. He does not offer a ritual, but Himself. The invitation is wide—“any man”—and urgent, suited to the climactic day. He positions Himself as the true fulfillment of the feast’s hope. The Savior calls the needy to receive life directly from Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now on the last day, the greatdayof the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.
KJV
King James Version · 1611In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now on the last day, the greatdayof the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949On the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus got up and said in a loud voice, If any man is in need of drink let him come to me and I will give it to him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And in the last, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, `If any one doth thirst, let him come unto me and drink;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And on the last, and great day of the festivity, Jesus stood and cried, saying: If any man thirst, let him come to me and drink.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890In the last, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried saying, If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink.
Context
After confusion about His departure, Jesus issues a clear, gracious call amid the feast’s symbolism. The next verse extends the promise: believers will experience rivers of living water flowing from within (verse 38). John will explain that Jesus speaks of the Spirit, to be given after His glorification (verse 39). This invitation provokes fresh debate about His identity—prophet, Christ, or impostor—leading to division and failed attempts to arrest Him (verses 40–44).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 12:13
For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.
- Leviticus 23:36
Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Jehovah: on the eighth day shall be a holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Jehovah: it is a solemn assembly; ye shall do no servile work.
- Proverbs 1:20
Wisdom crieth aloud in the street; She uttereth her voice in the broad places;
- 1 Kings 8:65
So Solomon held the feast at that time, and all Israel with him, a great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath unto the brook of Egypt, before Jehovah our God, seven days and seven days, even fourteen days.
- John 6:37
All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
- Psalms 36:8
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; And thou wilt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
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