New Testament
John 4:13
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Jesus answered her, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again."
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Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
What John 4:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a Samaritan woman at a well. He uses the metaphor of water to illustrate a deeper spiritual truth. The water from the well represents physical needs and temporary satisfaction. Jesus points out that no matter how much one drinks from this water, they will eventually become thirsty again. This highlights the futility of seeking fulfillment in earthly things. Instead, Jesus is hinting at a different kind of water, which symbolizes eternal life and spiritual satisfaction that He offers. This conversation sets the stage for a deeper discussion about spiritual thirst and the living water that Jesus provides, which quenches the soul's deepest longings permanently. The contrast between physical thirst and spiritual thirst emphasizes the importance of seeking lasting fulfillment in a relationship with God rather than in temporary pleasures.
How to apply John 4:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on what we seek for fulfillment in our lives. Are we pursuing temporary pleasures that leave us wanting more? Instead, we should seek a relationship with Jesus, who offers lasting satisfaction and peace for our souls.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Woman at the Well (John 4:1–42)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 4:13 mean?
In John 4:13, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that drinking from the well will only satisfy her temporarily, emphasizing that physical needs are fleeting. He uses this to illustrate a deeper spiritual truth about the need for lasting fulfillment that only He can provide.
What is the significance of water in John 4:13?
Water in John 4:13 symbolizes physical needs and temporary satisfaction. Jesus contrasts this with the 'living water' He offers, which represents eternal life and spiritual fulfillment.
How does John 4:13 relate to spiritual thirst?
John 4:13 highlights the concept of spiritual thirst by showing that physical water cannot quench deeper spiritual needs. Jesus points to Himself as the source of true satisfaction for the soul.
What lesson can we learn from John 4:13?
The lesson from John 4:13 is to recognize the futility of seeking fulfillment in temporary pleasures. Instead, we should seek a relationship with Jesus, who offers lasting peace and satisfaction.
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