New Testament
John 4:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"But whoever drinks the water that I give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up into everlasting life."
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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.
What John 4:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus speaks about a special kind of water that He offers, which symbolizes spiritual fulfillment and eternal life. Unlike physical water that quenches thirst temporarily, the water Jesus provides satisfies the deepest spiritual needs forever. This 'water' represents the Holy Spirit and the life-giving relationship with God. When someone accepts this gift, it transforms them from within, creating a continuous source of spiritual vitality and joy. This promise of never being thirsty again highlights the completeness and sufficiency of what Jesus offers. It emphasizes that true satisfaction and eternal life come from Him, not from worldly pursuits or temporary pleasures. The imagery of a spring of water suggests that this life is dynamic and overflowing, continually refreshing and sustaining the believer throughout their life.
How to apply John 4:14 to your life
To apply this verse, seek a deeper relationship with Jesus through prayer and reading the Bible. Recognize that true satisfaction comes from Him, not from material things. Share this message of hope with others who are searching for meaning in their lives.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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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 4:14 mean?
John 4:14 means that Jesus offers a spiritual fulfillment that satisfies our deepest needs forever. The 'water' symbolizes the Holy Spirit and eternal life, indicating that true satisfaction comes from a relationship with Him.
What is the meaning of 'everlasting life' in John 4:14?
In John 4:14, 'everlasting life' refers to a continuous, eternal relationship with God that begins in this life and extends into eternity. It signifies a state of spiritual vitality and joy that comes from accepting Jesus.
What does the 'spring of water' represent in John 4:14?
The 'spring of water' in John 4:14 represents the ongoing and overflowing spiritual life that believers experience through their relationship with Jesus. It suggests a dynamic source of joy and fulfillment that continually refreshes them.
How can I apply John 4:14 in my life?
To apply John 4:14 in your life, focus on building a deeper relationship with Jesus through prayer and scripture. Recognize that true satisfaction and fulfillment come from Him, rather than from material possessions or temporary pleasures.
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