John 4:10
Verse
Context
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
9“You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)10Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If thou knewest the gift of God - Δωρεαν signifies a free gift. A gift is any thing that is given, for which no equivalent has been or is to be returned: a free gift is that which has been given without asking or entreaty. Such a gift of kindness was Jesus Christ to the world, Joh 3:16; and through him comes the gift of the Spirit, which those who believe on his name were to receive. Christ was not an object of desire to the world - no man asked for him; and God, moved thereto by his own eternal mercy, freely gave him. Through this great gift comes the Holy Spirit, and all other gifts which are necessary to the salvation of a lost world. Living water - By this expression, which was common to the inhabitants both of the east and of the west, is always meant spring water, in opposition to dead, stagnant water contained in ponds, pools, tanks, or cisterns; and what our Lord means by it is evidently the Holy Spirit, as may be seen, Joh 7:38, Joh 7:39. As water quenches the thirst, refreshes and invigorates the body, purifies things defiled, and renders the earth fruitful, so it is an apt emblem of the gift of the Holy Ghost, which so satisfies the souls that receive it that they thirst no more for earthly good: it purifies also from all spiritual defilement, on which account it is emphatically styled the Holy Spirit; and it makes those who receive it fruitful in every good word and work.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If thou knewest, &c.--that is, "In Me thou seest only a petitioner to thee but if thou knewest who that Petitioner is, and the Gift that God is giving to men, thou wouldst have changed places with Him, gladly suing of Him living water--nor shouldst thou have sued in vain" (gently reflecting on her for not immediately meeting His request).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Jesus answered and said unto her,.... In a very serious manner, in a different way from hers: if thou knewest the gift of God; meaning, not the Holy Spirit with his gifts and graces, as some think, but himself; for the following clause is explanatory of it; and who it is that saith to thee, give me to drink; and Christ is also spoken of in the Old Testament, as the gift of God, Isa 9:6 and he had lately spoken of himself as such, Joh 3:16 and he is, by way of eminency, "the gift of God"; which is comprehensive of all others, is exceeding large, and very suitable to the wants and cases of men; and is irrevocable, unchangeable, and unspeakable: for he is God's gift, as he is his own and only begotten Son; and he is given for a covenant to the people, with all the promises and blessings of it; and as an head, both of eminence and influence; and to be a Saviour of them, and a sacrifice for their sins; and as the bread of life, for them to feed and live upon; of which gift, men are naturally ignorant, as this woman was: they know not the dignity of his person; nor the nature and usefulness of his offices; nor the way of peace, righteousness, and salvation by him; nor do they see any amiableness, or loveliness in him; and whatever notional knowledge some natural men may have of him, they know him not spiritually and experimentally, or as the gift of God to them: thou wouldst have asked of him; a favour and benefit; for such who truly know Christ, the worth and value of him, and their need of him, will apply to him for grace, as they have encouragement to do; since all grace is treasured up in him, and he gives it freely, and upbraideth not; and souls are invited to ask it of him, and take it freely; nor is it to be had anywhere else: but knowledge of Christ, is absolutely necessary, to asking anything of him; for till he is known, he will not be applied to; but when he is made known to any, in his fulness and suitableness, they will have recourse to him, and ask grace and mercy of him; and which is freely had: the Vulgate Latin very wrongly adds, "perhaps"; reading it, "perhaps thou wouldst have asked"; whereas our Lord's meaning is, that she would certainly have asked: and he would have given thee living water; pardoning and justifying grace, every branch of sanctifying grace, and all the supplies of it; so called, because his grace quickens sinners dead in sin, and dead in law, and in, their own apprehensions; and causes them to live in themselves, and before God; and because it refreshes and comforts, revives and cheers, and is like rivers of water in a dry land; and because it maintains and supports spiritual life in their souls; and it ever abides, and continues, and springs up unto everlasting life: for the allusion is to spring water, that bubbles up in a fountain, and is ever running; for such water the Jews call "living water"; see Gen 26:19; where in the Hebrew text it is "living water"; which we, and also the Chaldee paraphrase, render "springing water". So living waters with them, are said to be always flowing, and never cease (t). (t) Bartenora in Misn. Negaim, c. 14. sect. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:10 Shechem had no rivers and thus no living water (see “Living Water” Theme Note). However, Jesus was speaking symbolically: This gift from God was the Holy Spirit (7:37-39).
John 4:10
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
9“You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)10Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Getting Used to the Dark
By Vance Havner31K29:55ApostasyJHN 4:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the world and warns about the subtle brainwashing that is leading towards a homogenized world church and state, preparing for the arrival of the antichrist. He emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus as the only way to salvation and highlights the crisis of faith that humanity is facing. The preacher uses the analogy of sitting in a dark room to describe how people have become accustomed to living in spiritual darkness, despite the abundance of artificial illumination in the world. He concludes by highlighting the extreme depravity and moral corruption that is prevalent in society today.
The Difference Between Chants and Music
By Alan Ives1.6K1:21:38Godly MusicEXO 17:6JHN 4:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving living water from the Lord. He refers to the story of Moses striking the rock and water flowing out to quench the thirst of the children of Israel. The speaker also connects this story to Jesus being the smitten rock, symbolizing the source of living water for believers. The sermon includes personal anecdotes about the speaker's family and their involvement in singing, highlighting the message of Christ's second coming. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to seek the loving water of God and to be prepared for Christ's return.
Revival - Rivers of Living Water
By Gerhard Du Toit1.2K54:30RevivalGEN 22:2GEN 24:1EZK 47:1MAT 4:4MAT 16:24JHN 4:10JHN 7:38In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a man who visited him in a hotel and expressed his inability to sleep due to a phone call. The preacher suggests that this could be a message from God signaling the end and advises the man to find a new place. The man ignores the advice and ends up in jail, far from God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice and not ignoring his warnings. He also references the story of Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac, highlighting the faith and obedience required to follow God's instructions. The sermon also mentions the stages of water described in Ezekiel 47, symbolizing different levels of spiritual revival and prayer.
Christ Is Greater 01 Greater Than Jacob
By Neil Fraser94244:28LUK 15:5LUK 15:10JHN 4:10JHN 10:28ROM 8:29REV 22:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the superiority of Jesus Christ over various figures from the Bible. He mentions that Jesus is greater than Jacob, Solomon, and Jonah. The preacher then transitions to discussing the New Testament and invites the audience to join the morning services where they are studying different books. The sermon then focuses on a passage from John's Gospel, specifically John 4:10, where Jesus speaks to a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. The preacher emphasizes the significance of the living water that Jesus offers and how it leads to eternal life.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Gift of Living Water
By K.P. Yohannan68326:58Living WaterEXO 17:6JHN 4:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the gift of living water. He emphasizes that God often speaks to us through relatable experiences and situations in our lives. The preacher mentions examples such as gossip, misunderstandings, and financial struggles to illustrate how these physical realities can be used by God to draw us closer to Him. He also highlights the importance of making choices that align with Christ's teachings and being sensitive to His guidance. The sermon concludes with a reference to Paul's statement in Philippians 3, where he considers all his worldly achievements as insignificant compared to knowing Christ and experiencing resurrection from the dead.
You Will Never Be Thirsty Again
By John Piper59346:15JHN 1:14JHN 3:16JHN 3:34JHN 4:10JHN 4:14JHN 4:23This sermon focuses on the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, highlighting Jesus' gracious purposefulness, relational pursuit, and superior offer of eternal life. It emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize their spiritual thirst and accept Jesus as the ultimate satisfaction for their deepest needs, despite their woeful condition and initial misunderstandings.
Cornelius and Peter
By Todd Atkinson4551:02:36God's GiftsEarly ChurchOpenness to ChangeMRK 7:14JHN 4:10ACT 2:38ACT 10:1ACT 10:34ACT 10:44ACT 11:17ROM 12:6EPH 2:8Todd Atkinson preaches on the transformative encounter between Cornelius and Peter, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's gifts, particularly the Holy Spirit, and the need for openness to new understandings of faith. He highlights Cornelius as a devout man who, despite not being fully in the faith, exemplifies prayerfulness and generosity, while Peter grapples with his preconceived notions about clean and unclean. The sermon encourages believers to embrace the simplicity of the gospel, understanding that God's gifts are freely given and not based on merit. Atkinson calls for a community that welcomes all, reflecting God's grace and generosity, and challenges listeners to receive God's gifts without striving for worthiness.
If You Knew the Gift of god... - Part 1
By Phil Beach Jr.1648:19Living WaterKnowing GodGift Of GodJHN 4:10JHN 4:13Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of recognizing the gift of God and understanding who Jesus is in our lives. He explains that true satisfaction comes from drinking the living water that Jesus offers, which quenches our deepest thirst and transforms our pursuit of purpose into a relationship with God. The sermon highlights that knowing God is the highest good, and through this knowledge, we can discover our purpose in life. Beach encourages believers to seek God above all else, as true fulfillment and understanding of life's purpose stem from a deep relationship with Him.
If Any Man Thirst: Part Ii
By James Webster0PSA 39:5PSA 110:3MAT 5:6LUK 19:14JHN 4:10JHN 7:37James Webster preaches about the unwillingness of sinners to come to Christ, highlighting the black picture painted by Scripture of sinners in their natural state, devoid of strength and filled with a rooted hatred and rebellion against Christ. Despite the most advantageous circumstances, sinners remain unwilling to come to Christ, resisting His offers and defending their sin. However, those who thirst for Christ are allowed to come and drink from the fountain of living waters, with God the Father taking all glory for making them willing to come.
Our Daily Homily - John
By F.B. Meyer0Spiritual GrowthFaithJHN 1:50JHN 2:10JHN 3:27JHN 4:10JHN 5:20JHN 6:27JHN 7:39JHN 8:31JHN 9:4JHN 11:40F.B. Meyer emphasizes the progressive nature of God's revelations and blessings in the sermon 'Our Daily Homily - John', illustrating that as we grow in our understanding and relationship with Christ, we are invited to experience greater things. He encourages believers to live fully in the light of what they know, assuring them that God continually offers His best, both in this life and the next. Meyer also highlights the importance of humility, recognizing that all we have is a gift from God, and urges believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ through prayer and obedience. Ultimately, he reassures that through faith, we will witness the glory of God in our lives and the lives of others.
Salvation and Rewards
By C.I. Scofield0MAT 10:42MAT 16:27JHN 3:36JHN 4:10EPH 2:82TI 4:7REV 3:11REV 22:12C.I. Scofield emphasizes the distinction between the free gift of salvation, received through faith in Jesus Christ, and the rewards for faithful service to God. Salvation is a gift of God's grace, not earned through works, as seen in verses like John 4:10, Ephesians 2:8-9, and Romans 6:23. On the other hand, works pleasing to God will be rewarded, as highlighted in passages such as Matthew 10:42, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, and Revelation 22:12. While salvation is a present possession for believers, rewards for faithful service will be bestowed in the future when Christ returns, as mentioned in Matthew 16:27 and Revelation 22:12.
Jesus Answered and Said Unto Her, if Thou Knewest the Gift of God
By John Calvin0ISA 65:1JHN 4:10John Calvin preaches on Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well, highlighting Christ's grace and compassion in offering living water to someone who did not deserve it. Calvin emphasizes that none of us are worthy of God's salvation, yet through His mercy, we are chosen to receive His heavenly doctrine and be part of His family. The preacher reflects on the divine wisdom in Jesus choosing to engage with this woman, showcasing that God's salvation is not based on human merit but on His sovereign will to reveal Himself to those who may not even seek Him.
The Gift of God (Become an Inward christian.)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Inward ChristianityTrue WorshipJHN 4:10JHN 4:23Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the significance of understanding and receiving the gift of God, which is the living water that Jesus offers. He challenges the notion of worship being tied to physical locations, asserting that true worshippers must worship in spirit and truth, as God seeks those who will connect with Him inwardly. Waldvogel warns against the dangers of outward expressions of faith that lack genuine inward transformation, urging believers to allow God to cleanse their hearts and become true inward Christians. He highlights that the revival believers seek is already within them, waiting to spring forth if they would only give it a chance. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper relationship with Christ, where He becomes the source of righteousness, holiness, and redemption in their lives.
The Dew of Resurrection
By Tom Macartney0GEN 3:19MAL 4:2LUK 20:36JHN 4:10ACT 4:2ROM 6:4EPH 4:31PE 1:3Tom Macartney preaches about Christians living in a spiritual desert, emphasizing the importance of being satisfied by the living water of life and demonstrating this satisfaction through evergreen lives and vibrant churches. He delves into the significance of dew as an emblem of resurrection, highlighting how Christians are called to be oases of life in a dying world, marked by the dew of resurrection and the witness of unity. The sermon explores various Bible references to dew, connecting it with God's life-giving blessing, the freshness of spiritual food in Christ, and the dew of His presence for soul restoration.
How to Recognize the Manifestation of the Holy Spirit
By Paris Reidhead0JHN 4:10JHN 14:16JHN 14:26JHN 15:26JHN 16:8JHN 16:13ACT 1:3Paris Reidhead preaches a series of messages on the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit, focusing on how to recognize the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord, being in harmony with the Word, and manifesting the fruit of the Spirit. Reidhead provides seven evidences from the Bible to help believers discern the genuine manifestation of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Rev. 22:17. Come, O Savior! Come, O Sinner!
By Horatius Bonar0Hope in Christ's ReturnInvitation to SalvationISA 55:1MAT 11:28JHN 3:16JHN 4:10JHN 7:37ROM 10:13EPH 2:8REV 22:17Horatius Bonar emphasizes the dual invitation in Revelation 22:17, where the Spirit and the bride call for Christ's return while simultaneously inviting sinners to come and receive the water of life freely. He explains that the Spirit longs for Christ's glorification and the Church eagerly awaits the union with the Bridegroom. Bonar highlights that the invitation is open to all, especially the thirsty souls seeking true satisfaction, and underscores the urgency of this call as the world grows weary and thirsty. The message is clear: Christ invites everyone, regardless of their past, to partake in the life-giving water He offers. This sermon serves as a reminder of the hope and joy found in Christ's return and the free gift of salvation extended to all who will accept it.
River of Living Water
By William Seymour0ISA 53:4JOL 2:28JHN 4:10JHN 7:38ACT 1:8ACT 2:4ROM 1:251CO 2:91JN 1:7JUD 1:3William Seymour preaches about the living waters that Jesus offers freely to every hungry and thirsty heart, emphasizing the power of belief in Jesus to bring forth rivers of living water. Through Jesus, we receive forgiveness of sins, sanctification, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, all made possible by His atonement. Just as Jesus encountered the woman at the well in Samaria, revealing Himself as the source of living water, we are called to draw from the well of salvation found in Jesus to quench the thirst of our souls and share this salvation with others.
On the Living Water
By Thomas Reade0ISA 55:1JHN 4:10JHN 4:14Thomas Reade preaches on the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, highlighting the example of Jesus' condescension to ignorance and His offer of spiritual blessings to all. He emphasizes that true knowledge of the Gospel comes from God and not human learning, and that the Holy Spirit is the living water that satisfies the thirsty soul. Reade urges listeners to seek true happiness in Jesus Christ, as earthly pursuits will ultimately leave them empty, and to heed the invitation to come to the waters of life freely offered by God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If thou knewest the gift of God - Δωρεαν signifies a free gift. A gift is any thing that is given, for which no equivalent has been or is to be returned: a free gift is that which has been given without asking or entreaty. Such a gift of kindness was Jesus Christ to the world, Joh 3:16; and through him comes the gift of the Spirit, which those who believe on his name were to receive. Christ was not an object of desire to the world - no man asked for him; and God, moved thereto by his own eternal mercy, freely gave him. Through this great gift comes the Holy Spirit, and all other gifts which are necessary to the salvation of a lost world. Living water - By this expression, which was common to the inhabitants both of the east and of the west, is always meant spring water, in opposition to dead, stagnant water contained in ponds, pools, tanks, or cisterns; and what our Lord means by it is evidently the Holy Spirit, as may be seen, Joh 7:38, Joh 7:39. As water quenches the thirst, refreshes and invigorates the body, purifies things defiled, and renders the earth fruitful, so it is an apt emblem of the gift of the Holy Ghost, which so satisfies the souls that receive it that they thirst no more for earthly good: it purifies also from all spiritual defilement, on which account it is emphatically styled the Holy Spirit; and it makes those who receive it fruitful in every good word and work.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If thou knewest, &c.--that is, "In Me thou seest only a petitioner to thee but if thou knewest who that Petitioner is, and the Gift that God is giving to men, thou wouldst have changed places with Him, gladly suing of Him living water--nor shouldst thou have sued in vain" (gently reflecting on her for not immediately meeting His request).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Jesus answered and said unto her,.... In a very serious manner, in a different way from hers: if thou knewest the gift of God; meaning, not the Holy Spirit with his gifts and graces, as some think, but himself; for the following clause is explanatory of it; and who it is that saith to thee, give me to drink; and Christ is also spoken of in the Old Testament, as the gift of God, Isa 9:6 and he had lately spoken of himself as such, Joh 3:16 and he is, by way of eminency, "the gift of God"; which is comprehensive of all others, is exceeding large, and very suitable to the wants and cases of men; and is irrevocable, unchangeable, and unspeakable: for he is God's gift, as he is his own and only begotten Son; and he is given for a covenant to the people, with all the promises and blessings of it; and as an head, both of eminence and influence; and to be a Saviour of them, and a sacrifice for their sins; and as the bread of life, for them to feed and live upon; of which gift, men are naturally ignorant, as this woman was: they know not the dignity of his person; nor the nature and usefulness of his offices; nor the way of peace, righteousness, and salvation by him; nor do they see any amiableness, or loveliness in him; and whatever notional knowledge some natural men may have of him, they know him not spiritually and experimentally, or as the gift of God to them: thou wouldst have asked of him; a favour and benefit; for such who truly know Christ, the worth and value of him, and their need of him, will apply to him for grace, as they have encouragement to do; since all grace is treasured up in him, and he gives it freely, and upbraideth not; and souls are invited to ask it of him, and take it freely; nor is it to be had anywhere else: but knowledge of Christ, is absolutely necessary, to asking anything of him; for till he is known, he will not be applied to; but when he is made known to any, in his fulness and suitableness, they will have recourse to him, and ask grace and mercy of him; and which is freely had: the Vulgate Latin very wrongly adds, "perhaps"; reading it, "perhaps thou wouldst have asked"; whereas our Lord's meaning is, that she would certainly have asked: and he would have given thee living water; pardoning and justifying grace, every branch of sanctifying grace, and all the supplies of it; so called, because his grace quickens sinners dead in sin, and dead in law, and in, their own apprehensions; and causes them to live in themselves, and before God; and because it refreshes and comforts, revives and cheers, and is like rivers of water in a dry land; and because it maintains and supports spiritual life in their souls; and it ever abides, and continues, and springs up unto everlasting life: for the allusion is to spring water, that bubbles up in a fountain, and is ever running; for such water the Jews call "living water"; see Gen 26:19; where in the Hebrew text it is "living water"; which we, and also the Chaldee paraphrase, render "springing water". So living waters with them, are said to be always flowing, and never cease (t). (t) Bartenora in Misn. Negaim, c. 14. sect. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:10 Shechem had no rivers and thus no living water (see “Living Water” Theme Note). However, Jesus was speaking symbolically: This gift from God was the Holy Spirit (7:37-39).