John 4:13

John 4:13, in plain English

Jesus says plainly: everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. Physical water can never permanently satisfy.

Why it's here

Jesus is not criticizing the well; He is using it as a metaphor for everything in life that promises satisfaction but always leaves you wanting more.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks a simple truth that applies to far more than water: earthly things can never permanently quench the thirst inside you.

Where it sits in the story

You have felt this, haven't you? The thing you thought would finally satisfy you only left you thirsty for more. Jesus names that universal human experience before offering the only real solution.

The scholarly reading

Jesus contrasts the temporary satisfaction of physical water (pas ho pinōn, 'everyone drinking,' present tense indicating habitual action) with what He offers. Physical water addresses a need that perpetually recurs.

Language and setting

This statement prepares for the contrast in verse 14. The present tense 'will thirst again' emphasizes the cyclical, never-fully-satisfied nature of earthly provisions and human striving.

Voice

Jesus begins His revelation about the nature of true satisfaction by pointing out the fundamental limitation of earthly resources.

Significance

Jesus names a universal human experience: no matter how much we drink, we always get thirsty again. He is setting up a contrast that will point beyond physical water to something that satisfies permanently.

11“Sir,” the woman replied, “You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where then will You get this living water?

12Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock?”

13Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again.

14But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.”

15The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water so that I will not get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

Read all of John 4 — A Samaritan woman comes to draw water at noon and leaves having encountered the Messiah. Social barriers shatter in a single conversation.