Joh 4:10 | RWP | e4.org | Answered and said ( απεκριθη κα ειπεν ). As often (redundant) in John. The first aorist passive ( απεκριθη ) is deponent, no longer passive in sense. If thou knewest ( ε ηιδεις ). Condition of second class, determined as unfulfilled, ε and past perfect ηιδεις (used as imperfect) in condition and αν and aorist active indicative in conclusion ( αν ηιτησας κα αν εδωκεν , note repetition of αν , not always done). The gift of God ( την δωρεαν του θεου ). Naturally the gift mentioned in (Westcott), the inexpressible gift ( ). Some take it to refer to the living water below, but that is another allusion (metaphor) to . See for Paul's use of both χαρις and δωρεα (from διδωμ , to give). Who it is ( τις εστιν ). She only knew that he was a Jew. This Messianic self-consciousness of Jesus is plain in John, but it is early in the Synoptics also. Living water ( υδωρ ζων ). Running water like a spring or well supplied by springs. This Jacob's Well was filled by water from rains percolating through, a sort of cistern, good water, but not equal to a real spring which was always preferred ( ; ; ). Jesus, of course, is symbolically referring to himself as the Living Water though he does not say it in plain words as he does about the Living Bread ( ). The phrase "the fountain of life" occurs in . Jesus supplies the water of life ( ). Cf. ; .

‏ John 4:10

Answered and said ( απεκριθη κα ειπεν ). As often (redundant) in John. The first aorist passive ( απεκριθη ) is deponent, no longer passive in sense.

If thou knewest ( ε ηιδεις ). Condition of second class, determined as unfulfilled, ε and past perfect ηιδεις (used as imperfect) in condition and αν and aorist active indicative in conclusion ( αν ηιτησας κα αν εδωκεν, note repetition of αν, not always done).

The gift of God ( την δωρεαν του θεου ). Naturally the gift mentioned in 3:16 (Westcott), the inexpressible gift (2Co 9:15). Some take it to refer to the living water below, but that is another allusion (metaphor) to 3:16. See Eph 4:7 for Paul's use of both χαρις and δωρεα (from διδωμ, to give).

Who it is ( τις εστιν ). She only knew that he was a Jew. This Messianic self-consciousness of Jesus is plain in John, but it is early in the Synoptics also.

Living water ( υδωρ ζων ). Running water like a spring or well supplied by springs. This Jacob's Well was filled by water from rains percolating through, a sort of cistern, good water, but not equal to a real spring which was always preferred (Ge 26:19; Le 14:5; Nu 19:17). Jesus, of course, is symbolically referring to himself as the Living Water though he does not say it in plain words as he does about the Living Bread (6:51). The phrase "the fountain of life" occurs in Pr 13:14. Jesus supplies the water of life (Joh 7:39). Cf. Re 7:17; 22:1.