Joh 4:10-14, 7:38, Rev 21:6, 22:1 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 10. 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, ; 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, . 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.

‏ John 4:10-14

Verse 10. 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, 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.

Verse 11. Thou hast nothing to draw with] ουτεαντλημαεχεις, Thou hast no bucket. Good water is not plentiful in the east; and travellers are often obliged to carry leathern bottles or buckets with them, and a line also, to let them down into the deep wells, in order to draw up water. If the well was in our Lord's time, as it was found by Mr. Maundrell, thirty-five yards deep, it would require a considerable line to reach it; and with such it is not likely that even the disciples of our Lord were provided. The woman might well say, The well is deep, and thou hast nothing to draw with; whence then hast thou that living water?

Verse 12. Our father Jacob] The ancient Samaritans were undoubtedly the descendants of Jacob; for they were the ten tribes that revolted in the reign of Rehoboam: but those in our Lord's time were not genuine Israelites, but a corrupted race, sprung from a mixture of different nations, sent thither by Salmanezer, king of the Assyrians. See 2Ki 17:24.

Verse 14. Springing up into everlasting life.] On this account he can never thirst:-for how can he lack water who has in himself a living, eternal spring? By this water our Lord means also his doctrine, explaining and promising the gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost, which proceed from Jesus Christ their fountain, dwelling in a believing heart. There is no eternal life without the Spirit; no Spirit without Christ; and no Christ to give the Spirit, without dwelling in the heart: this his whole doctrine proclaims.

‏ John 7:38

Verse 38. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said] He who receives me as the Messiah, according to what the Scripture has said concerning me; my person, birth, conduct, preaching, and miracles, being compared with what is written there as ascertaining the true Messiah. Out of his belly-from his heart and soul; for in his soul shall this Spirit dwell.

Living water.] As a true spring is ever supplied with water from the great deep, with which it has communication, so shall the soul of the genuine believer be supplied with light, life, love, and liberty, and all the other graces of the indwelling Spirit, from the indwelling Christ. The Jews frequently compare the gifts and influences of the Holy Spirit to water in general-to rain, fountains, wells, rivers, &c., &c. The Scriptures abound in this metaphor. Ps 36:8, 9; Isa 44:3, 4; Joe 2:23.

‏ Revelation of John 21:6

Verse 6. It is done.] All is determined, and shall be fulfilled in due time. The great drama is finished, and what was intended is now completed; referring to the period alluded to by the angel.

I am Alpha and Omega] See Clarke on Re 1:8.

The fountain of the water of life] See on Joh 4:10, 14; 7:37, &c.

The rabbins consider the fountain of the world to come as one of the particular blessings of a future state. In Sanhedrim, Aboth R. Nathan, c. 31, it is said, "He will show them the excellency of the fountain of the future world, that they may accurately see and consider, and say, Wo to us! what good have we lost! and our race is cut off from the face of the earth."

‏ Revelation of John 22:1

CHAPTER XXII.

The river of the water of life, 1.

The tree of life, 2.

There is no curse nor darkness in the city of God, 3-5.

The angel assures John of the truth of what he has heard, and states that the time of the fulfilment is at hand, 6, 7.

He forbids John to worship him, 8, 9.

Again he states that the time of the fulfilment of the prophecies of this book is at hand, 10-12.

Christ is Alpha and Omega, 13.

The blessedness of those who keep his commandments; they enter through the gates into the city, 14.

All the unholy are excluded, 15.

Christ sent his angel to testify of those things in the Churches, 16.

The invitation of the Spirit and the bride, 17.

A curse denounced against those who shall either add to or take away front the prophecies of this book, 18, 19.

Christ cometh quickly, 20.

The apostolical benediction, 21.

NOTES ON CHAP. XXII.

Verse 1. Pure river of water of life] This is evidently a reference to the garden of paradise, and the river by which it was watered; and there is also a reference to the account, Eze 47:7-12. Water of life, as we have seen before, generally signifies spring or running water; here it may signify incessant communications of happiness proceeding from God.