ἀντλέω
I draw, draw out
Definition
The verb ἀντλέω means to draw water, specifically from a deep source like a well or cistern. In its four New Testament occurrences, it consistently refers to the physical act of drawing water, often with a bucket or jar. In John 2:8-9, it describes servants drawing the water that Jesus had turned into wine. In John 4:7 and 15, it is used in Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, where he contrasts drawing physical water with receiving the 'living water' he provides.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the Gospel of John, appearing four times in two narratives. It is used in the context of mundane water-drawing at a wedding (John 2:8, 9) and at a well (John 4:7, 15). The pattern shows it is a practical, physical action that Jesus uses as a tangible metaphor for spiritual provision.
Etymology
Derived from the noun ἄντλος (antlos), meaning 'the hold of a ship' or 'bilge-water,' which evolved to mean water drawn from a deep, confined space. It is not derived from ἀ- (a negative prefix) as sometimes mistakenly thought. The core idea is drawing liquid from a depth, such as a well or a ship's hold.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant because Jesus uses the physical act of drawing water as a backdrop for profound spiritual revelation. In John 4, he contrasts the repetitive labor of drawing well water with the gift of 'living water' (ὕδωρ ζῶν) that he gives, which becomes a spring welling up to eternal life. Understanding this Greek term highlights the tangible, wearying work from which Jesus offers rest and lasting satisfaction.
In the ancient world, drawing water was a daily, labor-intensive task, typically performed by women or servants. Water was fetched from communal wells or cisterns using a rope and bucket. This context makes Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) culturally striking, as he, a Jewish man, asked her for a drink, and his offer of 'living water' directly addressed this routine physical need.
σπώω (spaō, G4685) — to draw or pull, but more general, not specific to liquids; λαμβάνω (lambanō, G2983) — to take or receive, a broader term for obtaining something.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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