Lexical Summary antleó: To draw (water), to bail Original Word: ἀντλέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance draw out waterFrom antlos (the hold of a ship); to bale up (properly, bilge water), i.e. Dip water (with a bucket, pitcher, etc.) -- draw (out). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom antlos (a ship's hold, bilge water in a ship's hold) Definition to bail out, draw water NASB Translation draw (3), drawn (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 501: ἀντλέωἀντλέω, ά᾿ντλω; 1 aorist ή᾿ντλησα; perfect ἤντληκα; (from ὁ ἄντλος, or τό ἀντλον, bilge-water (or rather, the place in the hold where it settles, Eustathius commentary on Homer 1728, 58 ὁ τόπος ἔνθα ὕδωρ συρρηι, τό τέ ἄνωθεν καί ἐκ τῶν ἁρμονιων)); a. properly, to draw out a ship's bilge-water, to bale or pump out. b. universally, to draw water: John 2:8; John 4:15; ὕδωρ, John 2:9; John 4:7. (Genesis 24:13, 20; Exodus 2:16, 19; Isaiah 12:3. In Greek writings from Herodotus down.) Strong’s Greek 501, ἀντλέω (antleō), denotes the act of drawing liquid—commonly water—from a well, cistern, or vessel. In first-century Palestine this was routine, typically performed with a leather bucket or earthen jar lowered by rope. The verb therefore evokes labor, need, and provision within ordinary life. Occurrences in the Gospel of John 1. John 2:8, 9 – At Cana servants obey the command, “Draw some out now and take it to the master of the banquet.” Their simple, faithful drawing becomes the setting for Jesus’ first recorded sign, revealing His glory and prompting belief (John 2:11). Symbolism of Drawing Water in Scripture Drawing water frequently precedes covenantal or revelatory moments: Rebekah meets Abraham’s servant (Genesis 24:13–20), Moses meets Zipporah (Exodus 2:16–17), and David longs for water from Bethlehem’s well (2 Samuel 23:15–17). The verb therefore carries undertones of preparation for divine intervention. In John, the ordinary act frames extraordinary revelation—first the manifestation of messianic abundance, then the unveiling of living water. Historical and Cultural Background Wells were communal centers, vital for survival and social interaction. In Galilee and Samaria they reached down to living springs; hence “drawing” required effort but granted access to life-sustaining resources. Water-hauling was often women’s work, explaining the Samaritan woman’s midday presence. Servants at weddings likewise handled water jars for purification rites (John 2:6). Jesus steps into these familiar rhythms, sanctifying them by His presence. Theological Implications • Obedience precedes revelation. The servants “had drawn the water” (John 2:9) before the miracle was recognized. Practical Ministry Applications • Faithful service in unnoticed tasks (filling jars, hauling water) invites divine transformation. Related Old Testament Background Isaiah 12:3 anticipates: “With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation.” The Septuagint employs ἀντλέω here, linking the prophet’s hope to Christ’s fulfillment in John 4. The Feast of Tabernacles water-drawing ceremony (cf. John 7:37) further enriches the motif, though ἀντλέω itself is absent in that passage. Relationship to the Ministry of Jesus Each use of ἀντλέω frames a sign or discourse that advances Johannine themes: glory revealed (Cana) and life offered to all peoples (Sychar). Both episodes highlight His mastery over creation and His mission to satisfy deepest human longing. Conclusion Whenever ἀντλέω appears, an ordinary action becomes an encounter with the extraordinary Christ. The verb thus reminds readers that daily routines may become conduits of divine grace when submitted to the Lord who turns water to wine and wells to fountains of eternal life. Englishman's Concordance John 2:8 V-AMA-2PGRK: λέγει αὐτοῖς Ἀντλήσατε νῦν καὶ NAS: And He said to them, Draw [some] out now KJV: he saith unto them, Draw out now, and INT: he says to them Draw out now and John 2:9 V-RPA-NMP John 4:7 V-ANA John 4:15 V-PNA Strong's Greek 501 |
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