Let’s examine two Greek words, Living and water.
Living: The Greek is “zao”. It means, to have life, spoken of physical life and existence, as opposed to death or non-existence, and implying always some duration. It is the sense of existing, absolutely and without end, now and hereafter.
As the living water, it speaks of Christ as the corner-stone of the church, not inactive and dead, but living and efficient. It is compared to running streams and fountains, as opposed to that of stagnant cisterns, pools, marshes.
It is to have eternal life in Him, to enjoy His blessings, His rest, His peace and His joy, and to be forever in our Redeemers presence; to take part in His inheritance and enjoy the privileges of His kingdom.
The Greek word water:
Water: The Greek is “hudatos” It is the instrument of baptism. It is an emblem of spiritual nourishment, also the doctrines and blessings of the Gospel.
John 4:10, Jesus is speaking to the Samaritan woman, at the well. Jesus said to her, “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.”
John 4:13-14, “Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”
The contrast here is fundamental and understandable. The water taken from the well, plainly means, natural water. This water comes from the outside, reaching only our physical bodies, soon used, and again in need of more.
That compared to the living water that Christ gives: living waters that reach our spiritual needs. The living water supplied by our Lord also point to His doctrines. He explaining and then promising the gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost, which proceed from Him.
Unlike a stagnant pool or cistern, where the water becomes undrinkable, the living water is as a fountain, springing, gushing, bubbling up and flowing out from us, always fresh, forever living.
This is clearly stated in,
John 7:37-39, “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this, spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.”
The indwelling of the Holy Ghost as the Spirit of Christ is the secret of this life with all its everlasting energy and satisfactions. The eternal freshness and vitality of these waters coming from the Great Ocean (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) from which they flow.
Drink now of the water of Life and live forever in the glory and presence of our Lord and King.
Phillip LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com