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G501 · Greek · New Testament
ἀντλέω
Antleō
Verb
To draw water (from a well or vessel)

Definition

The Greek verb antleō (ἀντλέω) means "to draw water" — specifically to draw it from a well, cistern, or large vessel using a bucket or vessel. The word appears four times in the New Testament, all in John's Gospel: twice in the account of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7,15), and twice at the wedding at Cana (John 2:8,9). The related noun antlēma (G502) means a drawing bucket.

Usage & Theological Significance

The verb antleō appears at two of John's greatest miracle and revelation narratives, creating a deliberate thematic connection. At Cana (John 2), the servants draw (antleō) water — ordinary water that Jesus transforms into extraordinary wine, the best wine. At Samaria (John 4), the woman comes to draw (antleō) water — a mundane task that becomes the occasion for Jesus's revelation of "living water" that permanently quenches thirst. Both stories use ordinary water-drawing as a threshold: physical water points to spiritual reality. Jesus does not abolish the everyday act of drawing water but transforms its significance. The act of antleō becomes a sign pointing to the inexhaustible spiritual provision of the Messiah.

Key Bible Verses

John 2:8 And he said to them, 'Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.'
John 2:9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew).
John 4:7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, 'Give me a drink.'
John 4:15 The woman said to him, 'Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.'
John 7:37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.'

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