John 7 38

John 7:38 kjv

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

John 7:38 nkjv

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."

John 7:38 niv

Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them."

John 7:38 esv

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'"

John 7:38 nlt

Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'"

John 7 verses

John 7 38 Meaning

John 7:38 proclaims that true belief in Jesus Christ is the wellspring for an abundant outflow of the Holy Spirit. Those who place their faith in Him will experience an inner source of divine life, continuously refreshing and extending to others, as prophesied in the Old Testament Scriptures. It speaks of a dynamic, internal, and spiritual fulfillment that surpasses external rituals.

John 7 38 Context

John 7:38 takes place during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), one of Israel's most joyful annual feasts, lasting seven days. The chapter describes Jesus' attendance in Jerusalem amidst controversy and questioning. On the last and greatest day of the feast, traditionally understood as the seventh day (or possibly the eighth day, Shemini Atzeret, which had a distinct but related observance), Jesus made this profound declaration. During Sukkot, a significant ceremony involved priests drawing water from the Pool of Siloam and pouring it at the temple altar, symbolizing the joy of the LORD and prayers for rain, while the people recited Isa 12:3, "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation." Jesus' timing and use of water imagery were a direct and challenging reinterpretation of this central ritual, declaring Himself the true source of "living water," surpassing the temple and its ceremonies. This public proclamation immediately stirred great debate about His identity and Messianic claims.

John 7 38 Word analysis

• He that believeth on me: Greek: ὁ πιστεύων εἰς ἐμέ (ho pisteuōn eis eme). "Pisteuōn" is a present participle, implying continuous, ongoing belief, not a one-time event. The preposition "eis" signifies belief directed into or upon Him, indicating a deep reliance, trust, and commitment to Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God, not merely intellectual assent. This belief is the fundamental condition for receiving what follows.
• as the scripture hath said: This phrase firmly anchors Jesus' prophecy in the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament, confirming that His words are not novel but a fulfillment of divine promises. It refers broadly to passages anticipating an abundant outpouring of God's Spirit, often depicted as water (e.g., Isa 44:3; 58:11; Zech 14:8; Joel 2:28; Ezek 36:26-27, 47:1-12). This legitimizes Jesus' claims as being consistent with God's established word and highlights the Holy Spirit as the subject of the prophecy.
• out of his belly: Greek: ἐκ τῆς κοιλίας αὐτοῦ (ek tēs koilias autou). "Koilia" literally means "belly" or "womb," but in ancient biblical Hebrew and Greek thought, it often served as a metaphor for the innermost being, the core, the deepest part of a person—equivalent to the "heart" or "soul" where true emotions, intentions, and spiritual life reside. It signifies an internal, personal, and profound source, not a superficial or external one.
• shall flow: Greek: ῥεύσουσιν (rheusousin). This verb signifies an active, dynamic, and continuous pouring forth or gushing out. It contrasts with a static reservoir or a mere sip. The use of a future tense indicates a certainty and an inevitable outcome for the believer, emphasizing abundance and ongoing supply.
• rivers of living water: Greek: ποταμοὶ ὕδατος ζῶντος (potamoi hudatos zōntos).
  • rivers (ποταμοί): Plural and extensive, signifying great quantity, power, and broad influence, much beyond a small stream or a cupful.
  • living water (ὕδατος ζῶντος): In biblical context, "living water" refers to fresh, flowing, or running water, contrasting with stagnant or well water. It symbolizes purity, vitality, and spiritual life. John 7:39 explicitly interprets this "living water" as the Holy Spirit. This water gives life, cleanses, refreshes, and fructifies, mirroring the Spirit's work.
• He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said: This phrase connects the individual's personal faith to the universal, eternal truth of God's revealed word. It emphasizes that receiving the Spirit is not based on a new teaching, but on fulfilling ancient prophecies through faith in Jesus.
• out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water: This entire phrase portrays an internal spiritual dynamic where belief transforms the believer into a conduit of divine blessing. The Spirit, residing deeply within, overflows outwardly in powerful, abundant, and life-giving ways, influencing the believer's own life and spilling over to nourish and impact those around them.

John 7 38 Bonus section

The "last day of the feast" (John 7:37) is crucial. Some scholars interpret it as the seventh day (Hoshana Rabbah) known for its grand water-drawing ceremony. Others argue for the eighth day (Shemini Atzeret), distinct from Sukkot, which focused on a sole spiritual assembly without specific water rituals, making Jesus' proclamation even more striking as a claim for true spiritual fulfillment beyond external rites. Regardless, Jesus' invitation on a day associated with thirst and a longing for God's blessings presented Himself as the true answer to Israel's ancient prayers. The image of water, central to ancient survival and spiritual symbolism (water from the rock, wells, rain), is elevated by Jesus to signify the Holy Spirit as the essential life-giving and empowering presence.

John 7 38 Commentary

John 7:38 reveals a core promise of Jesus Christ regarding the Holy Spirit's role in the lives of believers. During a ceremonial pouring of water in the Temple, Jesus declared Himself the ultimate source of spiritual refreshment, moving beyond mere symbolic ritual to offer an experiential reality. Belief in Jesus transforms one's innermost being (the "belly" or "heart") from a parched ground to an overflowing fountain. This indwelling Holy Spirit is not a passive presence but an active, dynamic force, generating "rivers" of divine life. This implies both a profound personal experience of God's Spirit (comfort, guidance, power) and an outward expression, where the Spirit's fruit and gifts are manifested through the believer to bless and give life to others. The entire experience is firmly grounded in Old Testament prophecy, confirming Jesus' ministry as a direct fulfillment of God's long-foretold plan. This verse underscores the Christian life as one of receiving the Spirit's life and being a channel for its flow to the world.